Learning to Swim & Learning to Run

I'm going to finally learn to swim this summer.

I've never been able to feel confident and relaxed in water. As a kid, I was dead scared of going to the swimming pool. I used to bunk off Sports Class and go around my Nan's house for Baked Beans on Toast. Having to take off my glasses and not being able to see anything was my excuse for years. Another one of my excuses is my family's non-swimming gene. None I my family can swim either.

I've been trying to learn for several years now. I'm in what is probably my sixth season of classes at the YMCA. I've been going again since the Winter, and can swim up to a length, and then I get knackered. I'm in Class 2A. If it was a children's class it would probably be called the Goldfish level. But calling it that is way too embarrassing for an adult.

So... this summer... I'm going for the breakthrough. My target for the end of this year is to swim 10 lengths non-stop.

Going to classes once a week has been helpful. I've gotten instruction. I can practice for one and a half hours. But I'm really making the progress I expect. Those epiphany moments are not coming very fast.

My wife, Tricia, recommended that I have to make it a priority. I have to go more often. Go to the Adult free swim. Practice on my own what I've learned in class.

I went last Monday. I was dead scared. I was in a pool with real 'swimmers'. I was sure I was getting in their way. I was too embarrassed to use the kick-board in front of adults. And after 15 minutes, I feigned some reason for getting out of the pool, and I went and sat in the sauna instead.

Sitting in the sauna I realized how my experience compared to first time TNT runners:
- I'm an adult beginner swimmer.
- I'm embarrassed about not knowing how to swim, being too slow and making a fool of myself.
- I've signed up for a program that will help me to learn.
- I've made a commitment to myself to learn this year and reach a particular goal.

But to take that parallel further (if I may), key to making significant progress is:
- The more you go, the more comfortable you will become. Go running/swimming more often that just the one class per week.
- Practice what you've learned from the coach until you are comfortable yourself.
- Do not look at and worry about other swimmers/runners when you are training. It will only server to bring negativity into your head.

So, as we progress our running season, I'll be progressing my swimming at my local Y. I hope I'm able to see running through beginner's eyes better due to my swimming experience.

All the best,
Coach David.