But since swimming is such a major part of Navy basic training (duh), I figured I better conquer this fear. Quickly. Plus, what runner wouldn't want to have swimming in their back pocket as a cross training option? Something about low impact....
When we found a fitness/aquatic center that wasn't too far away, you better bet we switched our gym memberships. And after having multiple swimmers on twitter recommend I look into taking private swim lessons, I took the bait and signed up.
Enter, my new swim coach/teacher/lady-who-laughs-at-me-when-I-freak-out-about-OMG-3-feet-of-water!! Actually, she doesn't laugh at me, she's been great.
Though I've only had two lessons (shall I call them "coaching sessions" so I don't sound so helpless?), I'm feeling MUCH more confident in the water. We started in the "heated pool" which is just a nice way of saying "the pool that little kids and 80 year olds who just had hip replacements" swim in. It was great- the deepest part was never more than 4.5 feet.
Today I graduated to the "adult" pool. I'm not going to lie, I was freaking out for the first few minutes. But she gave me some great exercises and drills to calm myself down and relax. I wouldn't say I ever felt truly comfortable, but by the end of the lesson I was able to swim laps completely on my own without hyperventilating and sucking in water or flailing excessively. Success! (the depth was 6 feet, 4 inches by the way).
I was on Cloud 9 as I walked out of the gym... until I got into my car and it wouldn't start- I had a dead battery. Womp womp.
I've had Hal in my life for nearly 10 years and never once has he left me high and dry. Until this morning. But I guess that's more the fault of an old battery, not Hal. Luckily, the staff is AWESOME and came out to jump my car. I was able to drive straight to get the battery replace. And yes, I reeked of chlorine and looked like a hot mess.
Then this evening I headed out for my first road run since before the Croom 50k. Don't get me wrong, I'm coming to love running on trails, but sometimes I just want to crank out some fast miles on the pavement! I had a great run, with two of my six miles being under 9:00- wha wha?!
Are you a swimmer? Ever been coached?
How was your run/workout today?
Sorry about the dead battery :(
ReplyDeleteI'm a terrible swimmer so I could probably use lessons. Glad to hear yours are going so well!
Lessons can be expensive, but I think the knowledge is almost priceless! If you can find them/afford them, I would definitely recommend them!
DeleteA few of my DM friends have started taking swim lessons too. Every one of them concluded their first few lessons by claiming success in the fact that they "didn't drown." I'm sure you'll get more comfortable in a short amount of time.
ReplyDeleteGreat come-back run! Were your quads sore from the Croom Zoom? Did it have lots of hills?
I hope to do a little swimming when the pool opens up in our neighborhood. It will be interesting to see if I get that drowning feeling too!
My legs recovered pretty quickly from the Croom 50k. The quads were a little sore for a few days after Crowders last weekend, but nothing too serious ;)
DeleteGood for you for facing your fear! Growing up in Arizona we had a pool and I'm comfortable in the water but I wouldn't say I'm a strong swimmer by any means. I'm curious, what were the drills she gave you?
ReplyDeleteIt sounds silly, but putting your face in the water and blowing bubbles. It's really hard to do when you're nervous! Then progression to putting your head under water to blow bubbles, and finally putting your feet on the floor, blowing bubbles, and then pushing back up. That and for the first few laps I used a kick board or flippers or some other sort of flotation device.
DeleteNice job on the run - especially getting speedier at the end. I grew up in and around water and have never been afraid. I am always surprised when I hear people say they are or that they can't swim. I guess I just take it for granted that I love the water.
ReplyDeleteI'm a swimmer/former lifeguard. I thrive in the water, can't get me out of the water...until it's the ocean. Then, any sort of waves, I panic. Certified water life saver here, and I have a fear of drowning (Almost did in the ocean when I was 5). So, strong swimmer? Yes, every stroke. Scared? You betcha. GREAT job conquering your fear, I know it was hard! GREAT RUN!
ReplyDelete