I just checked off one of my short-term goals for 2012: swimming!
I really have never swam for exercise before, and quite admittedly, I had no idea where to start. I found a website for swimming beginners and jotted down a routine for me to begin with this morning.
Got to the pool and jumped right in the last lane. AH! I had no idea it was 9ft deep! I was expecting my toes to touch the bottom, and had a minor panic attack when they didn't. (I've got a fear of large bodies of water, but normally pools are ok!) My lane was right next to the diving area, and I made the mistake of looking to my left, which was a dark, lurk-y, deep water and the drain probably sucked little children down it. Freaked me out.
I quickly jumped out and "went to the bathroom" and found a different lane. Whew. My heart was already racing. I got a paddle board and started kicking my legs as fast as possible. After a few times around, I moved on to breast stroke, and quickly found out I'm pretty horrible at it. I wanted to be able to swim gracefully like everyone else in the 20 lanes surrounding me, but most of the time while doing freestyle, I felt like a drowning duck-- couldn't get the whole breathing pattern down.
I walked out of the aquatic center having swam a total of 850m, which was 100 past my goal for that day. I feel like a got a work out, but I certainly need some guidance for next time.
Here's hoping.
Hey girl! I love to use hand paddles - they make your strokes much more powerful. Also, I was a terrible swimmer before I joined the Marines, but I left the Corps certified at the highest level of swimming qualification. I learned two important things: 1. Water is not our natural environment. But the more time you spend in it - floating, playing, drifting,practicing - the more safe and at home you will feel. 2. Slow down. Once you know you can float, then you won't be relying on swimming to keep you on the surface of the water. Relax and move slowly through the water - crawl. Goggles can help with confidence. I have an extra pair of anti-fog speedo goggles - really nice. My gift to you. Keep on keeping on!
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