I tried swimming and failed miserably

Photo by BreakfastPirate

I feel that people like me, who love the ocean and living near bodies of water, should at least know how to tread water.  It's not that I don't know HOW to swim, but that I panic when water goes up my nose and into my brain. Either way, I need to get back in the pool and gain my confidence back.  

This past week I enrolled the little Peanut, now 6, in swimming lessons again.  I feel it is important that they know how to swim and all the safety rules they will most likely learn from the swim instructors and not from parents because we really don't know anything.  

The first day of swim lessons I sat back with the other parents just watching her jump in the water, learning how to kick, refine her strokes, etc.  Meanwhile, grandma sitting next to me proceeded to tell me all about the twins in the water and how one was evil and the other an angel, (she's so sweet).  The kids seem to me like your average four year old but then I didn't have to spend half a day with them everyday.  By the end of the lesson, about 50 minutes later, I was worn out just from listening to everything from her medical conditions to her own grown up kid's marital decisions and career choices.  It was just too much for a first date.  

**side note:  I must have one of those personalities that make people want to spill their guts out to me without provocation--very strange but it happens a lot.

It was during the Peanut's shower that I decided to put this time to good use so I came prepared to go for a swim during the next session.  Thankfully, during this time there aren't many classess in session leaving 4 open lanes for anyone to use.  Now, keep in mind that I haven't been in the pool since I was 6 months pregnant with my little Bear and he's now 26 months (that's 2 years and 2 months).  That time was a bit scary because my legs cramped up and my big, beach ball belly was pulling me down (guess I should have worn some floaties).

The minute I set foot in the water I felt a little panic setting in, I have no idea why.  Maybe because I just knew EVERYONE was looking at me and my inability to swim across the pool without stopping for air; as if the parents had nothing else to do but to watch me fail at swimming.  I guess part of my panic had to do with just that.  The idea that I can teach Spinning for an hour and consider it a warm up or that I know I can teach a weight training/muscle conditioning class no problem, yet I can't push myself across the pool.  Forget across the pool, try going just 6 feet from the wall or leaving the wall altogether.  Ugh!  

To further add to my feelings of inadequacy, two "expert swimmers" joined me in the pool, one on either side.  An "expert swimmer" to me is jus someone who can get in the water and start swimming without fear of drowning, so any child or adult would be an expert in my eyes. As if attempting to swim along side 12 kids under the age of 7 wasn't embarrassing enough.  The kids have no fear.  They jump in and either float up or are pulled up by their instructor.  The expert swimmers demonstrated so much confidence.  They jumped in, donned their goggles around their eyes and fins on their feet and off they went, swiming the length of the pool and back before I could get off the wall.

I decided to make like I was only working my legs and grabbed a kickboard off the rack to aid in my "leg workout" because my earlier Spinning class just wasn't enough.  Even with the kickboard, I swam the length of the pool and stopped at the other end to catch my breath before coming back.  I regained some dignity by stretching my arms over my head pushing the kickboard away from my body and practicing my breathing techniques as I kicked my away across the pool.  Did that several times then jumped in the jacuzzi to warm up.

Later in the shower a couple of moms came to me and said they would join me and my kickboard next week.  They thought it was a great idea to be in the water doing something instead of just sitting around; (and they thought they didn't have time to exercise...how silly). One of the expert swimmers suggested I take a few private lessons to help me with my technique and get my breathing under control.  She reminded me that swimming requires coordination and uses all major muscles.  She said with time and continued practice I would be able to swim across and back just like the rest of them.  That was encouraging and very true.  It is the same advice I give my students and clients all the time, this time I needed someone to remind me.  That was refreshing, in many ways.

It was challenging to face my fears in the water but I felt great after and I think I just might have encourage others to use this time to work on their fitness, their own fears and give a little to themselves, after all, the kids have life guards and instructors helping them along.  My advice - Go do something different, face your fears!

Stay Well,

Comments

[Zandria]

This is very relevant to me right now -- I've been saying for months that I'm going to learn how to swim. But have I signed up for lessons yet? Have I even bought a swimsuit? The answer is no on both counts.

[Fitness Surfer]

I also need a little help in that area. I’m the exact same way with the water going up my nose, and even the to my brain part. I learned to breath out my nose consistently while swimming to keep any water from going up. Grew up spending every summer swimming 3x a day and going to the beach every weekend. Parent from LA. I miss it like crazy.

[workout mommy]

Good for you for taking that first step! (or stroke!)
I would love to be a swimmer as well but always end up feeling like a drowning rat. Maybe it's time to pull out that bathing suit and try again. :)

[SpinDiva]

@Zandria--time to challenge yourself and this is the perfect time to buy yourself a new suit, I saw them on sale at JC Penny's. Go for it!

@FS--I lived in Southern California and would go back except hubby doesn't like the west coast - something about it being too crowded, I personally love the weather. Get back in the water because if you're going to surf you need to be up on your swimming techniques.

@WM--I have one word for you "Kickboard". It was my salvation and I felt more comfortable knowing I had a little safety net at my finger tips.

Thank you all for leaving comments - glad to see I'm not alone in swimming deficiencies.

[Lance]

I remember a couple of years ago - I was training for my first triathlon. And I decided I should practice swimming. A local high school had open swim at 5:30AM (early!). I went, and all of a sudden - there I was - sharing a lane with somebody who was way better than me. I felt self-conscious, and like a fish out of water (except I was in the water...). Anyway, I kept going, and it did get better... Yet I understand exactly the feelings you had! Those things you're not so good at, or things you don't do so often - can be very hard to "try" at first - but it does get better!

[Irene]

I LOVE THE WATER! I LOVE TO SWIM!

So much so that I am doing a triathlon this year. I would live in the ocean if I could.

I think it's a wonderful thing to face your fears and not them them keep you from living. I am terribly afraid of flying, yet we travel 3-4 times a year.

[SpinDiva]

@Lance - you too huh? I start my swim lessons on Saturday. This should at least give me some confidence back and I will also feel comfort in knowing that all three of us in our class are there for the same reason. I still hold hope that someday I will do some type of tri or bi-athlon. It may take a little while but once I set that goal I'm sure I will get there. Thanks for sharing your story.

@Irene- Good for you doing a triathlon. I am afraid of flying too and it has been a while since I was in an airplane. But once I'm there I'm OK. I do feel anxious about flying but like you I try to face those pesky fears head on. Thanks for visiting.

[Fitness Surfer]

I really should get back in the water. My mom has a pool, and says i can come on to swim any time. With two kids i'll need a little help, but I'll figure something out =)

[fitnesshopeful]

Finally, someone who feels the same way! I took my kids to a pool last week, and was afraid to ride the slide that dumps into 6 1/2 feet of water! I am tired of being embarrassed to go boating with friends because I am too afraid to jump in the lake!
I live in a small town, so there aren't very many options for swim lessons. I can actually swim across a pool without putting my face in the water!