Okay, so I got down to the Y, got changed, and headed for the pool. I really don’t like the fact that swim-only members have to go in by the pool, around the pool, then down the stairs and through the showers to get to the locker room. And by through the showers, I mean that literally - not just near the showers, but through them, fully dressed. At least getting out is easier.

Anyway, we started with freestyle - did about 50 meters while Ed critiqued my breathing. I think I’ve figured it out finally - I was waiting too long to start turning my head. If I turn to the right as I extend my left arm out in the stretch, then when my right arm comes up, I’m all ready to inhale and don’t lose precious breathing time getting my head into position. Now, I just have to work on not bringing my head up as I rotate it down. I think I know what the deal is there though - I keep wanting to look down the pool, and I need to break myself of that habit.

Next, one full lap (50m) of backstroke was all. I enjoy it, but we were swimming down the sides of the lane and a couple of times I brought my hand down on the rope or the railing. I guess that just needs a little finesse.

We spent most of the time learning breaststroke, which Ed claims is both a relaxing stroke, and the best cardio-vascular workout. I’m not sure which of these it true, but it seems like the latter to me, my heart was racing up to about 150 at one point, high for swimming so far. Did a total of 150m, or three full laps of the pool. I think the hardest thing for me here will be keeping the arms-legs-glide three-part rythym going… for some reason, I really wanted to do mess it up. Ah, well - practice, practice, practice! Looking forward to Thursday, where Ed will start really critiquing our form since we all know the basics well enough to take it.

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