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. :)
I can relate and still esily recall the things that you are going through, but at the same time the problems seem very far away. I used to tell my wife..."I will never know how to breathe right..." or "It just doesn't make any sense".
I think breathing was the biggest stumbling block for me. It is the key to relaxation, because once you stop thinking about breathing you will relax. Try not to get caught up thinking about too many things at once. Focus on developing a rhythmic breathing pattern, first. I found that a kickboard can help you with this, because it limits movement in other parts of your body that can cause you to sink. Correct breathing makes all of the other stroke components easier to work on.
Keep letting us know how you are doing. This is definitely a building blocks process that requires patience.
I can relate and still esily recall the things that you are going through, but at the same time the problems seem very far away. I used to tell my wife..."I will never know how to breathe right..." or "It just doesn't make any sense".
I think breathing was the biggest stumbling block for me. It is the key to relaxation, because once you stop thinking about breathing you will relax. Try not to get caught up thinking about too many things at once. Focus on developing a rhythmic breathing pattern, first. I found that a kickboard can help you with this, because it limits movement in other parts of your body that can cause you to sink. Correct breathing makes all of the other stroke components easier to work on.
Keep letting us know how you are doing. This is definitely a building blocks process that requires patience.
