Wednesday, April 05, 2006

I am a fish...

...Well, not quite, but tonight was the last lesson of Level One swimming. And I survived!

We had fun and with five of us, plus the teacher, the class was small enough that we all knew each other’s names and had a few laughs.

In tonight’s class we actually put arms and legs together and swam. Woo hoo! We practiced everything we had learned… floating, gliding, sculling, flutter kicking and the piece de resistance – front crawl.

I discovered that I can scull backwards (feet first) pretty darn well. In fact, it was one of my favorite things!

Anyway, I managed to do the front crawl MUCH better than I did a few months ago when I was going to the pool for cardio. Getting actual instruction in how and when to breathe turned out to be rather crucial. (Go figure!)

It is still far from pretty. But it is still a heck of lot better than when I did it on my own.

I was asking around for as well for some tips – or possibly a private class – in water running. Turns out that there are none… just water aerobics. From what I gather, although everyone talks about how great water running is for injured “land runners”, not so many of them actually get in the pool and do it! (I can understand this… I’ve been injured since November and I’m just seriously starting to ask questions now…)

I will definitely go practice my front crawl again soon, but I’m quite keen on this water running thing, so all tips and tricks are appreciated!

12 comments:

Granny said...

My Elcie does much better in water than on land. She can walk unassisted but her legs are stiff and her balance uncertain.

In the water, she looks like everyone else.

Backofpack said...

Sarah, I went water running with a friend when she was injured. We strapped on belts and since our pool doesn't have a real deep end, we motored back and forth across the pool. Keep your rear down, move those arms and legs. Ask Rob too - he did it a lot last winter.

Janice Seagraves said...

Hi Sarah,

All I can think of is try walking just where you are boyant but not so much so you are off your feet, then walk or jog around.

Janice~

ipodmomma said...

wonderful!!! hope you can fidn a good water running class...

but keep up that crawl!

Elliot said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Elliot said...

I just had this image of an underwater treadmill. Maybe I'll invent one. I mean, someone invented the singing bass, for goodness sakes, so, apparently, I'm still ahead of the curve with this one...

Olga said...

Yay for swimming lesson!

wthenrest said...

I diddo granny. I love water running...mainly cause I can't even attempt it on land. Or actually I have and that is just a whole other story...hehe
W R is fabulous and a great workout.
I also dido janice..I don't use the flotation devices that most water runners use and I basically make sure I am "walking" but this way you have to use arms to keep afloat...ergo more cardio...
Sounds like I know what I am talking about, don't I? Not really just try not to drown...the lifegaurds are wayyyy too young.:0)

Unknown said...

Good for you for taking the swimming lessons. I have yet to take that step yet, but hope to do it someday. As far as the water running goes it takes a bit of getting used to, but eventually you figure your form out and can actually feel somewhat like you are running in the pool. You can even do intervals if you like. Take the plunge!

Turtle Guy said...

Water is wonderful, isn't it!

I’d like to be…
Under the sea…
In an octopus’s garden…
In the shade…

Anvilcloud said...

I've never tried water running, but I rather hope that you continue to learn and enjoy the regular aquatic activities, whether you run or not.

Anonymous said...

wow, that's cool.

I flunked the minnow class (beginner) FOUR times as a kid. I haven't been back :)