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 :-)
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