Did my swim session yesterday. Ugh. I felt worried during most of it.
The truth is, I probably did just fine physically, for me, for where I’m at. It was probably just fine. But it didn’t feel fine in my head.
I was fixated on how tired and winded I felt after one length of the pool. (yeah, 64 lengths = 1 mile. and I just did the math – which I shouldn’t have done! – 2.4 miles = 153.6 lengths). That scares the Sh%^t out of me!
I can’t get it all right for even a half a length of the pool. If I focus on my kick, my breathing goes out of whack. It’s like I can’t walk and chew gum at the same time. If my feet are going faster and in good form, then I don’t keep my steady, easy breathing going. If I focus on my arms, then I notice that I’m tilting my head up too much. I can’t seem to get arms, legs, and breathing all in good form at once. And…I know my swim instructor hasn’t even addressed probably half of the issues going on.
I was really getting myself worked up.
I finally gave myself a shake, realized that I wasn’t making progress with this thinking, and for the last lengths of the pool, I focused on one thing at a time. I think I can do everything I’ve been taught!!! Just not all at the same time… and not for long…
Perfecting your swimming technique can be overwhelming – esp in the beginning. Focusing on 1 thing at a time (as you did at the end) is the best thing to do. Even as an experienced swimmer – I can’t focus on more than 1 thing! Keep it up!
Thank you for comments Anna! I appreciate the perspective and encouragement!
Thanks for your openness Amy. I am familiar with this little troll in my head who often nitpicks at everything!!! It reminds me of when I learned to ride a “big girl” bike. Of course I wanted to just get on and go full speed ahead!!! To conquer the task, I used training wheels to focus on how to best steer and peddle at the same time. For me that was kind of like trying to rub my head and pat my tummy at the same time! I brought balance into the process after I figured out the others. #trainingwheelsoffandspeedingaway