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. :)
Since you are in great shape, you are a good part of the way there. Given your height (you mention that you are 6' 4" in another post), your potential as a competitive Masters swimmer is excellent.
At 42 and very out of shape (5'10" 250 lbs), I started lap swimming in June of 2005 at a local pool on my own. I had never swum a lap before and could barely complete an awkward lap (25 yards) of "freestyle" without stopping. I slowly worked up to 1000 - 1500 yards 2 to 3 times a week by the end of the Summer. I worked up enough courage to join a Masters program in September. The only stroke I could do was the freestyle. I never imagined I would even like swimming much less joining a serious program with people who had been swimming all of their lives. With much encouragement from the other swimmers and my swimmer wife (and I cannot emphasize the positive spirit of these people enough) and an outstanding, patient and knowledgable coach, I have accomplished the following (all of which was beyond my wildest imagination):
January - Swam in my first Masters Meet including the 50 and 100 butterfly (didn't get disqualified)
March - Swam in my second swim meet including the 100 IM (didn't get disqualified).
May - Swam in my first Masters Nationals (and didn't finish last in all of my events)
Current - down to 210 lbs (so much for the myth that you cannot lose weight swimming). Swim 4 to 5 times a week 3500 - 4000 yards.
It will be frustrating at first, especially if you try to compare yourself to anyone else. Focus on your own progress. Be aware of how your body reacts and be careful not to overdo it.
This sport has been my savior...bad knees, overweight, high blood pressure and cholesterol, depression...you name it.
No matter what...stick with it and I'll be looking for you at Federal Way next year.
Since you are in great shape, you are a good part of the way there. Given your height (you mention that you are 6' 4" in another post), your potential as a competitive Masters swimmer is excellent.
At 42 and very out of shape (5'10" 250 lbs), I started lap swimming in June of 2005 at a local pool on my own. I had never swum a lap before and could barely complete an awkward lap (25 yards) of "freestyle" without stopping. I slowly worked up to 1000 - 1500 yards 2 to 3 times a week by the end of the Summer. I worked up enough courage to join a Masters program in September. The only stroke I could do was the freestyle. I never imagined I would even like swimming much less joining a serious program with people who had been swimming all of their lives. With much encouragement from the other swimmers and my swimmer wife (and I cannot emphasize the positive spirit of these people enough) and an outstanding, patient and knowledgable coach, I have accomplished the following (all of which was beyond my wildest imagination):
January - Swam in my first Masters Meet including the 50 and 100 butterfly (didn't get disqualified)
March - Swam in my second swim meet including the 100 IM (didn't get disqualified).
May - Swam in my first Masters Nationals (and didn't finish last in all of my events)
Current - down to 210 lbs (so much for the myth that you cannot lose weight swimming). Swim 4 to 5 times a week 3500 - 4000 yards.
It will be frustrating at first, especially if you try to compare yourself to anyone else. Focus on your own progress. Be aware of how your body reacts and be careful not to overdo it.
This sport has been my savior...bad knees, overweight, high blood pressure and cholesterol, depression...you name it.
No matter what...stick with it and I'll be looking for you at Federal Way next year.
