Lakes, Lido and lumpy sea swimming!

English summer weather didn't fail to disappoint on the morning of my first open water swim race. Pretty gusty, with driving rain and grey skies, was what we had to encounter - nothing new there then! The lake at Bowmoor Sailing Club, Cirencester was actually pretty warm though! However, due to a drifting buoy, (because of the wind), the 3.8k course was a little short. We all thought our times were a little on the rapid side! ;-) The race went well, usual carnage at the start, settling into a nice firm pace for the 3 laps. A bit more effort into the finish. Felt strong and happy with my 7th position non wettie (I worked out in a wetsuit I would have been approx 3rd lady) - happy with that and getting the first race out of the way. Off I toddled to the Lido after (in the rain) for a little bit more meterage (in the rain)!

There has been the opportunity to get some longer swim sets in at the lido the last couple of weeks. So, a 6.30am start till approx 9am, sees me ploughing up and down the lovely open air 50m pool, and will continue to do so for the forseeable future! I would rather stay in there for hours, than a chlorinated 25m swiming pool believe me. Even if it is pouring with rain! We are very lucky to have this facility so close. It is awesome. If you haven't already, you should try a little swim there - you may just like it!! Yesterday morning (June 21st) was summer solstice, and it opened for sunrise swimming! Even though the sunrise was shielded by grey clouds (gotta love our country's weather!) I was in there at 4.45am with swim buddy Dave (his Channel solo window is mid July). It was pretty busy and great to be swimming so early. We took the opportunity to do a 10k set. So much easier with someone else. We followed that up with a trip to the lake in the evening for a steady 'open water' 3k. Solid day's training! Just need to recover well now.

The Lake was also party to a 'night' swim last week. A few crazy swim buddies used the full moon (even though once again we couldn't see it because of the cloud) to our advantage! We didn't get in to the lake until about 10.30pm, this was then 'dark' enough for us to have to sight the glowing lightsticks placed on the buoys. It was brilliant swim practice in the dark. It is pretty surreal, but also quite calming and peaceful. All you can hear is the sound of your own breathing and hands entering the water every stroke. I really quite like swimming in darkness. Just as well really as this is likely to happen during the Channel attempt. A hot drink and slice of cake after, made the journey and late night worthwhile!! (I'm normally dropping off to sleep these days by 9.30pm!)

Dover Harbour was the setting for last weekend. Mid June always plays host there to the 'Champion of Champions'. It is a 5mile, 3 mile then 1 mile sea swim in the same day. There was alot of wind on the Friday and forecast for the Saturday, so there was talk of cancelling the race. However, all hardy open water swimmers travelled anyway, the course was altered slightly because it was quite 'lumpy' out there in the harbour, but he 5mile race went ahead in balmy 14.5 degree water. True to form wind picked up during the race, rain hammered down in parts, visibility was reduced to 'not alot' and people retired! The start/finish boat drifted (anchor problem), and this race we swam the best part of 6 miles!! Nature of the sport - be prepared for anything!!  I felt strong and swam well in those conditions. It seems to suit my stroke and mentality!! The 3 miler was cancelled due to longer first swim, conditions, safety of kayakers and swimmers. The 1 miler went ahead and again the course was brought in closer to shore, due to conditons. I swam quite strongly over such a short distance for me! The competion was HOT in the ladies. The first two females, beat the men!! I finished 7th (again). Note that the English Channel World Record Holder was 3rd!! Pleased with being thrown around, swallowing sea water and sighting in pretty tough conditions. All in all a good day at the office. Next day a two hour 'spin cycle' (as swim buddy Dave would say) training session across the harbour, with other like minded channel aspirants. True to form wind picked up in the second hour, leaving tired arms battling us back to shore! Even support crew man Matt got in for 40 minutes non wetsuit (couldn't stand the banter from the non neoprene, non triathlon lot!) ;-) Another good weekend 'training to type' in the bag!

Well, back to the lake this weekend for a 4 hour Saturday session, then a 3 hour Sunday session (we call these back to back swims). It will be a solitary face down effort for me - alot of this sort of swimming is fairly mental too. Will have all my energy drinks/feeds ready on the pontoon to keep me fuelled. It also helps focus to swim from feed to feed! Just need to get it done! The volume is really building now. Torbay 8 mile sea swim next weekend too! Wonder what delights our English summer will bring this weekend?........Who knows?! Be prepared for anything!

Training and Fundraising Update - Wind and Mad Hatters!

The end of May saw us travel to Cornwall. The intention was to sea swim.....lots!! It is a familiar bit of coast and a fair bit of my training (and body boarding) in the past, has been in these waters. However, the WIND...and lots of it (very strong too), put pay to my training intentions!! Even with knowledge of the tides, beaches and knowing the lifeguards present, it was far too risky to get in, and risk being sucked out. I would either have had to swim alone so far out back of a few surfers, I wouldn't have been seen. Or, dodge windsurfers, who were having a ball! I didn't fancy getting knocked unconcious or p***ing them off! There was alot of rough water moving around, and during the week, the wind just didn't settle :-( So, without getting too disappointed, I found a nice warm, chlorinated swimming pool to swim in, at lunchtimes, with all the retired regular lane swimmers - FANTASTIC!! But that was my only choice of getting metres in! Had to be done. I did dip in the cold sea a couple of times in the shallows and duck dived in and out of waves, and let them batter me about a bit, but that doesn't really count as 'swimming' in my book! Just bad timing, nature of the elements, but the sea will get a look in, as I have a race (9 miles total) in Dover on 18th June!

Fundraising is continuing to pick up. Thank you to all of you who have supported or donated so far!! To any of you who haven't and would like to, please use the links/info on here to do so. Thanks! Last Saturday (4th June) saw a fundraising Mad Hatters Tea Party take place. Luckily the weather had calmed down at this point and the sun was shining - phew! There was alot of different stalls and activities: Refreshments, raffle, guesser, jewellery, books, produce, bric a brac, clothes, childrens items, sports kit, face painting, darts etc. Most people also donated items and wore a (mad) hat!! Fun afternoon! It took a bit of organising and a BIG thankyou to those who helped and supported the event. We managed to raise some money that will help and go towards the charities: Pied Piper Appeal and Brainstrust. It is your support and these events that are so crucial to raising the funds. I do appreciate everyone's time and efforts. Please keep the donations coming!

Well, this weekend is my first open water race of the season. It is only a 3.8k lake swim, non wetsuit of course. I will be competing alongside mainly neoprened athletes, but it's cool to be different!! It will be great to get back in the mix. I love the pre race prep, few nerves, cold water feeling, the melee at the start (which I always seem to be in the middle of!) and the great feeling after once digesting well deserved tea and cake! The post race run down with fellow competitors/friends is always fun too. Once this one is done, they get LONGER.....and longer.....and even longer.....!! Will keep you updated :-)