Last updated at 16:06, Thursday, 11 February 2010

WEEK one of my training for the Swimathon and I’ve already learned two vital lessons, the first of which is that I need to train a lot more! I’ve always enjoyed swimming since the day I taught myself to swim underwater by pulling myself along the bottom of a toddlers’ pool using my hands.

I used to dream about becoming the first real-life mermaid as I whirled and twirled beneath the surface as a child.

In school swimming lessons, I was the only girl in the class allowed to attempt the long-distance swim award, a whopping 800 metres, which even at 11 years old, I struggled to complete in time.

Why then did I think that at 26 years old 1,500 metres would be a walk in the park?

I’ve dipped in and out of swimming pools since I was at school but I’ve not done any real training as such, so on my first trip to the Wentworth Leisure Centre, I was thrilled that I swam a whole length underwater in one breath.

Marvellous, I thought, this is going to be a doddle.

But sadly the next few lengths were not so successful and by length three I needed a rest.

Stopping at the deep end, however, only gets you filthy looks from the serious lane swimmers whose way you are blocking, so on I trudged somewhat less enthusiastically back to the standing room at the shallow end.

After a few moments’ rest I set off again at a more steady pace, adopting the duck and dive breaststroke technique rather than anything more amphibious.

At 10 lengths I was puffed out, with cramp in one foot and arms that felt like lead.

Given that this was a lunch-break swim, there wasn’t much time for more and I hopped out to change.

Here beginneth lesson two: appropriate attire!

The red marks around my shoulders and thighs, and the baggy derriere of my swimsuit indicated the distinct need for a new suit.

Lycra, it seems does not have an infinite life span and I, it seems am not a slender as when I was 16, the last time I wore a proper swimsuit.

A quick trip to a swimwear stand revealed a plethora of options.

Racer-backs, power-backs, pull-backs, chlorine resistance, body sculpting the choice was endless.

Following advice, I went for one of the sports-style all in ones, for good support, with a chlorine resistant material, which is designed to withstand regular training.

The choice of accessories is also huge and with my locks in a sopping, tangled mess, I opted for a silicone hat, a more durable option than the thinner latex styles.

A good set of goggles will also prevent the chlorine creating that “morning after a heavy night look”.

A range of other bits and bobs like nose clips and ear plugs were not for me, but are often favoured by those who want water kept out of the facial orifices or who suffer with ear infections.

Now that I’m fully sorted out with a much more suitable kit, I’ve booked myself a session at the Wentworth Swim Clinic.

I’m hoping my instructor Mark will be able to instantly transform me in to Rebecca Adlington - we share a name, why not a swimming technique?

But back to reality... he will be advising me on my stroke technique and how to swim stronger for longer.

So for a few tips to take into your own training, log on again next week to see what the expert had to say.

First published at 16:02, Thursday, 11 February 2010
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk