Swimming can be a frustrating sport, especially for those who don't start early. With 90% of your body weight displaced, it's like competing in the weightlessness of space. Moreover, finding pool times, commuting, and improving technical skills can be quite challenging, especially for amateur triathletes. However, as a triathlete, swim training is essential for overall improvement. You need to minimize the time spent swimming to go faster while limiting physiological costs and fatigue. Swimming also has a cross-pollination effect on other sports, such as improved cardiovascular conditioning.  If you're time-starved and already have much on your plate, how do you get the returns on your effort to optimize swim readiness and splits? To help you unlock your swim potential, we invited Purple Patch Swim Coach John Stevens to the podcast. John is a world expert in open water swim coaching and technique, a former Division 1 swimmer, and has worked with many leading swimmers in open water and triathlon racing. During their conversation, John and Matt discuss five essential things every time-starved amateur should do to improve their swimming speed. They also talk about common mistakes, the best equipment for improving skills, the significance of strength training, the proper application of pool technique in open-water swimming, and several other topics. Matt and John reveal tips to successfully incorporate swim training into the context of your life and reap the rewards while uncomplicating your swim training experience. Episode Timestamps 00:00 - 05:18 - Welcome and Episode Introduction 05:25 - 12:50 - Matt's News-ings 13:04 - 15:56 - Word of the Week 16:03 - 1:00:23 - The Meat and Potatoes - Episode 305: Swim Secrets – A Conversation With Purple Patch Swim Coach John Stevens Purple Patch and Episode Resources Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Purple Patch Virtual Swim Analysis + Coaching How To Become a Better Triathlon Swimmer Click here for the SPECIAL Fuelin Landing Page 2024 Purple Patch Performance Camps - SIGN UP NOW for our Napa Valley and South Carolina Training Camps We've reimagined indoor cycling - Find out more about Purple Patch Bike Live & On-Demand Learn more about 1:1 Coaching Come try the Purple Patch Tri-Squad Get a Free Taste of Purple Patch Strength ORDER NOW - 2024 PURPLE PATCH APPAREL Everything you need to know about the Purple Patch Methodology Join the Purple Patch Team The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch Coaching Consultation Learn more about our Tri Squad Program Send us a message This episode is sponsored by our collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch- Receive 20% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO20 Ask Matt Anything - Leave a voicemail question for Matt Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Join Bike Squad - Don’t just exercise and work out; learn to train with our structured online cycling program Join Run Squad - Increase your running performance through our progressive, multi-sport approach to running Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Purple Patch Swim Analysis Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events