I know how to ride a bike. I've run a marathon. I don't really know how to swim - that's a problem. Since this blog is dedicated to the many projects that I want to complete, I thought I would add swimming as a project that I am working on. Sure, I can doggy-paddle, I can almost swim a backstroke, and I sink really well. But moving forward on my stomach has never really gone well for me. In fact, when I was a scout, I had to cheat to pass the swim test so I could take the rowing merit badge at Camp Bartlett.
I started Thursday - August 28th. I did a little research on the internet, watched a few videos on youtube and went to the pool. I spent about an hour in the water swimming the length of the pool 34 times (25 yards long) trying various strokes/techniques. Sometimes I would use
only my right arm, or left arm, or legs only. I played "Catch-up" with my arms, I used a pull boy which allowed me work on my arm movements and kick-board that kept me afloat, and I worked on taking breaths at different intervals, on both sides. It was a lot of work. At the end, I went the length of the pool twice without any floatation devices.
I've decided that there are a few things that will make it easier and more pleasant: goggles, a snorkel, flippers, and ear-plugs. I'm sure they don't let you compete with a snorkel or flippers, so I just bought goggles and ear plugs (I included the shopping bag in the image to spite Al's Sporting Goods - I like the store, but if I go there for a specific item (Under Armour shorts, Under Armour underwear (only size XXL), Mountain House freeze dried meals, goggles) they never have it.
We'll see how it goes on Thursday.
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