Hi, if there is a beginner's forum, I apologize for posting in the wrong one. Would a mod please move me if needed?
I just wanted to find a place to learn and post about being a new middle aged swimmer.
I'm 43, in great shape and have always swam with my head outta the water, old fashioned. I work out at the local YMCA and watch with envy as the guys swim freestyle.
I finally got the nerve to ask about instruction. I have this 20 year old guy now who is giving me private lessons.
Yesterday was my first day.much akin to a rebirth, or teaching a stroke victim to walk again was probably what it looked like from poolside. I am NOT used to blowing out my nose in the water.
He was patient, VERY patient with me. Got in the pool with me.
It went well, I felt so incredibly stupid, uncoordinated and just plain childish. But..haha..I liked it. I like to learn.
I didn't try to swim distance, just work on form. To be honest, I went home, closed the bathroom door where wife and kids couldn't watch and practiced. YEP, stuck my big head into the full lavatory sink and blew out my nose. I dont' have fear of drowing, I know I'm not gonna suck in a bunch of water, but having to "PUSH" air out is un-natural, at least for me.
I went back this morning without him and worked by myself on standing and stroking with tossing my head to the side. I'm gettin there. I either push out too much or not enough. This lifeguard gave me a "buoy" thing to place between my legs to keep my butt afloat while I worked on breathing. It worked some, but was hard to get past the feeling of having something floaty between my legs. :p I feel good about learning and how it's going, just childish and slow.
I look forward to one day, no time soon, gracefully and effectively freestying just to the other end of the olympic pool.
I'm in no hurry, just want to do it right.
I actually was looking for a beginner's blog when I found this site.
I'm not looking for advice, at least not now. I'm afraid I'll get confused. I just wanted to connect with you swimmer guys and gals.
Excuse my lack of swimmer lingo also.
Mark
Thanks for listening and encouragement welcome. :)
Former Member
It will take some time to get the hang of it but perhaps not as long as you might think. When an individual is dedicated to learning a new skill things can progress more quickly. You are on the right track with wanting to work on technique as opposed to distance/stamina training. Get the technique right and then your distance training will also serve to etch that proper techinque into muscle memory. Good luck to you and keep us posted.
I always enjoy seeing newcomers progress in the sport. When I started swimming, 2 years ago this August, I never would have imagined that I would compete. Just over a year after that I swam in my first competition and had a blast.
WOW! I'm impressed. You learned well enough to compete in just two years?? Good genes. haha. kidding. You must have been really dedicated. GOOD FOR YOU!
Thanks for the words of encouragement.
Mark
Originally posted by midaged
WOW! I'm impressed. You learned well enough to compete in just two years?? Good genes. haha. kidding. You must have been really dedicated. GOOD FOR YOU!
Thanks for the words of encouragement.
Mark
It was actually one year and you will be amazed at how far you have come a year from now...especially if you keep at it. Don't sell yourself short. Posting like this is a great idea because it gives you something to look back on as you improve.
I've heard varied theories about exhaling while swimming. Some say let the air trickle out slowly. I prefer to push it all out in one big burst, and have found that forcefully exhling during a distance swim keeps me feeling less fatigued. I often wonder if there's any flotation factor with all the air bubbles going under me. I also wonder if a full, forceful exhale releases more carbon dioxide, allows me to get more oxygen, and inhibits the production of lactic acid.
It would be an interesting study.
Regardless of which approach best suits you, the best advice I can give is to look for ways to allow the breathing to be part of your stroke's rhythm. I'm not sure if that's something that can be taught, but it's something you can definitely feel.
By the way, 40 is the new "25" - especially for Masters swimmers.
Good Luck!
SB
Hi midaged!
Sounds like you are learning proper form which is definitely a good thing. You sound very motivated - I imagine that your instructor will find you very satsifying and enjoyble to work with.
Hi Newbie:
First of all, welcome to the USMS Board. Being a member on this site for about a year, I want to mention that the General Discussion forum is OK for your question.
I was a swimmer & water polo player in high school back in the 60’s. After starting work, I’ve never had time to get in the water for 35 years. However, I’ve now decided to go back to swimming for recreation, fitness, and to provide me with a more fulfilling social life. I’ve found that I’m now a bit “rusty” and a little arthritic too. Never-the-less, I’ve made a firm resolution to “relearn” swimming.
You’re not alone in wanting to upgrade your skill and I’m glad to hear that you have a compassionate trainer too. Incidentally, I’ve found that a hot tub is a very convenient place to practice under water exhaling. You can get an hour’s worth of practice away from the pool and as an added, plus with all the tiny bubbles it’s like swimming in 7-Up (without the sugar and lemon taste of course).
Good Luck & Happy Swimming
Dolphin 2
:D
Congratulations midaged on having the courage to learn something new. We were all there at one time or another. There are many people who post that were in your shoes as an adult.
I am a fortunate one who starting competitive swimming at age 7, but I have taught swim lessons to both children and adults. It is like learning anything new from the computer to driving, practice makes perfect and soon you don't even think about it. Don't give up!
As far as breathing goes, some swimmers for various reasons use nose clips so they don't have to breath out of their nose. You will get used to it. IMHO, I don't think you should worry about how hard to blow - it really is just a rhythm and once you start feeling more comfortable with your stroke you will see what I mean.
Good on you!
Hi Midaged, About 6 years ago at 42 I learned to surf. Talk about awkward, but I kept at it and learned a new sport that I still love. I taught adult swim lessons while I was in college and one of my students was 81. He had been in the Navy for his career and never learned to swim. He just wanted to overcome his fear of the water that he had the whole time he was in the Navy..He did GREAT! Keep at it, listen to the tips here and you will do great...Keep at it. Paul
Hey Mark, I too swam Tarzen style until age 38 and took lessons to learn the right way. And to learn the other strokes as well because all I could do was Tarzen swim, and swim underwater. I did my first competition 2 years later, and actually swam(OK slowly) at 2004 Nationals, fly is one of my favorite strokes!
Anyway, be persistent. That is what it takes to learn as an adult. It is so foreign at first, but try to get your body to relax. Also, watch what the swimmers you envy do, and try to emulate it.
Well, today was lesson #2. We worked on kicking and turning my head the right way.
OMG!??? I see why you swimmers have butts you can bounce a quarter off of! My rear was worked out just from board kicking. I felt so ashamed. I can run 3 miles on a treadmill but could hardly do 1/2 the pool kicking the right way, slightly breaking the water and from my hips. It was much easier to do it like I was, the WRONG way, kicking deep. But, it did feel good to get that burn and feel more "afloat".
Biggest thing I gotta work on is my head. I think my young coach is frustrated with me cause I'm having problems just turning it laterally to the side, I unconsciously "bob" it. I really am trying, but I'll get it with practice.
Even the wrong way, I did manage to get in four complete rotations/breaths. I've gotten over the blowing underwater thing pretty good and it feels more natural now.
I'm really enjoying learning, despite my frustration at my own body.
Mark
