Learning freestyle as an adult can feel intimidating—but I want you to know that you’re not alone.

In this episode, I’m sharing 11 practical freestyle swimming tips that completely changed my own swimming journey. Unlike many coaches who learned to swim as children, I didn’t truly learn freestyle until adulthood. Because of that, I understand the fears, frustrations, and challenges that many adult beginners experience when they first get into the pool.

Whether you’re training for your first triathlon, looking to become a more confident swimmer, or simply want to improve your technique, these are the lessons I wish someone had shared with me when I was starting out.

If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I’m too old to learn to swim,” this episode is for you.

Remember—it’s never too late to become stronger, learn a new skill, or surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.

If you enjoy this episode, I’d love it if you subscribed and joined me each week as we talk about endurance sports, injury prevention, mental resilience, nutrition, recovery, and chasing big goals at any age.

The Maren Will Tri Podcast is for everyday athletes chasing extraordinary goals. Remember: it’s never too late to chase a dream, and it’s never too late to become stronger.

Most endurance athletes hit their worst setbacks just when they’re about to break through — but what if failure, injury, and even illness were secretly the training ground for resilience? Maren Williams, a marathoner and triathlete, shares her inspiring journey of overcoming life-altering health crises, shattered bones, and mental health struggles all while chasing her athletic dreams. This is a story about rebirth at any age, proving that it’s never too late to start, and that each setback is a setup for a comeback.

You’ll discover how Maren transformed a near-fatal blood clotting episode, a long hospital stay, and a broken leg into the fuel that powers her relentless push forward. Her story isn’t just about physical recovery — it’s about mental resilience, finding joy in the process, and pushing past mental barriers that keep so many of us stuck. If you’ve ever tried to bounce back from your own setback or wondered if it’s too late to start at any age, this episode is for you. You’ll learn practical tips on injury prevention, mental toughness, and balancing recovery with ambition.

We break down the core lessons Maren has learned: how to stay motivated when life throws everything at you, the importance of celebrating small wins, and the power of consistency over perfection. She shares her honest experience with injury rehab, mental health struggles, and her love for triathlon — a sport she found after setbacks that seemed insurmountable. Her journey is a masterclass in resilience, designed to inspire anyone doubting their ability to get back up, especially if you’re navigating your own health or aging into new challenges.

Why does this matter? Because every obstacle you face in your health or fitness journey is a chance to grow stronger — physically and mentally. Maren's story reminds us that transformation isn’t about avoiding setbacks but embracing them as part of the process. Whether you’re an athlete, a busy professional, or someone looking for motivation to restart, this episode will inspire you to see setbacks as stepping stones, not stop signs.

Tune in for an authentic, raw conversation about resilience, recovery, and rediscovering your passion — no matter your age or circumstance. Perfect for anyone facing injury, health challenges, or self-doubt, or for those who need a reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams or become your strongest self.