swimming and breathing

[Skierchickie]

Trek420 did a much clearer job than I did (post showed up while I was muddling though mine). Not sure if you sound quite ready for the double strokes yet, but it is definitely more efficient. It does take more lung capacity.

[Trek420]

Trek420 did a much clearer job than I did (post showed up while I was muddling though mine).

Thanks I think I inhale through my mouth and exhale through my nose, keeps the nose clear.

[roadie gal]

I agree with what the other women have said about breathing through the stroke and trying to time it so that you just finish breathing out when it's time to take a new breath.

Another thing to think about is that you don't have to do it all freestyle. If you can do a few strokes before you feel panicky, then do those and switch to a comfortable stroke, like the breast or backstroke for a few strokes, then go back to freestyle. Slowly build up the number of strokes that you can take before you have to switch.

[Grog]

I was just the same as you. I conquered freestyle (crawl) breathing by first conquering breaststroke breathing. Once I was secure with putting my face in the water, exhaling while IN the water, and coming out to inhale, I found it much easier to start crawling...

Good luck!