1st Swim Yesterday

So, I went to the pool for the first time in a loooooooooooooooong time. It has 25 meter lanes and it's indoor. I got in and started my first lap. I pushed off and went about 6-7 strokes and needed a breath and by that time I really needed a breath and took my first breath in the wrong part of my stroke and didn't get a full breath and threw me off for that lap and then I did the same thing over and over again for another 2 laps. Well next to me is an older lady who is just cruising along and when we both stop and the same end I ask her for advise. Little did I know that this 60 year old lady had just recently competed in a half Iron man. She told me to take a breath at every stroke and the best technique for when and how to take that breath. Well it worked great. Just thought I'd share my experience. I can't wait to go back to the pool on Friday. Boy do my arms hurt today but, it's the good hurt.

That is what my coach had me doing.  Every time the right arm completed a stroke I took a breath.
It helped so much.  When I first started I was going 4,5,6 strokes without a breath and I felt like I was going to drown, never could catch my breath.

You are going to want to practice breathing on both sides, because you aren't always going to be able to do it from the same side due to positioning or waves or other people.

Keep up the gret work.

Scott

I breathe every 3rd stroke for the above mentioned reason, that way I breathe equally on both sides.  That is the way I learned back in the day many moons ago in high school swimming and it has served me well ever since.  It allows me to get into a really good rhythm.  Good luck!

Rebecca

 looking to do my first swim tomorrow too... be can be tadpoles together :)  

I been watching all these videos on youtube - I think it has me completely confused now. 

Anyone ever finish an iron man using doggie paddle?

pointers and videos are good, but for first-timers training it will pay dividends to get a couple of lessons from a coach 1-on-1.  just my $0.02 :)

Way to get in there and git er dun!

I spent the weekend staying with two swim coaches. I had the impression based on our drills at the pool that less breathing was better and I was somewhat embarrassed that I breathed every right stroke in open water. Until the open water swim coach said that's what she does too! I feel a lot better about it now. LOL

I still breath every other right arm stroke in the pool. I don't know why but it's pretty natural to me to do that. I only breath every right stroke when I'm doing a fast lap, trying to go as fast as possible.

Keep at it. When I first started I could barely go two lengths without stopping, now I can swim for 35-40 minutes non-stop, no problem. You'll get there, too. For what it's worth, I take a breath every 4th stroke.

Jenny

I LOOOOVE SWIMMING!!!!! I did it all through high school and my first few years of college to stay in shape for water polo which is my LOVE!  I use bi- lateral breathing.  Which is every other stroke.  This also minimizes my risk of getting swimmers ear... since I have been swimming for SO long I am prone to getting it if I stay breathing on one side more than another.  Bi lateral breathing opens you up so you brethe on both sides.  You can also feel your lungs just getting stronger.  Give it a try sometime! see how it feels!!! if you want ANY great swim workouts let me know!!!  AMAZING getting into the pool !

I had my laproscopic RNY 10/2/2010.  My doctor said that I could start swimming 30 days post surgery.  I have decided to join 24 hour fitness since they have a lap pool and it is convenient located for me.  I have done a reasonable amount of swimming in the past but that was a while back.  I am interested in your recommendation for bi-lateral breathing.  Do you switch the breathing from one side to the other on every other stroke?  I am not sure what to expect the first few times out but I will just hang in and keep pushing.