I had my last swim lesson of the year last night. I'm going to take a four week break - and practice all I've learned so far and then start up again after the holidays with my instructor. Last night was good - no flippers - no assistive equipment of any kind actually - it was just me swimming. I still struggle with the breathing - and get water up my nose fairly regularly - but, I'm getting better. The fear's subsiding.
I thought I knew everything about swimming except the breathing bit (a fairly major bit!!) - but, I had no idea. The kick - not supposed to be with your feet - but with your thighs... The head - supposed to be almost completely submerged in the water - so that it pushes your feet up towards the surface. Probably my favorite part of swim class was my 17 year old male instructor saying repeatedly "you've got to push your chest down" - very hard for me... what can I say... I'm very buoyant!! But, finally mastered that too.
It's been really challenging - learning to swim. But, it's kinda cool to see how far I've come in four weeks - and to see how excited my little instructor is to see me through to the Triathlon.
And, I feel like I've really earned my "off" day today.... I'm tired. But, I'm already seeing a change in my legs. And, it seems to be helping with the calf - all the swimming and biking. It feels better. Don't worry - I'm stretching big time!
I'm looking forward to getting Angie's heart rate monitor - I told her she should have just wrapped it up as my christmas gift - I never would have known! I'm anxious to play with it and see where I am...
And, finally, thanks to everyone on the nutrition advice. I am following all your advice - and knowing me (the Army brat) - I know I need a regimented approach to this. So, I decided to sign up for weight watchers. When I lost the bulk of my weight - I did it on their program. Now I just want to drop another 15 or so.... though, FYI, weight watchers says I should be 140... I think the only time I was 140, I was twelve and even then, it was like for ten minutes. I'm aiming for 150.
Stay warm people - it's below 30 in NYC!!!
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Cathy, I asked the lifeguard how to do flip-turns. He has been a huge help, so I asked him a couple of weeks ago how to do them without getting water up my nose. He asked if I was keeping my mouth shut? So I now consiously keep my mouth closed at all times while swimming (except to breath in) and it has helped big time with the water up the nose and in the throat. You release more air through your mouth even when you are breathing out your nose and the air/water bubbles go in your nose. Maybe you are already doing this but if not it may help you.
Y'all are making me want to learn how to "really" swim. I may have to add that to my routine. I am just so self concious and insecure.
On another note, I just ordered the workout log that Rachel suggested and I am looking forward to tracking my progress. I also bought the eating clean books. I eat fairly well as a rule, but too much sugar I am sure. A new reminder will be a nice addition. And, new recipees are always great.
I, too, have considered going the Weight Watchers route to lose 10 pesky pounds. But, again, I feel that I should be able to do it on my own if I would be more diligent about going to the gym every day. (Thus the idea of setting goals and logging my progress.) I am considering waiting until after the new year when the program runs all of their specials. If I haven't begun losing pounds before then that is. But, I am hoping hauling myself to the gym every day will help.
Christy - I think you will love the log, I do.
This is such a difficult time of the year to eat healthy, I am struggling big time; I think I might be screwed when I am gone at Christmas for 3 whole weeks away form my normal routine. Anyone have any motivational speeches, words or quotes for me.
the old weight watchers quote:
"nothing tastes as good as being fit and healthy feels."
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