I've been teaching myself to swim and I'm trying to develop good technique right from the get go.
I've been reading about body rotation in free stroke and bilateral breathing.
I'd be considered an adult learner and I've never been in the water before. I started teaching myself 5 days ago and I spent 1 hour a day in the water.
When i get in the water, I kick off, begin exhaling through my nose strongly, kick with my legs but be careful to not bend my knees, look straight down at the pool, keep my fingers together and point my elbow angled towards the sky when my arm breaks the water's surface and then I angle it in and bring it down in front of my face and pull it towards my waist.
I'm finally at the point where I can swim half a lap on one breath but I can't get breathing down unilaterally or bilaterally.
When I turn my head to get a breath, I don't ever experience the "bow wave" and water just rushes into my mouth from all sides and from the top of my head and goggles.
Also, as of yesterday I've been experiencing dull aching shoulder pain when trying to swim *** stroke.
I get the pain if i'm standing up and raising my right shoulder to neck height.
What can i do about this, I don't want to give up swimming as well because I can't run due to flat feet and previous meniscus complications.
You really should get some one who knows something about swimming healthy freestyle to take a look at your stroke before you do some damage.
Pain is a good indicator that you're doing something wrong, and without being able to see what you're doing any advice could be dangerous.
If you insist on being your own coach or have no other options look into some self coaching material. Total Immersion has a self coached practice series that they sell. You can get lot's of great info at Emmett Hines' web site http://www.h2oustonswims.org/, he runs it on a donation/honor system so all the articles are fully accessible. If you find it useful you could make a donation.
You could also consider traveling to a clinic to get some coaching. USMS is presenting Swim Fest 2011 in Atlanta this month, info on the home page.
The Pacific LMSC is presenting The Excel Weekend Clinic for Coaches and Swimmers in San Mateo CA June 10, 11 and 12. More info here: pacmastersswimmingexcelweekend.com/
Good luck, and get some help with your stroke, we want you swimming pain free for a good long time.
You really should get some one who knows something about swimming healthy freestyle to take a look at your stroke before you do some damage.
Pain is a good indicator that you're doing something wrong, and without being able to see what you're doing any advice could be dangerous.
If you insist on being your own coach or have no other options look into some self coaching material. Total Immersion has a self coached practice series that they sell. You can get lot's of great info at Emmett Hines' web site http://www.h2oustonswims.org/, he runs it on a donation/honor system so all the articles are fully accessible. If you find it useful you could make a donation.
You could also consider traveling to a clinic to get some coaching. USMS is presenting Swim Fest 2011 in Atlanta this month, info on the home page.
The Pacific LMSC is presenting The Excel Weekend Clinic for Coaches and Swimmers in San Mateo CA June 10, 11 and 12. More info here: pacmastersswimmingexcelweekend.com/
Good luck, and get some help with your stroke, we want you swimming pain free for a good long time.
