Making a Splash: My Journey to Swimming

Let's face it, admitting you don't know how to swim as an adult can feel a little...well, awkward. But guess what? You're not alone. There are tons of adults out there who never learned this essential life skill. The good news? It's never too late to take the plunge (pun intended) and conquer the swim.

Here's my story about going from a complete beginner to someone who can confidently do laps and now training for several Ironman 70.3 and 140.6 races over the next year.

Facing the Fear

Let's be honest, water phobia is a real thing. For me, the idea of putting my face in the water sent shivers down my spine - ESPECIALLY with open water swimming (you never know what's under you). The first hurdle was admitting this fear to myself and then finding a way to address it.

Finding the Right Support

Adult swim lessons? Totally a thing, and a lifesaver (pun again!). I'm lucky enough to have a triathlon coaching that is an expert in swimming. Having a patient instructor who understood the anxieties of adult learners made all the difference.

Baby Steps

Those first few lessons were all about getting comfortable in the water. We started with simple things like blowing bubbles, floating on my back, and getting used to putting my head underwater. It wasn't glamorous, but it laid the foundation for everything that came next.

From Flailing to Freestyle (Sort Of)

Slowly but surely, I began to grasp the basics of buoyancy, breathing techniques, and different strokes. There were moments of frustration, definitely some swallowed pool water, but also a growing sense of accomplishment with every milestone.

The Payoff is Real

Now, I'm not gonna lie, I'm not Michael Phelps, but I can confidently swim across the pool and back. More importantly, I've conquered my fear of the water. Swimming has become a fun way to stay active.

So, You Want to Learn to Swim?

If you're an adult who's always wanted to learn how to swim, but maybe felt a little self-conscious, here's my advice:

• Do it! You won't regret conquering this life skill.

• Find the right instructor. Look for adult programs or professional coaches that cater to beginners and address water phobias.

• Be patient. Learning takes time, especially as an adult. Celebrate the small victories.

• Focus on the fun. Swimming is a great workout, but it should also be enjoyable.

Remember, you're never too old to learn something new. So grab your swimsuit, take a deep breath, and get ready to make a splash!