One mile qualifying swim at 7oc in the bag!

I’m no Wincy Willis, but I was convinced that this week’s qualifying swim would go ahead on account of the water being too warm still (over 6oc- if you can call that warm!), and as last week the water was only just under 10oc it would need a significant drop to count. Even 0.01oc drop is a huge deal at the moment, however today needed to be a massive 4oc to count.  Anyway, what do I know? Britain has entered a ‘cold snap’ this week, and qualifying would go ahead as planned.

The water temperature was 7oc, and under new rules from IISA, to qualify I would need to swim a mile at this temperature, rather than the 1,000 metres at 6oc that I was expecting. Even though today was qualifying day, all week I had convinced myself that it wouldn’t be happening, and felt quite grateful that I would have more time to prepare as the temperature slid slowly down the scale to 6oc. I’ll admit that I suddenly felt a bit overwhelmed and unprepared. This was 3oc difference from last week, and by far the coldest swim I’d done, added to this Shark was absent from duty again, and as I had also expected to be swimming round the short course (nice and near the shore line), rather than the long course, I hadn’t brought my tow float either!

As Leon gave us our safety briefing I felt calmer knowing that there would be two motorized safety boats on the water, along with spotters, and a crew of people waiting at the finish to take me inside and look after me (and the others – thought I’d add).

As I readied to get in, I realized how quickly a small group of people, all with the same achievements and goals in mind, comes together to support each other when one has a mini meltdown (over dramatic I know, but I’ll use it anyway). It’s both lovely and worrying at the same time how the folks I swim with have very quickly got the measure of me. I’m usually quite chatty (surprised?), but when I found out I would be doing the qualifying swim after all, needed a few minutes to gather my thoughts and regroup if you like, and this was when one lovely member of our group began offering supportive words and encouragement, the worrying part was when of the crew members asked me for my after swim drinks order. On the tip of my tongue was to suggest celebratory champagne, for if I do it then I will deserve it, however my mind was read, and before I could make any such proposition I was beaten to it with “if alcohol and swimming could be mixed I would be serving you your first choice, however they can’t and so shall we go with your usual cappuccino instead?” I settled for coffee, but resolved to celebrate later, nothing flash… just a little tipple, warm fleecy blanket, gloves, a hot water bottle and me, hovering dangerously close to a radiator. After I’d sorted out my drinks order, Star Baker Chris came to see me to wish me luck and to ensure that I knew what was waiting for me, lifted the corner of his Tupperware container to (just about, if I squinted) reveal the fruits of his labour, his “new and improved recipe” chocolate brownies. Now I wasn’t sure how he could top the original ones, I happened to think they were perfectly fine, and on occasion have been known to have a couple after a swim, and then have one for the road, so speak from experience when it comes to the quality of them!

We all made our way down to the shoreline, and after the group photo, and being reliably informed that the pike would be low in the water as it’s so cold (so only debris, other (and much harder) fish, swans and the actual cold itself to worry about), always a silver lining! I went through my usual pre-getting in routine (slurp of hot squash and strip off – nothing complicated), before taking the plunge and setting off. On one hand the swim went really fast (not in speed of movement), I was constantly checking how I felt, and being thorough and all, this took up time (time that was usually spent worrying about possible fish and swan attacks), whilst on the other hand my stroke felt all over the place (except when the support boat did a drive by- I think I pulled something decent out of the bag for that), it just felt slow and not altogether smooth. I was definitely accurate though. I know this because I hit five out of the sixteen buoys with a body part (not always including an arm or hand). A new course record for me, although sadly there's no certificate for this. Quite proud!

All done, I tried to stop my watch at the last buoy (priorities all wrong). This shouldn’t be attempted in really cold water, with cold hands that were not cooperating, but my stupid self was quite determined, and after much faffing about with the tiny button whilst trying to keep my head above the waterline, I realized that my time would have been greatly improved had I decided instead to just swim out and ask someone more capable to do it for me.

