future swimming

Question
Alright. I absolutely love to swim competively. But, my old coach was terrible. Not only did he love the fast/most well known swimmers on my team, he didnt have faith in me. Im 14 and this fall I will be going into High School and I will be on the swim teem there. I want to stay in shape during the summer. Do you think you can tell me some tips about how to do that? Also, I am afraid to push myself physically because of some past health issues. Can you tell me how to increase my lung compasity for next season?

Answer
Sarah-
Don't let past coaches or health issues get you down.  Always try to do your best, that's what is important.  Lung capacity is something that you are born with.  When you swim you should never hold your breath anyway.  You should always be either inhaling or exhaling.  You can help your cardiovascular conditioning by jogging or jumping rope or something that gets your heartrate up.
As for training you can lift weights (if you have the facilities available),if you can get into a pool on occasion that would help also.  Without being able to train in a pool during the summer, there really isn't a lot to do.
I hope this helps,
George