Actual Laps !

Another milestone !   Yesterday I went to the gym pool and swam a full lap several times.  Okay, so I rested in between but I did it !  My endurance and stamina is not quite there yet but my goal is to practice as much as I can so I can go back and forth easily.

I'm building "muscle memory" as well as endurance.  It's real different from dry land exercise such as riding the stationary bike or treadmill because those activities isolate muscle groups.  In the water EVERYTHING is involved in its totality.  The leg muscles, arm muscles, core muscles, lungs, even the brain (at least at this stage) because I'm still thinking about the coordination between it all.

What I'm discovering is a better sense of control which only comes with practice.  I observe swimmers who flow so effortlessly and they're not splashing about.  That's what I want to emulate.   I love to start out with the glide, stabilize my position and proceed to stroke.

I remember Carol's words that if I get tired I can always roll over on my back to rest a bit.  Another option to rest is float on my side with one arm stretched out and just kick so I'm still propelling ahead.

I don't know what my technique or style looks like, but the guy in the lane next to me said "You're very good !".   One of these days I'll have someone video me so I can see.  All I know is that I try to stay streamlined, smooth and calm and really allow the experience of being one with the water.  It's rather meditative actually.

It's changed my life !