Training begins: Stamina

Thankfully, the test that Ben, Brian, and I have to pass is not timed.  

The test includes a 75-yard swim using sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl.  IThe test concludes with a 25-yard swim using the backstroke.  At least one hard turn is required.  After that, you have to prove you can rest/ float on your back in the water.  

A large challenge for Brian will be the requirement that all of this must be done without a break.  

A few years back, I posted about Brian's challenge of climbing Stone Mountain.  It was a huge accomplishment.  He would go a certain distance up and come back down.  Eventually, he got to the top.  It was a wonderful accomplishment.  In his hikes, he had to take many breaks. He has more stamina now, but he still likes to take breaks.

It is mind over matter, to a point.  If you think you can swim 100 yards non-stop - you probably can.  If you don't think you can swim 100 yards non-stop....no dought that you won't.  So - for Brian - we need to get him to not only have the stamina but also the confidence.  

He had a swim practice on September 23 at Agnes Scott.  It was a start for him.  THe instructors are certainly all on board and ready to help him  

September 30 Treadmill:  

Treadmill at home 21 minutes.  Not sure of the distance.  

September 30 Swim at Dynamo Swim Club in Johns Creek.

1:   Touching deep end and coming back.  

This is something Brian has not done at all.  Our focus has been swimming and not sinking.  This was the first time he ever really intentionally went to the bottom of the deep end.  It means a strong swim underwater to get to the bottom, not just a "let yourself sink" 

2:  Retrieving an orange cone from the deep end.  

The orange cone in the picture was at the bottom of the deep end.  The instructor told Brian to retrieve it.  he tried with his hands, but it was a challenge.  He did grab it with his feet and pulled to the surface.  it was upside down, so when he got it to the surface, it was like trying to pick up a container of water with 7 gallons in it  The water did not drain fast. It was an interesting challenge.   

3:  Attempting backstroke for the first time.

It was the first attempt.  Swimming requires multiple body motions at once.  Brian did a good bit of weaving back and forth.  He also cheated a bit by continually touching the bottom of the pool in the shallower end.  he has to work on kicking and laying on back.  His legs kept going deeper, which made it harder for him to swim. 

4:  Swim a backstroke with a ball on the forehead.  

This added another element.  Some of the other swimmers were doing this as part of their training.  At times he was able to keep it on.  However, the focus of breathing, kicking, and arm movements were enough to keep Brian busy.  Adding the ball for focus may have been just a little bit much for the first time doing the backstroke.  

5:  Challenge:  Do a full lap (50 Yards) in five minutes.  

As I mentioned, the test is not timed.  Brian sometimes needs a challenge.  He enjoys being social.  Sometimes will fiddle around instead of staying focused on a task.  However, when you give him a challenge, he will try to overcome it. Going up Stone Mountain was a challenge.  Heck, learning how to walk again, that was a challenge.  The challenge of swimming 50 yards in 5 minutes is not as monumental as those.  He did it in 3:40. He did stop and touch the bottom a time or two, but he did it.  

6: Do 4 laps...3 freestyle, one backstroke,

This is, in essence, the BSA test.  It gives a base point.  He stopped after each 25 yards.  More stamina is needed.  Also, the way Brian swims is not your typical stroke.  He overcompensates with his right hand and leg. Doing this will actually cause someone to tire out quickly.  Imagine swimming with one arm and leg as extra weight in the water. For Brian he has to consciously think to do things like kick with both legs or open his left hand from a fist.  He also has to think to breathe.  His pattern has pretty much-been swim and stops everything to breathe, not just take a breath as you take a stroke.  They have worked with him on this.  Not a skill he will need to pass the test, but it will help in keeping the stamina.  

7:  Float for a minute:  

Brian and coach Sam

Attempt to stay floating on the back for 60 seconds.  Brian completed 2 attempts.  First was 27 seconds.  The second was 47.   

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 October 1: Popcorn!!!

The Scouts sell popcorn.  During the past 2 weekends, Ben and Brian sold popcorn at Holy Cross Catholic Church. They will each get a commission from the hard work they did that will go towards the funding of the trip.     







Conclusion:  
Good Start.  Hard word ahead.  However, good things are going to take place.