Mike Gough

I arrived in Playa Blanca January 2013 for our annual winter break,feeling very lethargic,after extensive ankle surgery. Before surgery my fitness was deteriorating, due to the fact that my only physical exercise was golf due to problems with my ankle. The 4 months rehab only compounded this problem. Swimming,with no weight bearing issues,I thought,could be the answer.

At that time,my swimming capabilities was a breast stroke that would save me drowning and a front crawl that could get me laughed at.

I won't bore you with the detail but I got introduced to Fran.I spent a month with Fran which involved 2 group sessions per week. This was enough to make me realise there was a lot more to this than I thought and was the kind of exercise I could do back home. My progress was slowed on my return home by more surgery,which set me back 3 months. I joined a club with a 25 mtr pool in the uk and enlisted the help of their swimming coach Alison,who took over were Fran left off. My progress was steady,although it was held back by a weak ankle and lack of fitness,anyone having been in this situation will know there is a trade off between technique and stamina.

I returned to Playa Blanca January 2014 and joined in with Fran's classes on Tuesday and Thursday and also took advantage of some one to one sessions care of Miguel who works with Fran.I have now been here 5 weeks,unfortunately leaving at the end of this week. We have changed my technique to give me a breathing pattern that suits me better ( bi-lateral) and refined all the disciplines that make up a swimming stroke. My overall fitness has improved,reflecting in improved distances and recovery times. I realise there is a lot more work to do when I return home,but the ground work is in place and can't thank Fran and Miguel enough for their time and patience.

I would recommend anyone to join the group,there are people of all abilities and were very friendly and welcoming to a fellow pupil.