I finally got in the pool Saturday. Wanted back in yesterday but was caught up in getting chores done. Saturday was the first time in 2 years swimming and I had new equipment to try out so it wasn't so much a work out as an experiment.
As I mentioned earlier I needed to upgrade my 25-30 year old tether. I decided to go with the ankle straps. It's a bit of a switch for me but I'll get used to it. First odd thing is you can't just stand up. You have to get close enough to the anchor point to do that. Not a big deal but one of the biggest differences on the waist strap. There is also the fact that your feet are restricted. I usually just swim freestyle/crawl, so it isn't that big a deal since I usually have a float between my legs anyways.
I also got a swim snorkel - the Stability Snorkel. There are several different types, but this one has a pad for you forehead and is adjustable. There are all sorts of swim snorkels depending on what you're doing and this one seemed to fit my needs. Using a swim snorkel takes some getting used to for a couple reasons. It is designed to have you focus on your stroke and not have to turn your head. I like that idea so it becomes just a work out and not having to delay getting a breath because my timing was off and have a mouth full of water instead of air. Now I can go full bore and not have to worry about getting enough air. I'm not doing this for competition so I don't care so much about getting my head turning technique perfect, and I do have some neck issues, so it seemed like a good idea. I'm 60 and have been doing the crawl since I was about 12, so all of a sudden not turning my head was a little awkward, but I'm getting used to it.
The second issue is really just a "Ken" issue. Along with all the crap going on the inside of my head, I now have too much on the outside as well! When I was putting the snorkel on the first time, it was a bit frustrating because along with the snorkel, are the goggles, swim cap, and my waterproof Apple Shuffle and earbuds. Holy crap! There are straps and wires everywhere! The Stability Snorkel also has criss cross straps which I have to get used to as it is one long strap. I finally got is but need to come up with a better process. I felt like I needed someone to assist me since I can't see what I'm doing. Was going to ask the missus, but she is already convinced I'm on the spectrum so no since in giving her more ammo. The swim cap is just to keep the earbuds in place and is way to tight. I got a different one yesterday with ear pockets that isn't as tight that I'll try this week.
As awkward as everything was I was happy with the results. Just not comfortable with it all yet. Kind of like getting new skis; just need some time to figure it all out.
I'm also going to change my anchor point. The one I've been using is out of convenience, but is has me drifting left from the pool's return and pushes me towards the side. I'm going to set a new one so I'm heading length wise and the water flow will be of no concern. We have the return pointing to the surface as there has been lots of debris from the trees getting in the pool and this helps guide them to the skimmer. Last time it must have been pointing more towards the bottom as I don't remember it being this bad.
I only swam for 15 minutes straight since it has been two years and I didn't want to over do it. Looking forward to getting back in there - hopefully after work tonight.
Ken
As I mentioned earlier I needed to upgrade my 25-30 year old tether. I decided to go with the ankle straps. It's a bit of a switch for me but I'll get used to it. First odd thing is you can't just stand up. You have to get close enough to the anchor point to do that. Not a big deal but one of the biggest differences on the waist strap. There is also the fact that your feet are restricted. I usually just swim freestyle/crawl, so it isn't that big a deal since I usually have a float between my legs anyways.
I also got a swim snorkel - the Stability Snorkel. There are several different types, but this one has a pad for you forehead and is adjustable. There are all sorts of swim snorkels depending on what you're doing and this one seemed to fit my needs. Using a swim snorkel takes some getting used to for a couple reasons. It is designed to have you focus on your stroke and not have to turn your head. I like that idea so it becomes just a work out and not having to delay getting a breath because my timing was off and have a mouth full of water instead of air. Now I can go full bore and not have to worry about getting enough air. I'm not doing this for competition so I don't care so much about getting my head turning technique perfect, and I do have some neck issues, so it seemed like a good idea. I'm 60 and have been doing the crawl since I was about 12, so all of a sudden not turning my head was a little awkward, but I'm getting used to it.
The second issue is really just a "Ken" issue. Along with all the crap going on the inside of my head, I now have too much on the outside as well! When I was putting the snorkel on the first time, it was a bit frustrating because along with the snorkel, are the goggles, swim cap, and my waterproof Apple Shuffle and earbuds. Holy crap! There are straps and wires everywhere! The Stability Snorkel also has criss cross straps which I have to get used to as it is one long strap. I finally got is but need to come up with a better process. I felt like I needed someone to assist me since I can't see what I'm doing. Was going to ask the missus, but she is already convinced I'm on the spectrum so no since in giving her more ammo. The swim cap is just to keep the earbuds in place and is way to tight. I got a different one yesterday with ear pockets that isn't as tight that I'll try this week.
As awkward as everything was I was happy with the results. Just not comfortable with it all yet. Kind of like getting new skis; just need some time to figure it all out.
I'm also going to change my anchor point. The one I've been using is out of convenience, but is has me drifting left from the pool's return and pushes me towards the side. I'm going to set a new one so I'm heading length wise and the water flow will be of no concern. We have the return pointing to the surface as there has been lots of debris from the trees getting in the pool and this helps guide them to the skimmer. Last time it must have been pointing more towards the bottom as I don't remember it being this bad.
I only swam for 15 minutes straight since it has been two years and I didn't want to over do it. Looking forward to getting back in there - hopefully after work tonight.
Ken
