2 widths, a high-five from Clive and #22 updated

2 widths, a high-five from Clive and #22 updated

It's been two weeks since I last went swimming. The first Sunday I overslept and last Sunday I was away in Munich.

So this morning was my first session back. Last time out I'd had a pretty good session - but two weeks later and with no practice in between, I approached this morning with an element of trepidation. I'd need not have done though. Front crawl is definitely the style for me. The buoyancy belt was back on - but not for long. Fortunately I seemed to pick up exactly where I'd left off two weeks ago. Yes, I was still using a float and yes, breathing whilst moving my arms and legs all at the same time remains problematic...but I think I'm getting there now.

By the end of the half hour session the float had gone and I was actually swimming, unaided for the first time. I even managed to do something which I'd never mastered at school...one single width! I'd got my red stripe for my trunks at school 'for trying hard' but this time I actually did it. And there was no stopping me there...I swam back too!
This gargantuan achievement was greeted by Clive with a high-five...yes!


My reluctance to put my head under water is still causing a problem


Ok - it's not the greatest achievement known to man, but it's a big step forward for me. It shows I can do it - it's just about practice now. So, time to get in the pool more often. That in itself fills me with dread though. The last time I went to a public swimming session (at university) some woman shouted at me because I was in her way. In fairness I was, but I was doing a bloomin' good drowning impression at the same time! I now know how competitive and protective of their lanes these swimming people can be. I hope I don't encounter the same problem again because last time it really did put me off.

I still can't really put my head under water properly...it just feels horrible. But I'm hoping this comes with practice and confidence. Well, I guess it's over to me now. If I practice more I may just be able to get this nailed before I'm 30...

#22 Update

So, number 22 on my list was to got to at least 10 music or comedy gigs before I'm 30.

Well, we're making progress on that front. This week I'm going to two gigs in as many days. Firstly, I'm going to see The Darkness at the Wolverhampton Civic. I've seen The Darkness before, they were supporting Robbie Williams at Knebworth in 2003. So, ten years on I'm off to see them again. One thing is guaranteed...it will be loud!

The following night I'm back at the civic and will no doubt be surrounded by swathes of stone washed denim on ageing rockers as me, Ian, Alex and my Dad take in the legends that are Status Quo.

I shall spend the following few weeks recovering from tinnitus I suspect.

I'm taking a blogging sabattical for a few weeks now but hope to be back soon with some updates on my list of 30 Things To Do Before I'm 30. In the meantime, I'll leave you with this...