Getting out was literally a whirlwind. I was briefly congratulated, wrapped in towel and Swimzi whilst ushered inside, whilst being asked a series of very difficult questions (how do you feel? Did you order tea or coffee? Did you drive here today?) I think I answered all correctly, but have little recollection as I was concentrating on trying to walk whilst keeping my shoes on (it’s no good, I’m going to have to order more fitting shoes for this- and I can’t believe I’m going to, but, yes - probably fleecy Crocs or similar) without breaking my neck, or a toe (although if I were to break a toe at this stage, there’s a probability that I wouldn’t feel it for quite some time). Once inside I felt a bit weird, I felt like I was burning on the inside, I’d never experienced this before, and was quite alarmed, however was told that this was normal. I was stripped of my wet costume (I really didn’t care), dressed in warm clothes and my coat, reunited with my re-warmed hot water bottle (although at that point it could have been anyone’s, as it was put down my back, and given my coffee in literally under two minutes (these girls were utterly amazing). It was so quick that I lost all track of time, and was beginning to think that the after drop wasn’t coming this time…WRONG! I was shivering enough to dislodge a filling at one point and continued for quite some time. I was keen for it to stop soon as I was impatient and wanted to tuck into my “new and improved recipe” chocolate brownie that had been waiting for me. I couldn't chance it before, when I was shivering, as there was a dangerously high possibility that I may well drop a bit, and that was just not worth the risk!

So, that’s it really. My qualifying swim is completed, and was made not without the support and help of a great group of people. The incredible support crew at Swimyourswim, led by Leon and my fellow comrades, all of whom were amazing. There was only one person missing from that lot, my non-swimming swim buddy, Shark, having said that, she may as well have been there. I received a text message five minutes before I got in, which read as follows:

Shark: “Please take care and the very best of luck today. Sorry I can’t be there but will have celebratory cake on me next week. You can do it! X”

Me: “Thank you. Wish you were here with me, but you’re not. Celebratory cake? I see right through you Shark, it’s guilt cake really. It better be a huge slab- AND I’m not sharing.”

Shark: “You’re right… I’ll buy the whole cake if needs be. What time you in?”

Me: “Getting in now. Talk later?”

Shark: “Okay, good luck. Call me when you’re out?”

Me: “Will do!”

After this I get in the lake and do my swim. When I get out, and look at my phone, so that’s about an hour later to find six missed calls and a text that reads:

Shark: “I am worried. I’ve called you lots and you’re not answering. If you don’t call me back I shall be forced to call Leon to check up on you.”

Me: “I’m here, I’m fine, all done. Yay! Sorry to make you worry, although slightly amused that you called me not ten minutes after I said I was setting off. How fast did you think I would be swimming? I am not Michael Phelps, or a mermaid…” 

Shark: “Did you get a photo you could send?”

Me: “Oh no, sorry, my paparazzi loving Swim Sherpa isn’t with me today (better offer I think), so there are none thankfully.”

Shark: “Well now I know you’re alright I shall continue with my very important trip away and see you next week for cake and detailed account of the swim… excluding the stripping and getting dressed bit. You can leave that out! X”

See, incredible support crew… Even the absent ones!!!

Finally, it's a year since I first began writing my little blog, which stared as a way of writing about my recovery, the training and the swim I did last year (Windermere one way). I have been amazed and overwhelmed at the amazing response, and lovely messages of support I have had. After I had completed the swim I was asked if I would consider putting last year’s journey into a book. Going from a blog to an e-book is something quite different, and a lot scarier, however I decided after a lot of consideration to take the plunge (no pun intended) and do it, and finally has now been published this week on Amazon. How amazing (but mostly scary) is that? I hope that for those of you that read it feel inspired to not only take on difficult challenges, but also to never underestimate how far you can push yourself to achieve what you set out to do.

Open Water Woman Swims Windermere is available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Open-Water-Woman-Swims-Windermere-ebook/dp/B079ZB1775/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520196854&sr=8-1&keywords=jacqui+Hargrave

If you have enjoyed reading my blogs also I have a "group" on Facebook. Its not really a group, as it's only me, but on it I post more regularly, and I'm also on Twitter and Instagram. You'd be very welcome. Here are the links. 😊

 @Openwaterwoman_
Open Water Woman

Swimming in cold water and the struggles with "after drop", bad camera angles and complicated clothing...

After Shark had very kindly offered to drive to the lake this weekend, and informed me that we would be leaving at 7:45am, I did manage to get my kit bag and myself to her house on time (this includes a five...ish minute leeway), despite a small lie in (not entirely planned), and no time to put on even any mascara (Don’t judge – I’m ancient and need all the external help I can get!) by the skin of my teeth. I would also have loved a coffee, having not had the time to have one before I set off, and would have suggested under normal circumstances that we stop on the way, however, being that I had already delayed us a tiny bit, decided that it probably best to not push my luck further and that I’d manage without until we got there.

