SWIM, bike, run | Strictly Swimming Review

With the end of the year fast approaching, my plans / goals for 2015 have been in the back of my mind. I started to create a little “bucket list” for things I wanted to do in 2015, in fitness as well as life in general. One thing on that list – adult swimming lessons. I needed to learn to swim.

In primary school, aged about 9-12 years old, I’m sure we attended swimming lessons for 30 minutes once per week maybe for about 6 weeks at a time. I kinda learnt how to do breaststroke one term, then promptly forgot by the time I went back the next term. I think I got up to completing my length, 25 meters of the pool before swimming lessons were over.

On holiday as a teenager and young adult, you’ll never catch me slashing about in the pool or the sea. I’ll dip my toe in for sure but that’s as far as it goes.

So when the opportunity to complete the Windsor Triathlon in June 2015 came up, it seemed destined for me. I promptly agreed then shat myself as to how I was gonna swim 750m (I’ve already decided to do the Sprint distance…baby steps and all with my FIRST EVER triathlon!).

The hunt was then on to find the perfect pool and instructor. As I do whenever I’m in need of information, I reach out to the 953 “friends” I have on Facebook…I mean, someone must know?! I got a wealth of suggestions and followed up each and everyone of them. The one that caught my eye was Strictly Swimming recommended by a trusted friend, yogi and fitness fanatic, Alex.

Before I knew it, I was booked in for my first private swimming lesson with my Instructor, Kat. The plan being to take private lessons until I’m ready to take their Triathlon Swimming course (also highly recommend by Alex!).

So off I went, convinced I couldn’t swim. After a brief chat poolside with Kat, it was straight into the pool for two lengths. I swam two lengths. I dunno how. I didn’t drown. It wasn’t easy though. It took the wind out of me and you could see I wasn’t confident with water being near my face.

Once I was warm, we started some drills to get me used to the water. Placing my face underwater, breathing out though my nose (or trying at least), then head under water, eyes open (with goggles, newly acquired that day!)…some drills up and down the pool with a float to get used to my face going in and out of the water….some gliding, fully submerging myself under water. You get the drift. No pun intended.

I left the pool after just 60 minutes having made my first attempt at front crawl. I mean I travelled at least 5 metres, which is 5 more than ever before.

Before this lesson, I won’t lie, I was nervous about taking lessons as an adult, and about the whole situation! I’d wondered what I’d gotten myself into. But I left having had more fun than I could have imagined when thinking about water and swimming. Kat was brilliant – patient and knowledgeable. I’ll be back for more in the coming weeks…

So here’s to the journey to the start line. Sunday 14th June 2015. Windsor Triathlon.

Are you fan of swimming or not?! Any beginner swimming / triathlon tips / resources for me?! 

Elle 🙂 

Some finer details: The soreness the next day after my lesson was off the scale. I used muscles that have been used to being worked in every other sort of way, My poor inner thighs. I picked up my goggles and swimming hat from the Speedo store in Covent Garden (the service I received was impeccable!). I owned a swimsuit. I think I bought it the year before I went to University so I could go in a jacuzzi at a hotel. Thanks to my Facebook / Twitter friends again for informing me of all the things I should pack for a swimming lesson. The club where my lesson took place, City Point, Moorgate, was perfect. Everything provided – robes, towels, shampoo, conditioner…everything. If you’re looking for lessons or to improve your skills in swimming check out Strictly Swimming. Now.

Before I leave, here’s a little “swimspiration” from the Sweaty Betty Spring/Summer 2015 Collection which I got to preview last year! Hoping this little number and I get acquainted soon!