March 9th

I had a Titanic Moment

Today was the first swim lesson for me. When I signed up, I said I could swim a lap. Well sure I can. But not with any form. It became obvious, after listening to the other participants of the Tri 101 class talk, that I was more of a beginner than I thought. I was originally put in the 2nd group of swimmers. I decided this may be rough and asked to attend the first groups class. Yay. So glad I did. She went through form...step by step. Then I watched the first group practice. By the time our class got started, my nerves had calmed down. However, once we got in the water, I was put into a group with strong swimmers. I was the Titanic.

We first used the boards..... I didn't do bad but using your hips is tough. Then we did a arm swing thingy and grabbed the board. Then we ditched the board. This is when I took on water. The whole alternating breathing thing got me... Then it was breathing out through your nose not your mouth. I in haled a mouth full of water. Sputtering in the deepest part of the pool (couldn't touch the bottom) I didn't know what to do... So I did what normal people do. PANIC. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't get my head up out of the water following any form (I'm still trying to do it "right" while drowning). Then I remember what they said in class... Relax. And it all came together. I got my hands going, one two three breathe on two three breathe. I'm still working on the whole exhaling in the water thing... I tend to hold my breath, but that will come. I hope to get in the water tomorrow and practice just breathing. Sounds simple...