How I finally splashed into the pool—and so can you.

I learned to swim at age 30. Mom took me to the pool when I was a young lass and I felt fairly comfortable in the water. However, growing up on a farm in the middle of the country was not the best way to become an avid swimmer or accustomed to being in the water.

I never really focused on swimming as my life progressed. It is true that I have been a recreational athlete most of my life, running 10Ks, 1/2 marathons, and marathons starting at the age of 18, as well as cycling to and from school and my workplace, and every other chance I can carve out. I was never fast, but consistency turned out to be the key. That said, you can get in the pool without having a sporting history or race portfolio. As long as your doc says you’re good to go, and you have water in proximity, you can get started.

Let me tell you one thing to those of you who are considering taking up swimming, it is the best thing I have ever done for myself. In honesty, I thought cross training was probably a good idea, but I was incredibly intimidated by those sleek, tan, toned bodies swimming up and down the lanes of the pool.

Who was I to think I could go out there, jump in (splash!), and even close to know the ‘rules of the pool’ or what kind of cap and goggles I should be wearing? How do I avoid looking like a total geek amongst the gods and goddesses in the pool? It was all just too much. And after being a studette on the bike, owning the road, and dropping even those of the male persuasion in my path at times, how would I ever have the nads to don a skimpy little suit (yiikes!) let alone know what the heck I was doing out there?

It was all just too much, even though most of the athlete-type “older folks” who are my friends couldn’t say enough about their love of swimming. And even though I noticed that, of all the sports I’ve participated in, the oldest folks who are still active and still “taking names” are all in the pool, often kicking the ass of younger folks.

Eventually along the way I decided it was time to start training for triathlon. Finally time to start cross training. But there was one problem. I didn’t know how to swim! Long story short, I succeeded, have participated in several dozen triathlons (sprint to 1/2 Ironman distance) and three-mile open water swims, and have since developed a true love of swimming. The first step is the biggest one, but you just have to do this one stroke at a time.

I’ll be continuing my post with tips on how to make your first splash, suggested gear (not much to worry about!), benefits you’ll reap, and more!