Shark wasn’t swimming but had offered to come along for moral support, hold my towel, cheer me on, check I was okay when I got out, issue instructions through the changing room door and replenish hot drinks and my hot water bottle, and although the former part of the journey was spent putting the world right (half an hour of utter rubbish), the latter was spent talking about her new role as non-swimming swim buddy – or in short, and less tongue tying to say, Swim Sherpa.

The water temperature was finally under 10oc (9.8). I planned to swim five laps of the short course. A mile… or so I thought, and although I spend the best part of the first lap doing anything to avoid the almost inevitable ice cream head (although think I may have cracked this one) whilst trying to find my swimming groove, by the second lap I have settled into a rhythm and felt well. By lap four I was almost blasé about the whole swim, however this was actually short lived, as I honestly hadn’t realized how much the cold had effected my coordination, until I came upon a bit of traffic. The traffic and I approached the buoy at the same time, and I had judged it that he was slightly wide of it, and so that gave me the advantage of the racing line (of course he had no idea we were racing…). In my head I was nipping round the inside, doing a corkscrew movement around the buoy, and emerging round the corner unscathed and effortlessly continuing my swim. The reality of which was nothing like it. In brief, I lost all sense of proportion and squeezed through a gap that actually didn’t exist, hit my hand on the buoy, and then head butted it and then hit the swimmer on his ear almost dislodging his goggles (If we had have actually been racing I could well have been disqualified for this misjudgment). Other than that, all was going well until lap five when it felt like I was feebly trying to swim through treacle. I managed to up my pace in some kind of final flourish when I remembered there was the prize of chocolate goodies to be had on completion, and made a huge effort to look like this lap had been no effort whatsoever. I was nearing the end, but as I approached the shore line I heard Shark yelling to me “one more lap. One more is a mile.” I can’t tell you how cheerless I felt hearing this. I’d used up tons of energy on my last lap; I was tiring and feeling the cold. I knew I’d just about got one more in me and so began my second attempt at a final lap complaining under my breath (mouth closed of course). Having upped my speed on the last lap thinking it was just that – my last lap, to unexpectedly have to do one more felt like torture, however by the time I’d really finished I had overcome my mini meltdown and was back in my stride.

Finishing, I was surprise at how great it felt. Shark was taking photographs of me getting out (including usual theatrical exit) … when actually wasn’t she supposed to be holding my towel whilst yelling encouraging words at me rather than trying to be Annie Liebovitz? Once properly out Shark came into her own, she had me wrapped in a towel and my Swimzi, drinking hot orange (from new, shiny flask) and walking me to the changing room in no time. If last week is anything to go by I know I have approximately ten minutes to get dressed before the ‘after drop’ (In brief- The ‘After Drop’ refers to when your core temperature continues to cool down after you come out of (in this case) cold water and are beginning to rewarm again. It’s the warm blood from your core mixing with the cool blood from your peripheral. This causes your core temperature to drop).

I knew I had to get dressed quickly, however the lack of coordination that I had in the lake was also very obvious in the changing room too. I was so surprised at the difference one degree temperature drop makes. Last week I was dressed and drinking coffee in no time, before I began shaking (mildly), whereas this week, and despite being very aware that I had only a short window of time, I felt useless! My skin felt sticky as I struggled to put my top on, and after only managing to with get half of my body in (no further details required here I hope) I gave up in favour of battling with my socks instead. I knew I was taking too long, and after my toe became entangled and all hope of retrieving it were lost, I asked Shark for help. I figured with her nursing background she would have ‘seen it all’ anyway, and would not be shocked by the mess I was in with my complicated jumper and stuck toe. Shark goes into Sherpa mode (I did notice the amused look on her face) and took over my dressing. All hope of retaining any dignity were sadly lost when she announced that my jumper had to come off as it was the wrong way round, and I just sat there and allowed her to get on with it, not caring less, whilst she fussed over me (for which I am most grateful). That’s when the shivering started (In a nutshell, shivering is your body’s response to being cold. It’s your muscles contracting and expanding quickly. This produces heat, which helps to raise your body temperature), effectively making Sherpa Shark’s job more difficult and laborious (for I was neither use nor ornament). Once I am all dressed and good to go, I was ushered into the café area where a coffee (with lid and straw) was put in front of me along with one of Star Baker Chris’s rocky roads along with a refilled hot water bottle. I am instructed to do as I’m told (difficult), which included sitting, drinking something hot and walking round the room (in no particular order). I have to say that the shaking went on for far longer than last week, and there was just no way to control it, despite my best efforts – I tried!

