You’ve signed up for the race. You’ve got the bike, you’ve hit the pavement for your runs, and you’ve told your friends. But there’s a shadow hanging over your training calendar: The Swim.

If you’re a woman in her 40s or 50s staring down your first triathlon or open water event, you’re likely feeling a mix of excitement and legitimate nerves. Maybe you’ve tried to find help online, posting in triathlon Facebook groups or scrolling through YouTube. You’ve probably been flooded with conflicting advice: “Just buy these fins!” or “You HAVE to breathe every three strokes!” or the classic, “Just get more yards in!” The problem? These people don’t know your goals, your history, or your specific fears. Asking for swim advice online is like asking a stranger for a shoe recommendation without telling them your size or where you’re walking. It leaves you feeling more confused than when you started, gasping at the wall after two laps and wondering why running a 5K feels easier than swimming 50 meters.

Here is the “REAL” talk: People aren’t fish. It’s okay to feel nervous—but you shouldn’t feel unprepared.

The key to moving from panic to power is stopping the guesswork and following a proven roadmap that prioritizes technique over toughness. In this post, I will dispel the common myths that hold triathletes back, share the three steps I use to build strong swimmers, and introduce the specific tools you need to master the water.

The Myth: “I need to get better before I hire a coach.”

I hear this all the time: “I’ll call you once I can swim 500 yards without stopping.” Please, don’t wait. You don’t need to be a “good” swimmer to hire me . In fact, the best time to get help is before you build volume on top of bad habits.

My approach bridges the gap between Swim Instruction (solving the puzzle of how you move) and Swim Coaching (the training plan for how much you move). You need both to avoid injury and burnout. Working with an expert early ensures you aren’t just practicing struggle—you’re practicing progress.

The Team B*REAL 3-Step Process

We don’t just “do laps.” We use a structured progression to move you from anxiety to efficiency:

1. Body Position (The Unsexy Foundation): Before we worry about the clock, we focus on your “vessel.” Imagine you’re a long, flat board floating carefree. We work on keeping your hips high and engaging your core for balance. It isn’t sexy, but it’s the foundation for everything else.
2. Efficiency & Mechanics: Once your form is steady, we find your natural breathing pattern—whether that’s every 2, 3, or 4 strokes. We build your “water engine” so the distance starts to feel doable rather than daunting.
3. Power & Propulsion: Speed is last on purpose. You can only be as fast as your technique allows. Once the foundation is solid, we add progressive intervals and advanced drills to sharpen your pace.

My Top 4 “Secret Weapons”

I like to think of tools as “feedback machines” to help your brain understand what your body is doing:

• The Pull Buoy: Forces your hips to the surface so you can feel what “proper position” is supposed to feel like. I’ll even teach you how to use it to build extra core power.
• Fins: These help you develop a tight, efficient kick from the hip (bye-bye bicycle kick) and provide just enough momentum to help you stay balanced during drills.
• The Snorkel: This is a game-changer. It allows you to focus entirely on your stroke without the distraction of turning your head to breathe. (Note: These are center-mount swim snorkels, not the ones from your last vacation!)
• Paddles: Once you’re ready, we use these to build functional strength and perfect your “catch.” I even have creative ways to use them to check your head position! Hint: wear it like a top hat to fix your gaze.

Gear Up Without the Guesswork

I’ve spent years testing gear in the pool and the open water, and I always come back to FINIS for their innovation and quality. Their tools are designed to teach your body the “finesse” we’ve been talking about.

Because I want you to have the right roadmap and the right gear, I’ve partnered with them to help you get started. Use code BREAL30 at FinisSwim.com to save 30% on your order. Whether you’re grabbing that game-changing snorkel or a set of paddles to master your “top hat” head position, this is the best way to invest in your progress.

Respect the Water, Enjoy the Journey

I started swimming at five years old in a lake, and while I’ve since completed over 50 triathlons and marathon swims, I’ve never forgotten that feeling of being a carefree kid—where the water was a place of play, not a source of panic. My goal is to help you rediscover that sense of belonging in the water. For me, coaching isn’t just about a finish time; it’s about safety, joy, and giving you the tools to thrive rather than just survive.

If you’re tired of feeling like your wetsuit is strangling you or like you’re “faking it” in the pool, let’s get you a plan. You wouldn’t head out on a 50-mile bike ride without a map; don’t head into the open water without a roadmap.

Let’s Create Your Roadmap

Ready to turn that “swim anxiety” into “swim strength”? Let’s chat. Schedule a complimentary Connection Call with me. We’ll discuss your goals and your current struggles, and I’ll help you create a personalized roadmap to a successful, confident swim.

Schedule Your Free Connection Call With Coach Adina.