Swimming and Fear

I have mentioned that I am in the process of learning to swim.  Yes, I'm a 36 year old mother of 2 and I don't know how to swim.  I started about a year and half ago.  My friend and long time swimmer wanted me to do a triathlon with her.  We had just finished the our previous goal of running the Mini-marathon.  She had ran it twice before.  So, I finally caved and agreed to pull on a suit and get in the pool. 

Getting in the water proved to be a huge challenge for me.  At my age I have spent most of my life trying to stay out of water.  So at first I would get in and try to act like I knew what I was doing.  But, I was really just splashing around in the water going nowhere!  Finally, by the end of January, I could swim my first whole 25.  (Which is one length of the pool.) It wasn't pretty . But, I had the life guards there cheering me on.  I really felt like I was finally getting somewhere.  Well that was a year ago.  Needless to say, I didn't make the triathlon last summer because I was so worried about the swimming.

We continue to go swimming at least once a week.  But, I still feel like I'm just treading water so to speak.  I can't get passed the mental block.  I want to swim.  I read all kinds of article and get so motivated! But, then I get in the water and I "choke" again.   I love going to my daughter's swim meets and watching all the young kids swim a 50 faster then I can even wrestle my suit on.  (And I do mean wrestle.)   But, why cant I do that. Why can't I just swim?

My reason for not swimming is FEAR.  Even though I try to overcome it just by getting in the pool.  It is still there.  Like this monkey riding on my back.  I try to swim my 50's and I get half way back and that monkey grabs me.  I freak out.  I am afraid I won't get air.  Even though I have every other stroke I took.  

I am continuing to try to conquer this fear.  I'm not sure exactly what Im going to have to do. My life as a swimmer is still hanging there.  Waiting for me to get that monkey off my back.

Do you have any fears?  What are they?

What are you suggestions for getting over my fear?


I did get in a good swim workout yesterday.  I'm still not close to the 500 that I need to swim for the triathlon.  But, 'Im getting closer..or at least that is what all the other swimmers keep telling me. 

I swam at total of 450
3 25's
3 50's
3 75's with fins  (Love the fins!)
and 100 cool down kick.   

Plus, I always do my exercise challenge from OptumizeMe
50 air bikes
50 leg lifts
50 push ups
50 crossovers
50 lunge kicks

I also got out and did a relaxing bike ride with my son.  We enjoyed the nice weather we are having. : )

Hope you all have a great Monday!!

I'll be biking tonight  and running in the morning!! : )