My Seussical Life for 2004 April 14

There was one other swimmer doing laps tonight at the natatorium when I arrived. I took the lane beside him--there are only three lanes, and he was in the middle. As I eased myself into the water, I noticed that at the end of every lap, when he reached the wall of the pool, he would dramatically flip under water and push off to continue his strokes without the slightest pause. Very impressive.

I thought this would be a nice transition to learn, so I observed his form for a few minutes, and then struck out to give it a try.

I swam a few warm up laps, and then, reaching the side of the pool, I thrust my front toward the bottom of the pool, trying to turn. My hind quarters floated to the surface, and I inhaled water. Choking and hacking, I heaved my head out of the pool and struggled to clear my sinuses. At the opposite end of the pool, the life guard stood and walked the office behind her to get the floater thingy that most life guards keep on their laps while on duty.

This was a pretty embarrassing ordeal. I will not be trying this stunt again without an expert to advise me.