Training in Iraq but no pool in sight!!!

[Eric Gusa]

I am currently serving in Iraq and have a big dilemma. By the time I get back there is the Oschner 70.3 and I would love to do it. The only thing is I don't have a pool or any type of water to train in. My question is, is if anyone has a good workout to keep my swim strength up besides doing bands?

[Jasmine Oeinck]

Hi Eric
I guess some things that I would suggest are weights, the rowing machine,(bands), and really just doing any other type of aerobic activity, and lucky for you, you're a triathlete so it seems like there will be no problem keeping fit aerobically. I remember when I was growing up swimming, and I would go on a family vacation where there was no pool, my coach would give me body weight excercises and core work and would tell me to just run or bike to keep the aerobic fitness up. Bands are really great, but here are some strength excercises that I was told that would help. Hope this helps a little, and thanks for your time in Iraq.
Dips
Pushups
Various core excercises- V ups, crunches, sit ups, flutter kicks, planks(middle, side, middle, side, middle)
Pull ups

Also, it might sound kind of chessey, but the rowing machine(if you have access to the weight room) is also really good. My coach also recommended that for me to keep my swim fitness up. Let me know if you have any questions, or if you already knew about all of these ideas just ignore them:) Good luck and thank you again for your sacrifices.