Get Swimming Diary: The class nerd hits a stumbling block

I’m away this week so I miss two swimming classes but like the class nerd, I dutifully practice the techniques I’ve learnt from Peter on my own. Really I’m trying to knock up some lengths with the scary thought of eventually having to do 64 in front of people looming over me.

Unfortunately, without a coach there to guide me I feel like I’m actually dis-improving. During my first and second sessions of the week, with so many things to think about (count 1-2-2, keep the head down, kick from the hip) each stroke feels uncorrordinated and uncomfortable.  I keep at it and manage the full 32 and 34 lengths (again with lots of breaks) but they take me longer than 30 did last week.

During my third session I'm resolute to stop trying so hard, and to my amazement despite it being a Saturday,  I’m looking forward to getting in the water and swimming off last night. Instead, I learn that the pool is a place to avoid on Saturday morning.

Toddlers and Dads are everywhere and while I trust the adults, the thought of what toddlers may ‘do’ in the water makes me uneasy. On top of this I’m still not 100% sure what lane I should be swimming in (lane etiquette, I’m learning, is complicated) and with so many people around I manage 20 lengths before getting stage fright and retiring once again to the steam room.

This nerd is looking forward to getting back to class.

Want to give Dominique some tips? Tweet her @BobbleheadMo

For more, see irishtimes.com/getswimming