London 2012

I started training today for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.  Event:  Swimming.  Okay, you can stop laughing now.  I am currently in Tokyo and since I am spending so much quality time here these days, I decided to take up swimming.  The hotel has a nice indoor lap pool that is free of charge for those of us who work for a certain large airline.  Though in order to use the pool, I had to go and buy a cap and goggles, as they are required to use in the pool.  Fortunately, Speedo's are not.  I am perfectly content to swim in my board shorts, thank you.  So this morning I got up and headed down to the pool.  First of all, let me say, I am not a swimmer.  Sure, I can go off the diving board and (I use this term lightly) swim to the side, but I have never, ever swam for distance.  So, I got in the pool, which by the way, was also occupied by about 3 middle aged/older Japanese women (what's up with that?) and started doing my laps.  And basically I learned that my technique sucks, probably because I have no technique.  (Maybe I should hire a coach?).  I think my whole problem stems from the fact that I don't like putting my face in the water.  Whatever.  I did some laps until my legs and arms were burning (about 30 minutes worth of swimming) and then got out.  While I was sitting pool side another American guy came along and started doing some laps....and he looked like he knew what he was doing...so I studied his technique for awhile and I think I learned a few things.  Maybe I won't need a coach after all.  Anyway, I am going to try again tomorrow, or tonight if I get really bored and try and improve my form.  I've got 4 years to get ready for London.