A Fish without Water...

In order to prepare for and actually meet my goal of completing a triathlon, I took an important step – I started swim lessons.  For full disclosure, I did actually know how to stay afloat and slosh my way around the water beforehand.  However, I had no idea what the appropriate breathing technique was or the all the proper placement of hands, feet and head.

I didn’t learn about to swim until I was about eight or nine years old.  I took several weeks of private swimming lessons and learned enough to make my way around the water.  I went to the pool almost every day in the summer the next few years after that.  Then it seems like you reach an age where you either continue to swim for athletic/exercise reasons or you don’t.  In the past 15 years I’ve been in water a handful of times and have been happy to know the basic swimming skills I had weren’t lost.

Goggles appear to be the key for me while swimming!
They keep my eyes safe and allow me to focus on
other things like breathing!  

The same was true when I jumped in the water for my first swim lesson.  I was surprised I actually had most of the basic kicks down.  The instructor immediately identified some key modifications I needed to make to hand and head placement.  She also provided guidance on how to breathe in and out of the water.  I still have a lot of practice and training to go (I’m struggling putting it all together right now!) but I’m on my way.  

For all the running, biking and other activity I do, I am most shocked to realize how exhausted I am after a short period of time.  I can swim back and forth a time or two but then I need to stop for a break!  Swimming is just a great full body workout without all the impact of pounding pavement.  I’m actually most enjoying the back stroke.  When I lie on my back, I just close my eyes and glide through the water and it’s really calming.  That may be because I don’t have to think about breathing, which is going to be the biggest challenge I have throughout this whole process.  Well, the biggest challenge may be finding enough courage each week to put on a swimsuit followed closely by learning breathing technique!

It’s a humbling experience to learn a new skill and/or learn the appropriate techniques I didn’t know previously with swimming.  I’m taking a group lesson for adults and every person there is at a completely different level.  Some participants have no background or skill and even fear putting their face in the water.  It’s inspiring to see these people put their fear aside and make the effort to learn, whether it’s simply of interest or desire to avoid getting into a dangerous situation.

It’s a great reminder and lesson that it’s never too late to learn a new skill.  Set the excuses aside, throw fear or concern out the window and make the commitment to do something you’ve always wanted.  Maybe you want to try mountain biking or cooking.  What about crossing a marathon off your list or starting a neighborhood garden?  Don’t limit yourself; empower yourself!

While I doubt swimming will become my favorite form of exercise; I swim like a fish without water; I am very thankful for this experience.  I do look forward to improving and making swimming another available option I have for exercise.  Think about what new skill or activity you’d like to try and commit to taking the plunge (pun intended :)) this year!