About half an hour later and once the shaking has subsided enough, and Shark is confident enough that I won’t drop her phone she offers me her camera to have a look through some of the photos she had taken. I am shocked at how terrible I looked. I actually look grey. I hold Sherpa Shark fully responsible for this, as she should have known that soft filters, gentle lighting and flattering camera angles were required and thus should have been adopted before she took any photographs. I shall also blame the extra lap I had to do in order to complete the mile. I will not however blame myself in any way, shape to form, or the fact that I didn’t have enough time before we set off (due to unforeseen circumstances listed earlier) to put any (waterproof) make- up on, that’s evidently very much needed at such times! 😧

Finally, it's a year since I first began writing my little blog, which stared as a way of writing about my recovery, the training and the swim I did last year (Windermere one way). I have been amazed and overwhelmed at the amazing response, and lovely messages of support I have had. After I had completed the swim I was asked if I would consider putting last year’s journey into a book. Going from a blog to an e-book is something quite different, and a lot scarier, however I decided after a lot of consideration to take the plunge (no pun intended) and do it, and finally has now been published this week on Amazon. How amazing (but mostly scary) is that? I hope that for those of you that read it feel inspired to not only take on difficult challenges, but also to never underestimate how far you can push yourself to achieve what you set out to do.

Open Water Woman Swims Windermere is available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Open-Water-Woman-Swims-Windermere-ebook/dp/B079ZB1775/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520196854&sr=8-1&keywords=jacqui+Hargrave

If you have enjoyed reading my blogs also I have a "group" on Facebook. Its not really a group, as it's only me, but on it I post more regularly, and I'm also on Twitter and Instagram. You'd be very welcome. Here are the links. 😊

 @Openwaterwoman_

Open Water Woman 

Exchanging my swim buddy for a tow float (temporarily of course...).

Over the last two weeks I found myself 'buddyless', and whilst during the warmer months this wouldn't phase me one bit (well maybe the fish phobia that I have would a little) as I'd just get in the water and get on with it, but this is now November and also the first year that I've swam this late in the year. Alongside this I have also ditched my wetsuit and am trying to acclimatise myself to the colder water that comes with winter and I'm discovering that swimming in it is a whole different ball game, with a whole different set of rules. I'm only just learning how my body responds to the cold water, and with my very limited experience so far (all of a month) I just don't feel confident enough just yet to go it alone (I must just add that I do swim at a venue where there is a safety crew that know their stuff, but I hope you know what I mean?), anyway, back to my errant swim buddy... I have always (apart from an odd time) swum with Shark. She tried getting rid of me in the early days, but I convinced her of the benefits of having me there (not too sure what they are actually, but I must have rustled up a convincing list - that or she just felt sorry for me, either way it worked), and so swimming without her and without my wetsuit in a colder environment than I’m used to had me a little worried.

When I ran my concerns past Shark I thought she might recommend finding someone else to buddy up with, but instead suggested that as her replacement I try using a tow float. She uses one for every swim, however I'm pretty sure that it's not for visibility, but rather she is prepared to use hers as a piece of lifesaving kit (I must add that all the manufactures that I found state that a tow float is just for visibility) as I am completely useless in an emergency. So out of necessity, and my own piece of mind, I decide it’s probably my best option. Shark is keen to remind me that any swap is merely temporary, and a means to an end, and not because she is doing a bad job, but she just has had a lot of other prior engagements recently she told me that she simply must attend. I actually think she may be pulling a fast one and is secretly at home in front of a warm fire, tucked under a fleecy blanket, watching Judith Chalmers swanning around some tropical paradise, whilst smugly drinking hot alcoholic beverages.

After a quick look online, I found there are three types of tow float: A swimming tow float, a dry bag swimming tow float and a tow donut, I have checked out colours, shape, lights and dimensions, and have come to the conclusion that actually size does matter, and have gone large. I've chosen one that's as big as a pontoon, with the capacity to house a capsule wardrobe (probably not including stilettos) and despite the warnings that it is not a safety device should the need arise, like Shark, I am fully prepared to ignore this.

So this week, swim bud is unfortunately not able to swim again. Her excuse, I mean reason, is that she isn't feeling well enough, but has offered to come with me for moral support and to stand on the side (probably whilst coughing up a lung) to hold my towel and offer words of encouragement. I’m very grateful and do sympathise with her for a bit by telling her she looks tired, but it’s really just my polite way of saying "you look a bit shit!" And she really does...

