I feel like a walrus doing a somersault...

After practicing doing flip-turns in the pool (where else would you practice them?), I've decided that the above statement is more likely an insult to the walrus. Nothing like learning a new skill to learn a little humility. Tonight, I was able to overcome the chlorine nasal lavage and actually successfully complete several laps with flip turns. I think the breakthrough was when I realized I was closing my eyes when I went into a somersault for some reason, and as soon as I started keeping them open, I was able to stay in my own lane even. Oh, yah, and not hit the bottom of the pool - that was fun. I need alot more practice, but I can do them. Timing is everything. For some reason, if I don't breath out pretty hard, I get water up my nose and into my sinuses, which hurts like hell - sort of an internal face burn. And somehow I did this swallowing thing and popped my ear, and it still hurts. Anyway, I practiced this for 45 minutes today in a full pool. I felt like a spaz, but at least I was trying. How else am I going to learn except by doing it.