Swimming – A love hate relationship

Oh swimming….why do you make it so hard?

From ever since I can remember, I have always been enamored with the concept of being able to swim properly. Some things come naturally for some, while others they need to work a bit harder. Unfortunately during my childhood, I was never in a system long enough to get the training needed for that swimmer’s technique. I learned the rudiments of the free style and some variation of both the back and breast strokes. I will be lying if I say I didn't envy my more established swimming friends when they would nonchalantly get into the pool and glide through the water effortlessly.

I have always made attempts to get back into swimming, but would have been hindered by one thing or another. I remember when I was in Form 6 (12^th Grade for the US folks) at my secondary school St Mary’s College I decided that, in the interest of school spirit, I would audition for the non competitive swimming team. If it is one thing, I can never fault myself for ambition. I distinctly remember this one time where a younger student saw me doing my best impression of the backstroke at the trials, and he stood at the side of the pool yelling “Splash, Kairon…SPLASH!!!” I guess it was supposed to be some form of encouragement, but such was my situation.

As fate would have it, I actually did make the team, imperfect stroke and all. The school needed five entrants for the race and yours truly came a combative fifth..out of five. At the actual Secondary School Championships, I placed second in my heat of three persons (so unfortunate the other guy caught a cramp..but whatever) and 58^th out of 60 overall. Hardly Phelps-ian, but I finished, eventually.

Fast forward upteen years later to my current endeavours of becoming a triathlete. Swimming is one of the ‘tri’ sports so it is equally as important as the other two. Getting better will involve me essentially facing my fears and resolving to put in the work to get better. I am not the absolute worst thing in the water, if I am to be fair. I do however believe that my freestyle at times looks like I am having a physical domestic dispute with the water. Lots of commotion and a bit violent.  Improving on the swimming is definitely going to be a serious challenge if I am to make this work. 

At times when I am in the pool and come up for air during a swim, I see curious on lookers attempting to analyse my stroke/breathing technique. Their expressions almost say "oh dear, someone is trying to drown that poor boy..please help him".  I genuinely appreciate the concern, but it is the best I can do at this point.

In the event that time comes around and I don’t quite have the technique, I figured that I should at least have a Plan B. With this in mind I asked the Triathlon Federation if they would allow the doggy paddle as an acceptable stroke for the race. In their very accommodating way, they acknowledged my question by stating that I am free to do so, but if the lifeguard has to leave before I start my cycle portion, they may need to pull me out of the water. A fair enough response in my opinion, but more or less showcased that my Plan B may not be a viable option for the race.

Confirmation of my reality

All is not lost though. I have sought advice and guidance from established swimmers & coaches (former national athletes in the bunch as well) on how to improve. Everyone has been open with their knowledge and I am attempting to apply it as best as I can. Rome wasn't built in a day, but some serious overtime will be needed where I am concerned. So far, I know that I need to work on my ‘catch’, my breathing and rolling to the side, so I have my work cut out. Oh..and I seem to forget to kick, ALL the time.

Are you like me and have problems with swimming? If you are a triathlete is the swimming the weakest or strongest part of your race?

Do you think the doggy paddle gets a bad rap?

Looking forward to the comments. Will let you know how my progress in the water comes along.