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 met a 25 year old girl 5 years ago as she joined the Master team where I used to swim with, she was very slow, so slow that she used to take half an hour more than the rest of the team to finish the training, but she is as determinated as you describe yourself.
After 1 year of swimming with us, and participating in different open water races, she did improve a little. One day she told me she was going to cross the English Channel (from Dover England to France). I was shocked as it was impossible that she could do that, she was not near to be qualified to do it, but I did not have the galls to tell her so as she was so excited and serius about the idea. She told the team and the coach about it, and many felt pity for her as we knew what she was getting into.
Well, one year after she told me about it, she was the second mexican women to cross the channel and her time was 12 hours and 45 minutes.
:) :)
I met a 25 year old girl 5 years ago as she joined the Master team where I used to swim with, she was very slow, so slow that she used to take half an hour more than the rest of the team to finish the training, but she is as determinated as you describe yourself.
After 1 year of swimming with us, and participating in different open water races, she did improve a little. One day she told me she was going to cross the English Channel (from Dover England to France). I was shocked as it was impossible that she could do that, she was not near to be qualified to do it, but I did not have the galls to tell her so as she was so excited and serius about the idea. She told the team and the coach about it, and many felt pity for her as we knew what she was getting into.
Well, one year after she told me about it, she was the second mexican women to cross the channel and her time was 12 hours and 45 minutes.
:) :)
