Back in the pool.....

I have not been swimming since before T1 of my last triathlon in september. After that, I told myself that I would keep swimming while training for the marathon I just finished. Right :cool: So I swam for 30 minutes, and it was a strange mixture of emotions. I felt frustrated with myself for going so long without swimming. I felt really excited about getting ready for triathlon season. I felt totally confused about what those swimming lessons last year told me to do. I felt my eyes hurt because my goggles did not quite fit this time. I felt like I wish I was running because I am more comfortable doing that now.

Any one else have this kind of relationship with swimming?

Don't be so hard on yourself. Instead, get yourself back into the swimming routine until it all becomes routine again.

I haven't been swimming in years, but I'm soon going to start and maybe do a triathlon. It's the running that will determine it for me.

Start where you are. That is all.

Thanks! I remember finishing the season last year enjoying swimming, it just feels so unnatural right now. I am also just ready to be really out there doing things instead of taking it easy post-race. :rolleyes:

I started swimming again after a very long (15+ years) hiatus about 8 years ago. It felt horrible for a really long time, and that's swimming 2-3x/week for at least 5 years before it started feeling really good and enjoyable.

The thing about swimming is it's so technical. Most anyone can learn to float and go some distance, but you can tweak every single aspect of the sport and you can be an Olympic swimmer! I don't think there are many sports you pick up and instantly are good at. They're all skills one has to learn and practise to get better. Don't be discouraged, every little bit is a step in the right direction!

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Originally Posted by kacie tri-ing

I have not been swimming since before T1 of my last triathlon in september. After that, I told myself that I would keep swimming while training for the marathon I just finished. Right :cool: So I swam for 30 minutes, and it was a strange mixture of emotions. I felt frustrated with myself for going so long without swimming. I felt really excited about getting ready for triathlon season. I felt totally confused about what those swimming lessons last year told me to do. I felt my eyes hurt because my goggles did not quite fit this time. I felt like I wish I was running because I am more comfortable doing that now.

Any one else have this kind of relationship with swimming?

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I went swimming this week for the first time in a month or so. I was feeling strong and fast before I stopped, and when I started again, it was after a week of other workouts and a stressful day. I. Felt. So. Slow. I just wanted it to be over with. So, I had to mentally shift entirely... I practiced being slow, and focused on relaxing and observing my form instead, remembering how it feels to swim and how it feels to swim 'right', one thing at a time. Be long, be smooth, take it easy, save speed for another day.

Just like everything, it comes and goes... hang with it.

I'm with ya, sister! I can't bring myself to the pool and have been spending alot of time on the bike and run. Last season I actually jammed in a month of training in the pool just so I didn't look like a total fool! I finished second in my age group and now think that I can do the same. My first tri is in May and I've waited until now to really try to improve. One day I'll get the picture and commit to the swim.

Hang in there....I had a near drowning (river) when I was younger and although not an excuse, it does affect my comfort level in the water. The really neat thing about tris is that you are tested in so many areas, for me- I had no idea swimming was an issue until I began training for my first race. My first open water swim is in June (river)- big jump for me!

I got in the pool last week for the first time in about 6 months. feh There is nothing that cross trains you for swimming. Nothing. I felt like I was starting from scratch.