Need some encouragement.

OK – first the Tough Love; Stop planning and start doing! Don’t plan to get in the water, get in the water! Second, scared to death of what????? This isn’t bull riding or skydiving or javelin catching; IT”S SWIMMING! Third the good news – if it’s been 15 years since your last real workout, you are light years ahead of a lot of folks in Masters who didn’t even learn to swim until they were adults. You’ll do fine. Relax, have fun, meet great friends and then look back and think “why did I wait soooo long?” Fourth – I think we spoke at the “swim with the stars” – If watching those guys swim, didn’t motivate you, I don’t know what will. And while you’re shopping for a club also talk to Lisa Watson (lwatson@gc.peachnet.edu ) she can help get you hooked up with local teams. Good Luck!

Originally posted by Naunga Thanks! That's what I needed. I should say that I'm planning on going tonight to check out the Dynamo program. Naunga :D The Dynamo people are great. You will have no problem with them helping you get in and get over the cold feet. They were my first masters team and will always be in my heart as wonderful. But remember, have fun and relax. Swimming is great!

Thanks! That's what I needed. I should say that I'm planning on going tonight to check out the Dynamo program. I live in Decatur and they're about the closest (that I found) and seem to be quite active. But I'll get in touch with the person you specified and see if I can find an active group closer to home. Just had a little freak out...kinda like pre-meet jitters. Thanks again. Naunga :D

Originally posted by Rob Copeland Forgot...it wasn't me that you spoke with at "swim with the stars", but you're absolutely right. I watched Phelps and company during the Olympics and felt like it was time to get back in the pool. I'd love to go to Bejing in 2008...but I'm a realist and probably will have to wait for 2012. :D Later. Naunga

Everything Rob said PLUS: I started swimming again three years ago, after a 15 year lay off. I'm 6 ft tall and at the time weighed slightly over 400 lbs. The first day I could only get 8 laps in a 25 yd pool, holding on to the ends for dear life. The next time I went I swam 9 laps, the next time a little more and then after awhile stopped holding the ends of the lane, etc. I now swim miles and miles and miles and absolutely love it. I'm still BIG but not nearly as big as I was. I just tell everyone I'm Santa getting in shape for "my night". So the phrase "If I can do it, anyone can" seems appropriate. Good Luck

Try to remember that you are just getting back in the water and may not be the swimmer that your brain has on autopilot from years back. The desire may be there, but the body may need a few laps to catch up. It will be a new experience and give yourself the grace to allow yourself this process!

Thanks all for the kind words. I just got back from my first workout with Dynamo. I wouldn't say that I had a blast, but I'm certainly looking forward to going back soon. My body certainly tried to go to swimming auto pilot, but quickly realized that 15 years is a long time to take off. It's funny my swimming break was only supposed to last through my freshman year of high school. Anyhow, I had a great workout, and after about the first hour my body realized that it really didn't need all that oxygen that it thought it did when I started. My arms are dead, so I'm not planning to go back until Thrusday. I'll be interested to see how I am in the morning, but I can safely say that Naunga is back in the pool! Thanks again. Naunga

I was out of swimming for 21 years and just got back into it in February. Just take it one day at a time. Keep at it. The best thing about swimming masters is the new friends you make, the excercise is great-no doubt about it- but the comaraderie and fellowship is what it's all about. You deserve a great pat on the back for getting started and your new clubmates will help you with the motivation. Good Luck!

Originally posted by Naunga Thanks all for the kind words. I just got back from my first workout with Dynamo. Naunga Naunga, I'm glad you enoyed it with Dynamo. Get to know the swimmers, too. They socialize a lot out of the water. Alison

Hey, Naunga, congrats on getting back into the pool! Just wanted to let you know, you aren't the only fish in the sea.....I'm just getting back too, even though it hasn't been nearly as long as it has for you, the prospect is still very daunting to me as well.....it's nice to see, for all your "cold feet" that I wasn't the only one who felt intimidated, even just a little...... .....so welcome back.