Hi from a newbie

Former Member
Former Member
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. :)
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  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Lesson #4. Today, I found out some of my problems was coming from not getting my shoulders up outta the water. Once I corrected this, it was MUCH less work and I wasn't as out of breathe. I actually swam 1/2 the pool the correct way. I had created this "drag" as I skimmed my arms back across the water. I don't know why the coach didn't pick this up. Maybe he did and I didn't hear it due to the hypoxia. :p I know the coach is a lil frustrated with me right now, cause he thinks I'm trying too hard and comparing myself to other swimmers and I'm new. Thing is, is that's hard for me because once I set my goals on something, I don't back away easy. I do have to pace myself, but I'm not one to "throw the towel in" when it gets hard. He wants me to relax, I do too. But I don't want to become complacent. I do have to say that now that I've figured out that my arms were wrong, I can breathe better and I am more relaxed. I doubt I'll ever be good enough to be a Master's swimmer. Right now my goal is to just be proficient at lap swimming freestyle. Mark
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  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Lesson #4. Today, I found out some of my problems was coming from not getting my shoulders up outta the water. Once I corrected this, it was MUCH less work and I wasn't as out of breathe. I actually swam 1/2 the pool the correct way. I had created this "drag" as I skimmed my arms back across the water. I don't know why the coach didn't pick this up. Maybe he did and I didn't hear it due to the hypoxia. :p I know the coach is a lil frustrated with me right now, cause he thinks I'm trying too hard and comparing myself to other swimmers and I'm new. Thing is, is that's hard for me because once I set my goals on something, I don't back away easy. I do have to pace myself, but I'm not one to "throw the towel in" when it gets hard. He wants me to relax, I do too. But I don't want to become complacent. I do have to say that now that I've figured out that my arms were wrong, I can breathe better and I am more relaxed. I doubt I'll ever be good enough to be a Master's swimmer. Right now my goal is to just be proficient at lap swimming freestyle. Mark
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