I seem to go into O2 debt when swimming so I can't complete a pool length yet. Any ideas?
Yes, position is EVERYTHING in beginner swimming! Legs are heavy, muscle& bones, dense; the thoracic cavity (the chest) is very bouyant. This, combined with the fact most people think your head has to be out of the water all the time to breathe, makes for really poor position and exponential drag against the water. Get a good coach to work with you in the pool. Good luck! -T
A few things may be going on. First, it may be that you simply are not taking getting enough air while swimming. Breathing is very difficult for new swimmers to master and, as a result, you may not be getting the maximum amount of air with each breath. Proper breathing ties in with proper stroke, which is most likely the cause of your problems. Efficiency in the water trumps brute strength all the time. If you try to “fight” the water, you will quickly run out of oxygen and, as you are finding out, begin to fatigue. I suggest getting swimming instruction and having a lot of patience. A good swim instructor/coach can greatly benefit you.
I have coached many swimmers and the first thing to note is it takes time in the pool to get in "pool shape". Have someone look at your body position and form in the water. The more efficient and economical you are the easier it is to swim and not go into oxygen debt. It takes patience and time in the water, you need to feel relaxed in the water. Keep working at it one day it will click and feel easier. Set small goals each week to go further without stopping. Good Luck!