As I said in my last post, I signed up for swim lessons to help conquer my fear of drowning in the shallow end and to control my panic issues in the water. Fortunately for me, most of the students in my class were either late or did not show at all so I ended up getting a 40 minute private lesson with Rose. Rose is a very sweet but also very tough teacher. She works with people of all ages, from the little tadpoles (ages 2-4) to the big tadpoles like me.
Rose asked me to "show off what I know," I thought, well "I know I don't like the deep end and my breathing rythm is out of control" other than that I'm not sure what I could show. As I said this she started floating her way over to the six foot end, getting further and futher away from me.
She said, "sorry I can't hear you, what was that? You are going to have to come closer" Aw crap, she wants me to swim to her. I felt my heart skip a beat and my palms getting sweaty. (Don't ask me how I felt that in the water, I just know that I did.) She reminded me to "take it slow and breath slowly."
As she floated in the six foot side of the pool she tried to explain that she has always been very boyant which is why she could practically float without trying. Something about how little muscle mass she has, etc...etc... I stopped listening because I was only thinking about me at this very moment.
Finally, I pushed away from the wall. Oh my gosh! I swam to her!! OK I didn't put my face in the water and that was the first thing she noticed but I didn't panic and that alone is quite an improvemet from my last attempt at swimming.
"what are you waiting for, do it!!"
Good for you. What a major achievement.
Posted by: Jan from BetterSpines | January 20, 2009 at 02:32
That is great. I haven't been in more the 5 feet of water in a long time and I'm 5'9" which makes that standing in water =) I think it's great that your challenging yourself. It shows that there is always something new to learn.
My training session last night was that way. When i couldn't do an exercise i did my personal best. I was even more motivated to get to a point where i could complete that exercise in the future.
Posted by: Fitness Surfer | January 20, 2009 at 20:20
Jan & FF--thanks for stopping in again. I have to tell you that I went in the pool again today, without my trainer, and I did much, much better on my own. I only swam to the 5 foot section and back but I did practice my breathing and back stroke, just a little. I have a lot of work ahead of me but I'll keep on kicking. Thank you for your support.
Posted by: SpinDiva | January 20, 2009 at 21:01
Good Lord, NOW I HAVE TO DO THIS, TOO!!!!! I've been such a procrastinator on the swimming front...
Posted by: Zandria | January 21, 2009 at 22:47