6/19/10

Lap Swimming- take 2


This week I was invited to go swimming again with a group of ladies in the neighborhood. I know last time didn't work out for whatever reason. I had thought to ask what happened when I was invited again,  but then I felt like it was no big deal and I didn't want to make it a big deal so I just decided to let go and chalk it up to a misunderstanding.

This week I was invited over for a cup of coffee at one of the girls house before the swim, which made me feel better than just waiting outside. Last night I had the same nervous/ excited feelings I had before. I am soo happy I went. It was a good time, minus my gagging and choking on water.

The instructor cancelled but everyone still did their training plans. I really felt in good company, one of the ladies in the group has completed two half Ironman triathlons and is training for a third next month. She had great form and had great pointers for me, she even let me borrow some of her equipment. This was nice since I don't have anything. I actually brought my 3 year old daughters swim goggles to wear, since I don't have my own.

I don't love buying a bunch of equipment when I start something new. I feel like I have to earn it...so that I appreciate each new thing and keep up with the new sport. I haven't always been like this, I used to think about trying something and then buy everything you could possibly need. What I found is that usually when I did that I would lose interest pretty quick and then felt like I wasted money and gained clutter.

I have decided that I am going to invest in a couple new items for swimming though. I am committing to this weekend swim group. And I plan to continue swimming during the week. My original plan was to train for a triathlon. After swimming for a week I realize I am far from ready to even start training for a tri. Maybe next spring?

Learn how to...
  • keep my head down in the water 
  • breathe by turning my head and looking at my elbow
  • blow my bubbles better
  • not freak out when I get water up my nose
  • kick from the hips
  • keep my butt up 
I know these sound really basic. I need really basic goals for swimming. I am a newbie in every sense. And I have never felt super comfortable in the water. I am a few steps above drowning. 

Here is a list of the basic equipment I am going to purchase:
  • Swim cap - My hair was super annoying, it's too short to pull back.
  • Swim goggles - Because I can't really use my 3 year olds.
  • Athletic one piece swimsuit - Because my boobs kept falling out of my tankini, and that's not cool.
  • Swim fins - These were great to use, really help me feel how to kick with my hips.
So I am searching for deals on this equipment, if you have a favorite store or website to buy swim gear from let me know.

Are you a swimmer? Do you have any advice or tips you would like to share with me? 

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