Lesson Eleven: Swimming Backstroke

I did, I did it! That great feeling again!

This week after my lesson with Beth I went to the pool every day to practice except one day when my arms were just too sore and I thought it best to rest up before my next lesson.

At my last lesson Beth asked if I had made it across the pool yet and that got me thinking. I hadn’t and I wanted to. I made getting across the pool, on my back, in breathing position, rotating from side to side without changing my head position my goal. So I went into the pool, day after day, practice after practice, nose full of water over and over. 

At Thursday’s practice I got into the pool and right away, I completed my first lap across the pool on my back. I was so excited, but then couldn’t do it again. I was able to complete 4 or 5 strokes, staring up at the ceiling, trying so hard and then I began to sink, my nose full of water, so far off balance I had to stand up. But I kept trying, over and over again. What is wrong? I think it is everything, keeping my body in balance, keeping my head correctly positioned—and my arms, they are throwing everything out of whack. The harder I try the less relaxed I become, the harder it is.

At Friday’s practice again immediately after I entered the pool, I went across on my back feeling relaxed and happy the whole way. I wanted to shout with joy, wanted to say to someone, “Did you see that?” But then I lost it—my sense of relaxation, my balance with it and could only get in 4—5—6 strokes in a row before falling apart and having to stand up. Still, every couple of times I started the length I was able to complete it, eventually doing five lengths---not in a row, but still—I did it. Ecstasy!

On Saturday I completed a length and then another---two in a row.  I had the whole pool to myself and I loved the quiet seclusion. It was snowing outside and the poolroom was dark because the windows had fogged up. I tried to complete another length, failed repeatedly and then just before I got out of the pool I did it—once, twice, three times, then four times in a row without sinking, without getting a nose full of water, without stopping and standing up for breath.

When I finally got out of the pool, my arms and shoulders ached. I was thrilled and sore and excited about the much-needed breakthrough after some tough weeks.