Hi George,

Question
I have recently started learning swimming at age 40. I have never been in a pool before. I am doing okay except that for the last few sessions I have been trying cover one length of the pool without breathing. I suck air in my mouth and keep my head immersed in the water from one end to the other. (I have yet to learn breathing technique). My problem is I have pain in my head on the left side towards back but not posterior part of the head. The pain is quite severe to begin but eases a little bit afterwards. A faint pain stays even outside the pool. I have a coach who watches my technique and he is quite happy with my technique. I have tried to check the reason for these pains on  the web and most common responses are related to dehydration, stiffness, tight goggles, etc. Just wondering if you could throw some light now what could be the issue and possible remedy for this pain.

Regards,

Ajay

Answer
First of all, have your coach start working on your breathing technique.  Your head ache is probably caused by a carbon dioxide build up from holding your breath the entire time you are swimming.  It is important to keep your body oxygenated when you exercise and the best thing to do is to learn a breathing technique.