Overcoming My Fear of Swimming

If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you may have noticed that there have been a few swim related posts lately.

While I grew up enjoying long, hot Savannah summer days in the pool I was never on a competive swim team. In fact, the one time I tried out for the swim team I didn’t make it as I couldn’t swim more than two laps of the pool. Luckily, I’m in better shape these days than I was back in 7th grade. When I heard about the P&G swim club which meets at a pool near our office every Tuesday and Thursday before work my initial feeling was pure intimidation. Not only did I not want to get in a bathing suit in front of co-workers but I also didn’t want them to see my lack of swimming endurance.

Luckily, Bo and a few other friends talked me into giving it a try and after 5 team workouts I’m happy to report that I haven’t drowned and I’m actually enjoying swimming. The team environment helps motivate me, the sport is humbling, it is great cross training, and I’m seeing quick improvements since I’m starting at such a low base. In addition, I try to focus on my own swimming versus comparing myself to others. Each week I choose something different to focus on whether that’s swimming longer without holding the wall, extending my stroke, or breathing.

There are no flip turns happening any time soon but I did get to learn and practice dive starts during Tuesday’s practice! This newfound love is also what helped me overcome my fear of triathlons and finally sign up for my first triathlon – the Geneva International Triathlon which takes place in Geneva on July 19th!

Our coach, Steeve Brugiere, is an accomplished triathlete and serves as a coach for multiple local triathlon clubs. He’s agreed to let me share our workouts on here so you all can benefit! If you’re in the Geneva area or looking for a remote triathlon coach, check out his website, Be Fit Personal Training!

As you can see, our workouts aren’t for the faint of heart. But, I love that every workout can be altered based on skill level and pace. For example, on this workout, I finished 1600 meters whereas other, faster swimmers completed 2000M+. If you’re just starting out, I would suggest cutting 100 meters off every section.

 

If you have any questions, feel free to let me know and I’ll work with Steeve to answer them!

What is your biggest athletic fear? Mine definitely has to do with my upcoming open water swim during the triathlon!