One of my earplugs popped out this morning. Couldn't see where. Never found it.
I am still not used to water going in and out of my ear when I breathe. It was weird trying to breathe on my left side because I'd feel the cold water on my eardrum (I am guessing) and it would really distract me. I know that I probably need to try to get used to this...but I didn't want to struggle throughout my workout today...so I decided to only breathe on the right side and keep going. On occasion I tried the left side again but the feeling just wasn't conducive to focusing on the other 52 things I am trying to learn.
Other than "just do it" can anyone offer any words of wisdom on how to get used to swimming without nose or ear plugs?
It's not that water bothers me. I've done scuba and I am perfectly comfortable in water. Something weird happens when you rotate your head to breathe in freestyle and I can't quite put my finger on it. I opted for plugging everything up so that I can focus on learning at this stage.
Thanks.
I had the same problem when I tried to teach myself to breathe on my right side. For me, the reason water got in my ear was that I was turning too far to breathe. Once I made a point of keeping my left eye in the water (I look at the wall underwater to make sure I am doing this), the problem was resolved.
Now, my habit in training is to breathe to the left on the way down and to the right on the way back, to keep everything feeling balanced.
If you do get water in your ear, a mixture of 50% rubbing alcohol and 50% white vinegar works great to dry out your ears and help avoid getting an infection. Just drop 1-2 drops in each ear with a syringe.
I use a nose clip for backstroke, as do many other swimmers. If this makes you feel any better, Bob Bugg, a 1980 Olympian and 2009 World Record Holder in the 100m freestyle (50-54) uses a nose clip for EVERYTHING. He doesn't train without it for any stroke.
Good luck!
:cheerleader:
I had the same problem when I tried to teach myself to breathe on my right side. For me, the reason water got in my ear was that I was turning too far to breathe. Once I made a point of keeping my left eye in the water (I look at the wall underwater to make sure I am doing this), the problem was resolved.
Now, my habit in training is to breathe to the left on the way down and to the right on the way back, to keep everything feeling balanced.
If you do get water in your ear, a mixture of 50% rubbing alcohol and 50% white vinegar works great to dry out your ears and help avoid getting an infection. Just drop 1-2 drops in each ear with a syringe.
I use a nose clip for backstroke, as do many other swimmers. If this makes you feel any better, Bob Bugg, a 1980 Olympian and 2009 World Record Holder in the 100m freestyle (50-54) uses a nose clip for EVERYTHING. He doesn't train without it for any stroke.
Good luck!
:cheerleader:
