Early in 2016, I made the decision that I wanted to do a triathlon. 

The previous summer, I had been suffering from yet another run injury, and had started to ride a bicycle as part of my rehab.  I found that I absolutely loved riding a bike, and as I rode around the local park, the idea of doing a triathlon started to percolate through my brain. The idea never went away.

Obviously, to do a triathlon, I needed to be able to swim.  I was not a complete beginner, but I was far from a proficient swimmer.  I could maybe, swim just enough to get myself out of a lake, if I fell into one.  That was about it.  

Today’s photo is a snapshot of the first swim workout that I ever did.  Prior to this workout, I had taken three lessons, on the basics of freestyle swimming.  I should have taken a lot more, but I was convinced I could teach myself.

My early swim workouts were a major challenge.  I couldn’t swim more than one 25 meter length at a time, because I ran out of breath.  I had no idea how to breath while swimming.  Hence my first workout was only 250 meters long.

Learning to swim was a long process for me.  I went to the pool, almost every day before work.  I eventually learned how to breathe.  I eventually got stronger. I even eventually, got a little faster.  It was a tough process, but it made me realize that, if you are determined enough and you put in the effort, you can learn new skills.

Having said all that, I don’t recommend doing what I did.  In hindsight, I should have taken way more lessons or maybe joined a swim club, to get some instruction.  Swimming is so technique driven, that you can make much more rapid progress, under the watchful eye of a good coach.