Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Long way to go...

Relieved.....that's how I feel after my swim lesson. I have so much work to do regarding my swimming progression. It's like I am at the bottom of a mountain looking up and get that feeling in my stomach...you know, the "Oh my goodness, I have a long ways to go". I'm sure it's like losing weight or paying off debt or any other change....change is tough.

The instructor encouraged me and made me believe I have the tools to swim the IronMan. I've scheduled 4 more lessons over the next 7 weeks. For now I have kickboard drills to work on 2x - 3x a week.

Anxiety....

I am one hour from my first swim lesson at TCU. I am nervous about the water and starting this entire process. I am confortable in my current workout routine. Learning correct swimming technique or even swimmming in general is definitely out of my realm of comfort. I am just not comfortable in the water, I can't breath or float or glide through the water.

My swimming weaknesses have been a major setback in my athletic career. As I approach this swim lesson today, I am optomistic and hopeful that I can change. I go in today with an open mind and try to put my fears aside. I want to gain comfort in the water. I want to learn to breath. I want to move efficiently in the water.

Swimming is what I need to get me off my feet and take the pressure off my joints. I am excited to begin this journey, but the fear of failure is in the back of my head. There will be times I want to quit and I just might, but I plan to give this 100% and be patient as I try to change my relationship with water.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Sink or Swim

I am honest enough to admit that swimming is not a strength of mine. It is definitely the weak link in my triathlon chain. In fact, of the 2 triathlons that I've completed, I only beat 2 people out of the water total and let's just say both of these ladies qualified for the senior citizen discount at Denny's.

Unlike other sports, you can't just power through the water. Swimming is about efficiency and technique .... gliding through the water. Today I scheduled a private swim lesson at the Texas Christian University recreation center. The lesson is not until May 28th.

My hope is that with 8-12 sessions at 1-2 per week will give me the tools I need to be an efficient swimmer.