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
Lesson 3:
Today was momentous, at least for me. I kicked, the right way, on a board the whole length of the pool. Feet up on top of water. Kick with my butt. That's harder than it looks for new guys.
I read an article about "breathing with your bellybutton" on technique. I tried it, ran it by my coach, and I'm better on the breathing. I was trying to keep my torso straight and turn my head only. This is better and easier. Actually I'm having to think now to blow out more, cause I'm gettin more air in.
started working on backstroke. Boy, that's cumbersome. Gotta think belly up. I HAVE to learn how to blow out my nose while on my back to keep water out. I will.
I'm feeling better about this. I did backstroke prob 1/4 pool and was great to see the flags overhead. First time for that.
Thanks for all you folks encouragement.
Mark
Lesson 3:
Today was momentous, at least for me. I kicked, the right way, on a board the whole length of the pool. Feet up on top of water. Kick with my butt. That's harder than it looks for new guys.
I read an article about "breathing with your bellybutton" on technique. I tried it, ran it by my coach, and I'm better on the breathing. I was trying to keep my torso straight and turn my head only. This is better and easier. Actually I'm having to think now to blow out more, cause I'm gettin more air in.
started working on backstroke. Boy, that's cumbersome. Gotta think belly up. I HAVE to learn how to blow out my nose while on my back to keep water out. I will.
I'm feeling better about this. I did backstroke prob 1/4 pool and was great to see the flags overhead. First time for that.
Thanks for all you folks encouragement.
Mark
