Encouragement for Beginning Swimmers(long..sorry)

There have been several threads recently about swimming in particular regarding beginning swimmers. While I still consider myself a beginner I thought I would give my account over the last several months of fear, frustration, improvement, and enjoyment of swimming.

Let me drop back a year…yes a year! I was determined to complete a triathlon so I started swimming. It was awful! I was afraid of the water! I got really frustrated and kind of gave up on it for a while. I started swimming regularly over the summer again and back came the fear and frustration. I really made no progress other than developing a pretty decent side stroke. Never the less I worked my endurance (freestyle but mostly side stroke) up enough for a sprint in August.

Then came race day. I was in the first wave and I thought everything was fine until the gun sounded. In a flurry of arms, legs, etc I got kicked a few times and that was it! Panic set in and I found myself 50 yards into the swim doing side stroke scared to death and hyperventilating. I exhausted myself and couldn’t find the energy to continue. And I heard the second wave start behind me and I was afraid that I would get swamped. I had to be pulled from the water and taken to shore. I did proceed with the bike and run but I was devastated to say the least.

I took a short break from swimming after that. Then in September I was determined to get over this problem. However, I still couldn’t swim more than a few yards without problems. I started taking private lessons at my YMCA from an experienced triathlete that actually witnessed my first triathlon disaster. He approached my and thought he could help. Within a few lessons I had some resemblance of a decent stroke. This was much improved over just a few weeks before that. I wished I would have done this months ago!

Several lessons and many hours later in the pool I can say that I know enjoy the pool time and look forward to my swim workouts. I have really improved my stroke and built up my endurance. My workouts are now up to 800 – 1000 yards now. I still have a ways to go but can now see that my goals are attainable. I’m determined to get my endurance up and be able to complete a Half Ironman in July 2007. Lofty goals but very attainable.

So, take my advice: if you are struggling get help with lessons/coaches. It has changed my whole outlook on swimming!