.......and now without float! More lessons in The Class Monday 25th March

Johny, the guy who runs the Swimfit class I've try to get to on Monday afternoons, gives us technical exercises to help us work on particular skills, as well as setting us challenges for stamina. Today I've got to hold a float between my thighs, keeping legs still and together, while focusing on the placement of my arms. It is very steadying - working the core muscles and focusing the mind, helping to reduce the random thrashing about. Swimming again without the float feels liberating and calmer.

500m

New Costume, New Class, New Resolve Monday 18th March

Yep, back in swim school with a new swimming costume.  500m

Day 189 Breaking Water 23rd Feb 2013

The slow and medium lanes are full, so I'm in the fast lane keeping my end up - literally! Trying a new technique for breast-stroke which someone has suggested - dipping the top of my head down more on the underwater stroke - is great for taking pressure off the lower back, but has the effect of lifting my bum up higher - even out of the water. It may look a bit strange but it feels quite comfortable. Water was the only element broken in the process.

I do 20 lengths in 17 mins! Bit of a record for me.                                  500m

Sat 9th March Crawling with embarrassment!

I'm walking through the communal shower prior to getting in to the pool when a woman points out that the fabric of my swimming costume is wearing very thin at the back and that I might be revealing more than I intend! With difficulty I check out the view in the ladies' mirror and see she is quite right. Rather than miss out on my swim I conceal my embarrassment with my towel, getting in and out of the water with my back to the wall at the far end of the pool.

Once I'm in the water I stay in a long time and manage to swim 1km before retreating to the individual showers.