Birthdays and such

[pyjamapants]

Thanks to all who wished me a happy birthday yesterday. For anyone who didn't see it elsewhere, my dear beta kittylefish  wrote a story for my birthday! I have a bit of a weak spot for stories in which Hermione and Severus are trapped without access to magic and must cozy up for warmth. The Avbrytande Effect fits the bill perfectly! Thanks again kittylefish!!!

For my birthday this year, I learned a valuable, if minor, lesson. DO NOT undertake serious exercise the day before one's birthday. It quite makes you feel the extra year. Swimming was fun, though, and I'm looking forward to more sessions. It was hard work for someone who's swimming routines for the past 20 years have consisted entirely of movements involving the head being OUT of the water. Seriously, I do an improvised breast stroke/dog paddle that deserves to be in the Olympics. But now that I'm actually LEARNING how to breathe while swimming, I suspect I won't mind freestyle quite so much.

Comments

[kittylefish.livejournal.com]

i have NEVER managed to figure out how to synchronize my breathing while swimming - i always end up with a mouthful of water. but my college had a swimming requirement, so i can do the side stroke and the elementary back stroke until the cows come home. if you get any good tips on the breathing thing, feel free to toss them my way!

[pyjamapants.livejournal.com]

Let's see. First there was 'exhale about 90% of the air in your lungs, and continue exhaling when your head surfaces, taking a 'big ole greedy breath of air' when you surface'.

To practice the breathing we played the old 'hang on to the side of the pool and put your face in the water' gag. Then I practiced by swimming a few laps with a kickboard whilst just practicing the breathing bit.

It went to hell for a few laps when I tried freestyle again, and the coach kept telling me to relax. After about 3 laps, I finally figured out that meant to cool it with the legs and arms.... not trying to get to the other side of the pool as fast as humanly possible. Once I slowed down, it was MUCH easier to focus on my breathing.