Beginner Struggling with Swimming

I am not a very good swimmer so take this for what it is worth but when I first started swimming I couldn't swim 100 yards without getting winded and needing to stop.  My neighbor told me to slow down make sure I was completely exhaling while under the water.  I did this for about 2 months and can  now swim 1000 yards and still feel pretty good.

Keep trying and you will get it.  It seems swimming is always the hard part for us beginners.

I am a beginning swimmer as well.  I started swimming in January and basically had to rest every length (not lap, length).  Yesterday, I did a sprint triathlon with a 750 meter OWS.

For me, the key has been time in the water and swimming lessons.  I am still learning a lot about swimming and still cannot do the freestyle effectively for long distances, but I have gotten a lot better at swimming overall with a coach.

I found this very helpful...Good luck!

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=117554&posts=45&start=1


Ruth

How is your form for the first 300m? Is it efficient and effortless? How is your overall Aerobic capacity and strength? If you are still working towards being able to do the couch to 5k plan with run walking and getting winded then it could just be that you have not built that base up yet in which case the answer lies somewhere along building the base and using Drills to cement form while still getting time in the water in addition to straight sets. If you are the type who runs a 10k just for the fun of it then it is probably an issue with your form. an inefficient stroke will tire you out quickly while once you master an efficient stroke you will feel like you can keep going and going. Just take lots of time in the pool. The swim is the hardest leg to get a handle on so often takes the most concentrated time and the most drills to get comfortable. Good luck and do a search on swimming in the Forums and you will get tons of advice from the old posts.

My run is the easy part.  So,yes my form does fall apart about the 300m.  I have been thinking about looking at a swim coach, but starting in this sport is expensive at first.  Pool time is what everyone tells me.  Its probably true and I should not get discouraged. 

slow down.
When I focus on going slow, I *feel* like I am barely moving, but it doesn't really effect my times very much. This should def. help. Just focus on going slow the whole time.

I can't believe no one brought it up.  Google "Total Immersion", watch some you tube videos, buy the book by Terry Laughlin, and you'll be amazed at how much better you become in such a short time.

I struggled with swimming for a very long time.  IMO, pool time is only good if you have the correct technique.  Otherwise, you are just practicing bad form.  Maybe you could start with one or two lessons from the aquatics instructor at your pool or take group lessons and see how you progress from there.  For me, it took a village to get me to where I am today .

Good luck.
Suzy

All your suggestions inspired me to get back in the pool today (second day in a row, which was probably not a good idea for time etc.), but I practiced many of the suggestions.   My confidence has grown and I have also contacted a swim coach to take a look at my technique as well. 

Thanks to everyone.

Ontario!  Does the ice ever melt up there?  Just kidding.

I have been chatting up a copetative swimmer in myoffice.  Some things that helped me:

1) Try to keep the top of your head plowing the water.  
2) When you turn your head to breathe, think about keeping one eye of your goggles in the water, but make sure the top of your head is still plowing the water
3) REACH forward when you extend your arms, like you are trying to get something off the top shelf.  Your shoulder will be in contact withthe side of your face.  (When I do this correctly, I get chaffe on my shoulders form my 5am shadow)  This will also prevent you from being too flat in the water.
4) Inaging you are swimming through a small hole
5) Form is faster.  get the form down, and then start increasing the power with which you pull...  

Congrats! The little things (like getting some swim lessons/coaching) that excite you never seem to end with this sport, get used to it

That is why it is an addiction! 

I bought this book on the recommendation by a friend.  It is rather exceptional if you ask me. 

In addition to that book, the other things that are really helping me came from advice that I read on this forum:

1.  Exhale completely under water.  As a new swimmer, since doing this, I have found that even doing 1000 yds slowly this morning, I never got tired.  This removed all the "gasping" anxiety.

2.  Leave a little scruff on your chin so you can feel it on your chest.  That reminds me whether or not I am lifting my head. 
3.  Rotate to breath as mentioned in the TI Book. (best tip evaaaaa)

4.  Look behind you when you rotate to breath.  This reminds you to keep that chin tucked as oposed to lifting one's head. 

5.  Reach and finish your stroke... also don't stroke with arms extended.  I liken the better stroke to the old video game, "Crazy Climber."  You want the stroke to move you forward, not up.

6.  Do the drills in the TI book.  Wow!  Just figuring out the feel for how you should position yourself in the water was amazing. 

Couldn't help it.  I had to go down to the lane swim tonight and try what I learned today from my coach.  WOW!  Complete change in the pool.  I have allot to work on yet, but my swimming improved 100% from what it was.  I could feel the glide! 

I was tired going in, so form fell a part a few times, so i just stopped, rested and went back at it. Can't wait till my coach gets back from her meet in B.C.