I offer to drive (windows down of course). I also offer her a Berocca and suggest she wraps up warm for the journey -we have an hours drive ahead of us!). We set off earlier than we would normally as I have budgeted for the extra time it will take to blow up the enormous tow float... Shark begins her supportive roll the minute we get out of the car, and makes an attempt to blow it up, but before it reaches her mouth I have snatched it back. I know she is trying to be helpful, but she has nasty germs. I soften the blow by telling her it's because I don't want her to exert her already weakened self, but that's actually a big fat lie and begin inflating it myself - note to self - be better prepared and do this the night before. It saves lots and lots of time that could be used more wisely doing things like swimming for example, or eating cake. Instead I am mindlessly trying to blow it up and getting nowhere. My lungs are about to spontaneously combust before I realise that it has a safety catch, and the safety catch is still on! Turns out I am one of those annoying people that thinks they are above reading the instructions! I should have learnt my lesson back in my youth when I attempted a flat pack, self assembly table. It was after several hours of failed attempts, and only when the electric drill I bought especially to help ran out of charge, that it was declared unfit for purpose, and all eating of meals on my lap resumed. I suspect that the table is still living an unfulfilled life in my loft.

Ready to go with my new, and slightly modified, tow float!

Ready to go with my new, and slightly modified, tow float!

As I am writing this you will probably have picked up on the fact that I did indeed survive the swim without my buddy. Yay! How'd I fair? The burning question on your lips no doubt? Well, the swim went very well, although I missed Shark's witty banter (the float was kind of quiet), it was better than Shark at navigating the buoys. Shark's not so winning strategy for the shortest racing line is to hit the thing head on... literally, whilst the float on the other hand gave them a wide berth (I may have a helping hand in this. The thought of being tethered to a buoy by it is not too appealing really), It did keep catching the back of my leg, which was kind of annoying, but it did the job and I certainly felt more at ease swimming with it than I think I would have done without. When I got back Shark joked (or at least I hope it was a joke) that the tow float had given her peace of mind knowing that it would make locating my body easier from the shore line, but also added that she would like to add some modifications. I (turns out wrongly) thought she meant adding lights, reflectors, whistle, torch, flares, but no, she pretty much wanted to add a full first aid kit in the area reserved for clothing. I remind her of my inability to function properly in any kind of medical situation, and then it dawned on me... she wasn't really going to add a first aid kit, she was reminding me by stealth of how lucky I was to have her and what an asset she is to our little team of two. I go to give her a very brief hug, but remembering she is harvesting germs at the moment and opt instead for a pat on the back, and keep to myself the stark fact that she is actually THE only asset we have!

I must say there are a lot of benefits to Shark being ill. Firstly, as I get out of the water I am handed my warm towel and ushered inside into the warm whilst she carries my bag. Is this the point I'm meant to hand her a tip? I'm not sure what the protocol is?!?. I am given instructions under the door on how to dress (I'm not sure how I've managed to get to my age without this facility) and then when I emerge I'm handed a cup of coffee, and a refilled hot water bottle and one of the Winter Swimming Club's star baker Chris's legendary chocolate brownies (I am obliged at this point to add that Shark too is a fantastic baker. Her cakes are truly amazing- except for perhaps her one attempt at coconut cake, but we won't go there).

So, the tow float - Will I use it again? Here's the thing - I'd much rather share the experience with my amazing swim bud, who is as much of a scaredy cat as I am, if not more (it's the shark in the lake story with which I am basing this on), who almost chokes laughing at my trip ups (of which there are literally millions), is capable of downing a large slab of cake quicker than I can, is terrible at navigating buoys, leaves me stranded when she sees a large fish (I’d do the same to be fair), but she also takes amazingly good care of me, and is prepared to stand in the cold to be my Swimming Sherpa, when she's feeling a bit under the weather, to make sure I don’t prefer a tow float above her as a swim buddy. Shark is definitely my first choice, however on the days that she would rather stay home and be a couch potato, whilst trying to pass it off as something far more important, and isn't available to swim, I'd much rather have a relaxing swim where I feel safe and seen and enjoy it rather than worrying, I am more than happy to swap her (temporarily) for a tow float.

Finally, it's a year since I first began writing my little blog, which stared as a way of writing about my recovery, the training and the swim I did last year (Windermere one way). I have been amazed and overwhelmed at the amazing response, and lovely messages of support I have had. After I had completed the swim I was asked if I would consider putting last year’s journey into a book. Going from a blog to an e-book is something quite different, and a lot scarier, however I decided after a lot of consideration to take the plunge (no pun intended) and do it, and finally has now been published this week on Amazon. How amazing (but mostly scary) is that? I hope that for those of you that read it feel inspired to not only take on difficult challenges, but also to never underestimate how far you can push yourself to achieve what you set out to do.

