Well way back in March 2009 I signed up for swimming lessons. I even blogged about it here. I had great expectations of being able to do a passable front crawl by May. What a laugh!
Well it's been a struggle I have to say. I found it hard to co-ordinate my leg kick, raising my arms out of the water and then putting my face into the water (YUK!) to breathe.
I learned how to swim breast stroke putting my head under the water. Swimming this way means my neck doesn't hurt and I can swim for much longer. Funnily enough it's faster too. Learning this involved re-learning the stroke but I did it. However the front crawl seemed to be my Nemesis. I couldn't do more than about 10 metres unless I had flippers on. The breathing was my biggest problem, I was out of breath half way across the pool.
I was determined not to give up, so I watched lots of YouTube videos on front crawl breathing. I marvelled at people like this who seemed to swim so effortlessly. Well Mark Foster probably learned to swim when he was very young and must have spent countless hours in the pool. Well he was after speed, I'm not. I just want to be able to swim a length with a bit of style, not splashing about.
Now is it me, or do you think he looks like he's wearing flippers? He isn't, it's just his feet. Wonder what size shoes he wears!
Well watching all those videos paid off, because today I finally swam 25 metres front crawl across the pool, face in the water, very little splashing and no flippers! It felt wonderful, not quite as good as passing my driving test but it just shows you can teach an old dog new tricks!
I need to improve my style. It's not too bad, but as they say "Could do better"! Then my target will be to swim a full 50 metre length.
Wonder if I can manage a tumble turn?
Must get back to the You Tube videos.
Post 147
Congratulations !
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of your accomplishment, if I hadn't learned to swim in school, I'm not sure if I would be brave enought to learn at my age.
I was the town swimming champion, and also swam for Lever Brothers (soap manufacturer), the easiest strokes are breaststroke and backstroke, less stress on the neck muscles.
Full marks !
I congratulate you.
ReplyDeleteI can't swim very good. I try, but I am the slowest swimmer in the pool. A few years ago the lifeguard was trying to help me to learn to swim. He told me not to worry about being slow, while everyone else would be out of breath I would be slowly swimming right along. hehe
I am very happy for you. It means a lot to push self and win. Congatulations!
ReplyDeletePatsy
Congratulations Winifred! I know how much effort this must have taken because I only learned to swim when I was in my 40's. I am not a strong swimmer and unfortunately I hardly ever swim now but I can do it and may even get back into it again! A x
ReplyDeleteSwimming is very good for your heart. You are to be congratulated for taking on this vast challenge and achieving your goal. I love to swim but even living so close to the lake, I haven't been swimming in a zillion years.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I'm glad you've gone ahead with your plan. Remember, practice makes perfect.
ReplyDeleteI hope all is well with you and your family!
Bravo Winifred!
ReplyDeleteBefore you know it you will be swimming the English Channel. "Its" good to have you back on board :)
Congratulations and I am glad you are back.
ReplyDeleteHaving been able to swim since a young child I always admire someone learning to swim in the later years.
Last post TV screen picture was genius.
Congratulations. I too only learned to swim as an adult so can totally understand your delight.
ReplyDelete