Once upon a time – I was a lifeguard, I was in the best shape of my life, and I was a very strong swimmer…. that was 12 years ago. Since then – I haven’t really done much swimming. However, that didn’t stop me from thinking that I would still be as good as I once was. Oh, how wrong I was.
I began my journey by purchasing the essentials: Goggles, Swim Cap, and Racer Suit. I was gonna be fast, and look like an idiot. This all started because my “helper” or “coach” told me – in order to be a long distance runner – I needed to get my butt off the treadmill. Apparently, treadmills lie to you – you don’t go as far or as fast as they say you do… which would make sense, because I am super fast on my treadmill and ms. slow poke on the trail. I was also told I should take it slow – I should work in other exercises that increase my heart rate and provide resistance… and that’s how I came to swimming. Okay – so I have my plan and my outfit. I am SET!
So – here goes nothing. Locker rooms freak me out – so I find the nearest stall and change into my suit. Then I pull out my swim cap, after several attempts and lots of static later – it’s on. Goggles… well they are on too. Off to the pool.
I jump in and decide, “here goes nothing!!!” I take off. About halfway down the lane I think I am going to die. This is much harder than I remember. I can’t get enough air – why aren’t my legs kicking!!!! Shit. Not. Easy. On my way back I think – “Well, the breast stroke was always my favorite anyway.” So off I go – okay that was a little easier. Now here is the kicker. I thought, “Oh, I loved the backstroke.” Let’s just say surgery changed my face. Before surgery water never, ever, ever went up my nose. I didn’t get why people had to plug their nose, or why water up the nose was much of an issue. So, I push-off from the edge of the pool to do some backstroking – when all of a sudden a stream of chlorinated water shoots straight to my brain. I had to stand up – sputtering – with an enormous headache. What the Hell was THAT about!!!
After a few minor adjustments I ended up completing 30 down and backs in about 42 minutes.
Since then I have swam 3 more days – and it gets a little better each time. I have also learned to loosen my goggles so I don’t scare the college girls with deep red rings around my eyes. (Yes, they are still tender from “operation goggles too tight.”)
Until next time,
Andrea
PS: There is still no way in Hell I am changing in the locker room. If you need me I will be in one of the stalls.
I won’t change in a locker room eaither….never have enjoyed that one!
Good job at swimming Andrea! Remember when you tought me to swim….Pushing me in off the diving board….Without you I never would have realised I could do it. So Now you are pusing me in again. So You know I have been fighting my weight well, my whole entire life. But let’s face it sticking to a workout is a big deal no matter your size. So if you can goggle it up I guess I can put my walking shoes back on, They have been sitting for 3 weeks. ♥