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. :)
Parents
Former Member
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
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
