My research this week was another talk with my swim mentor/colleague. I shared with him my progress and next steps. He provided me with advice and tips for breathing and demonstrated how to move my head sideways to inhale and back in the water to exhale. I then watched the isport.com video, “How to Breathe When Swimming Freestyle” and read the wikeHow article, “How to Prepare for Your First Adult Swim Lessons.” The information on breathing I received from my mentor, the article and video, was very similar. Inhale as I tilt my head out of the water and exhale in the water. Sounds easy. I even practiced a little in the shower as suggested in the wikiHow article.
Then on 07/12/15, I had my third swimming lesson. I started as I usually do, floating, face down, since it is easier for me. My floating time is a little longer now, since my body control has improved. I did float face up, but kept forgetting to breathe. I don’t know why? I then did some of the drills in the isport.com video for breathing. I had a difficult time. Then I did some lines with my arms extended, with flutter kicks and no noodle. Then, used the noodle as I incorporated arm movements. I then hesitantly threw my noodle aside, as directed by my “instructor” and continued. I am somewhat satisfied with my progress, but I know that I’m going to have to put in more time on breathing techniques in order to continue to progress.
Review video and look for more information on breathing drills are going to be the focus of my next steps. If weather permits, I will be spending more time in the pool while I’m on vacation. I know that I’m not going to be a master swimmer at the end of the five weeks, but I’ve reached a point that I never imagined I would reach.