polaroid slr 680/600 film.
While we were south of here, I decided I'd try to begin my swim practice. It's on my list and I decided I'd embrace swimming, (I'm not really a fan), because of over-use injuries, (right leg related), that need to heal. My way to calm is through physical movement, (exercise keeps the dark and twisty at bay), and the month or so that I need to heal my leg isn't an option, but I thought swimming would be.
The lap pool at the hotel was perfect. I'd gone down in the morning on a little reconnaissance tour and the temperature was just right, (read: bath water warm). Later, when I went back for my swim, there were two ladies who lunch lounging poolside under an umbrella; bikinis and big hats and chardonnay spritzers on the little table resting in between.
Gulping back a little intimidation, I lowered myself into the pool...nice. I swam to the other end and felt pretty good. I wasn't going to fast and I felt pretty confident, even though it had been decades since I'd been in a pool for anything other than a dunk with pretty little dog paddles and handstands.
Going back it was a whole other story. I couldn't get my breath into a rhythm and I felt a little panicked as I tried to control my arms with my legs. It was pretty clear I wasn't going to make it and I stopped half-way! I wasn't out of breathe, but I wasn't breathing properly and it was obvious at that moment that 1) I remembered myself to be a much better swimmer than I am, and 2) I don't think I ever learned how swim freestyle or breathe properly while swimming.
My breast stroke wasn't any better, but I can swim a great side stroke, whatever that means. Thankfully there were kick boards and I was able to do a couple of laps so I got a bit of a workout in after all.
My friends, that entire experience was a total of 17 minutes. In those 17 minutes, I took water in up my nose and down my throat. I felt embarrassed and I strained my left rotator cuff because I can't turn my head for a breathe to either side.
Funny thing is, I felt really good afterwards. That good feeling you'd get as a kid who'd spent an entire afternoon in a swimming pool.
I'm not giving up, but I am getting swimming lessons, stat. Or just as soon as my shoulder pain subsides.
