Next Challenge- Swimming!

So, what do you do when your Running Coach also happens to be a Tri-Coach?  You learn how to swim (in order to improve your running, of course).  Okay, so I had the basic idea, and could stay afloat in deep water, but that whole breathing thing and proper form?  No way.  Thankfully, Joella is very patient with me.

This is my next big challenge- and I figured a good one for the winter, when I can't get out to run nearly as often as I'd like.  Plus, I need to switch up my routine a bit anyway-- plateauing again.  So here's what I'm focusing on right now:

• Getting the breathing thing down-- I am pretty sure I could do it- IF I didn't have to work my arms and legs at the same time.  *Multitasking and Amber don't mix very well
• Keeping my legs straight, and kicking from the hip.  For the life of me, I can't stop bending my knees!  Guess I need more kickboard practice.  Focus on one thing at a time.  (*See multitasking comment)
• Fingers together
• Breathe to the side, only to the side.  And don't suck in water.

Right now, I'm swimming with flippers.  I must say that I was getting foot cramps yesterday with them, so I took them off for a few laps--- oh.my.goodness- you'd think somebody cut my feet off!  It was like swimming against a current!  Uh yeah, I don't see myself doing a tri anytime soon--- I've got a LONG way to go!  

But I like it!