Jumping in at the deep end

I have not been swimming for a long time. Life just got in the way - as it does.
So when I got back in the pool it was like I fell in love all over again.
I personally enjoy swimming first thing on a morning. It is refreshing and really wakes me up.
I was surprised at how easily I just got back into the swing of it.
A mile every Tuesday morning really does help me with virtually everything.
It clears my head and relaxes me. When I'm having a tough time with work, as I have been lately, it is great for de-stressing. It also helps improve my running by regulating my breathing pattern as well as strengthening my entire body.

Not the most flattering photo but I spent most of my holiday in Cyprus in the water. I'm at my happiest in the blue stuff.

I hope I don't ever have to miss so many weeks of swimming again because I almost forgot how much I loved it.
I recommend it to all fitness fanatics. It helps improve your cardio and nurtures your muscles helping to reduce the risk of injury.
Gliding through the water on a morning is so therapeutic. I wake up extra early so I can get in as soon as the pool opens and for the first five minutes it is just me and the water and it is so peaceful.
Just writing this is making me want to take the plunge again.

There was an old lady who swallowed a fly

Has anyone ever asked her why she swallowed the fly? I don't think so. Maybe it is because she doesn't know how to control her breathing properly while running?
That is definitely the reason I swallowed about 50 flies tonight. I was running in unknown territory so it was more like a little exploration exercise, however this meant I came across big steep hills with rubbly terrain so I had to push myself quite a bit. This is something I enjoy but I was sucking in the air and I must have inhaled a large population of the little field flies that were hovering around. I can deal with that, it's the bigger flies that you feel hitting the back of your throat that I have had enough of.
So after my run I got on the web and did a lot of research. Turns out the gob flopped open approach is actually my best bet. Great, come at me flies, looks like I have no choice but to get the extra protein down my neck.
So, I made it sound like I struggled and I was huffing and puffing, this isn't quite the case. I was ok but for the last few runs now I have thought, I really want to learn proper running form and technique.
I was under the impression breathing right while running really helps your performance, and it does but I need to test out the recommendations first.
So naturally most people breath and their chests move right? Well this is wrong.
Belly breaths are the way forward. Big, deep, slow breaths that make your belly move and your chest stay still are for the best. It means you are getting more oxygen into your body and breathing deeper and slower.
Your best bet is to practice this at home first. I have been sat here doing it for about an hour. It is actually quite relaxing. Again, I'll have a go when I'm running tomorrow and find out if it is easier said then done.
According to many sources on the web it is also best to have your mouth open, it keeps your face muscles relaxed and your mouth takes in more oxygen than your nostrils.
It is also recommended that you work on finding a pattern, for example breathe in when you take off on your left foot and breathe out when you land on your right. Obviously this will be entirely individual and will differ depending on speed, terrain etc.