I heard through the grapevine that The Wreck Center had evening open swim again. The Wreck Center is my nickname for one of St. Louis city's recreation centers and it's a wreck because the information on the website is outdated, the lifeguards like to rough house with the kids and water might get slammed in your face by a kid displacing water with a kick board. There are other reasons it's a wreck but I still like the joint.
I called before I headed out today and, sure enough, The Wreck Center was open until 6 p.m. When I got there, some kids from the MO School For The Blind were already in the pool. I waited until they got out because that's what I had been told was the rule before. So, I swam from about 5 to 5:55 p.m.
I practiced on my front crawl breathing and was surprised when the lifeguard asked me if I was a teacher.
Me: No, I've been swimming for about a year and a half.Internally, I was saying wow. I had actually been feeling self-conscious -- thinking that I was looking clumsy and awkward.
Lifeguard: I would have never guessed. You have a graceful stroke.
Me: Thanks.
I remember watching an episode of Dr. Phil and he said that we think we have a target on our backs, but we don't...
As I was leaving, the same lifeguard told me that she was looking for someone to train with and wants someone that will push her. Ha, ha. She wants to train for some triathlon in Naperville, IL.
I must look like a pusher.
Good deal on the compliment! swimmers actually critique everyone in the pool all the time on technique so you must have picked up some of the immersion drills for that smooth flow.... I think tomorrow I will post my fav freestyle breathing tips in video form on my blog :) Go ahead push her! Do the tri yourself also :)or a tri.
ReplyDeleteNICE COMPLIMENT, pusher lady at the wreck center. That is great!
ReplyDeleteI SUCK at freestyle. I do not know why. I get SO winded just doing 100 yards and I do not go that fast. I can do breast stroke fast and all day long if I wanted to.....I am clearly doing something wrong in the freestyle. I can run, run stairs, do interval training....but freestyle is kicking my booty whenever I hit the pool. It irritates me. :(
@midlife_swimmer,
ReplyDeleteThe comp was pretty cool since I was feeling anything but graceful. I might try another tri but would really like to feel more confident about the breathing. So, I'll definitely check out your blog for tips.
@Greta,
I completely feel you on freestyle. I'm getting better at breathing but I feel like I'm doing something wrong as well because I can hardly do 25 yards without gurgling. One of these days, I'm going to be so at ease with freestyle.
Ha! That's awesome! And wanted to send some kudos on completing your first tri (re: your comment on my blog bike post). I am looking forward to joining your ranks. Now hit the lanes for some laps! :)
ReplyDeleteThe (not so) Reluctant Athlete,
ReplyDeleteThanks. :)
It's going to feel good when you get that first one under your belt.