If the Good L-rd Wanted Me to Swim, He Would Have Given Me Gills

You may have heard that swimming is a great exercise for asthmatics.  I certainly have.  What you may not know is why.  One of the main reasons why swimming is a good exercise for asthmatics is that the air in the pool is relatively clean, as opposed to the air that is available when bicycling or running outdoors, where the air is, at best, filled with the usual crud that pollutes the air.  At worst, outdoor cyclists and runners have the distinct pleasure of sucking in the exhaust and fumes that are emitted by the cars and trucks that traverse those street and roads that runners and cyclists share.  This is one of the reasons that swimming is a more asthma-friendly sport.  There is also the fact that the temperature and humidity level of the water above the surface of the pool is often more suitable for an asthmatic's lungs, or so I have heard. 

However, none of this makes up for the fact that swimming, at least the freestyle stroke, entails spending 80% - 95% of the time spent exercising with your head in a medium that offers zero oxygen.  A gulp of pollen-filled air is no cup of tea, but it beats the heck out of a lung-full of water.  You see, one of the major challenges that I face with asthma is not only the capacity to breath, but also an awkward breathing rate.  As a result, I need to focus on my breathing cadence, which is easy enough when I can take a breath whenever needed.  That is why swimming creates a unique challenge to me.  As a result, I could certainly make do without fins (though it would help), though they would be helpful, but good L-rd, I need gills.

In full discolsure, when I was younger (meaning, age 12) I was an excellent swimmer.  I spent a lot of time in the and under the water.  I could swim forever and hold my breath for even longer.  However, that was then and this is now (a couple of decades and pounds later).  My current reality is that the second that I put my head in the water I can't wait to get my head out, to take a breath.  So, if someone knows where I can get a gill implants (are there any pulmonary-plastic surgeons reading this blog?), please let me know.  Until then happens, I will continue to half-drown-half-churn through the water.