Open Water Woman Swims Windermere is available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Open-Water-Woman-Swims-Windermere-ebook/dp/B079ZB1775/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520196854&sr=8-1&keywords=jacqui+Hargrave

If you have enjoyed reading my blogs also I have a "group" on Facebook. Its not really a group, as it's only me, but on it I post more regularly, and I'm also on Twitter and Instagram. You'd be very welcome. Here are the links. 😊

 @Openwaterwoman_
Open Water Woman

Best laid plans and all that...

The plan for today was as follows: arrive at pool, get changed, get in, swim, get out, shower, change (no-one wants to see someone in a state of undress in the cafe), get some coffee and depart. Today did not go to plan. Fact. Today went like this:

1. Walking between the indoor and outdoor pools in just a costume, in the cold is bad enough the first time, the second time, and after I’d already got in the water, because I’d left an essential part of kit (goggles) inside was most definitely embarrassing, uncool and fl**ing freezing.
2. After establishing my line in the non-laned pool I became a magnet to the lady next to me (sadly not the repellent type), who kicked me twice before nearly taking my eye out with a sharp blunt object – probably elbow. I shall be sporting a goggle shaped bruise I imagine.
3. Lid on drinks bottle not secure, and so tipped a whole pint of now icy water down me, making me yelp. Real classy!
4. I decide it may be safer to move back indoors for the last 15 minutes of my swim, however getting back indoors was more challenging that getting out. I think the door was also feeling the cold and made the most awful groaning/squeaking noise as I opened it, alerting all the other swimmers to my entrance.  Running is prohibited poolside, and so I did some kind of hopperty skipperty thing to the pool before stubbing my toe and then throwing myself in (no elegant diving in either, that’s also prohibited – not that I could rustle up an elegant dive... or any dive for that matter).
5. Witnessed a fellow gym goes using the communal hairdryer to dry between her toes. WTF? I had no idea that this was actually a thing that happened. I pull a face like I’ve swallowed a wasp, surely if you’re going to do it it should be in the privacy of your own home, using your own hairdryer? Also some of the acrobatic positions you appear to have to adopt to get your toes dry mean that certain body parts that should not be on show are in fact on show. Someone should tell her, but it won’t be me…
6. I make it to the cafe almost in one piece for a well-deserved coffee (I’d have cake too, but even I draw the line at cake before 9.30am). I am traumatised and I have one very prominent goggle mark from the earlier collision and eye ache (of which I couldn’t actually be sure whether it’s from the blow to the eye, or my retina burning from witnessing the toe drying incident). I drink my coffee with the utmost of care. I’ve already had one drink spilt down me, and with one eye not fully functioning, I don’t want yet another embarrassing incident before 10am. I may ask for a straw!

Finally, it's a year since I first began writing my little blog, which stared as a way of writing about my recovery, the training and the swim I did last year (Windermere one way). I have been amazed and overwhelmed at the amazing response, and lovely messages of support I have had. After I had completed the swim I was asked if I would consider putting last year’s journey into a book. Going from a blog to an e-book is something quite different, and a lot scarier, however I decided after a lot of consideration to take the plunge (no pun intended) and do it, and finally has now been published this week on Amazon. How amazing (but mostly scary) is that? I hope that for those of you that read it feel inspired to not only take on difficult challenges, but also to never underestimate how far you can push yourself to achieve what you set out to do.

Open Water Woman Swims Windermere is available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Open-Water-Woman-Swims-Windermere-ebook/dp/B079ZB1775/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520196854&sr=8-1&keywords=jacqui+Hargrave

If you have enjoyed reading my blogs also I have a "group" on Facebook. Its not really a group, as it's only me, but on it I post more regularly, and I'm also on Twitter and Instagram. You'd be very welcome. Here are the links. 😊

 @Openwaterwoman_
Open Water Woman

No two pools are ever the same!

MY pool is being refurbished. Personally I was fine with the slightly tatty pool, although I prefer the term 'well loved', however as it now has new owners, and unlike me, they would like more people to come. Unfortunatley I am completely unimportant and so MY pool has closed for a whole month for a spruce up.

The new owners have luckily lots of new other pools (sometimes two at each venue) that I am now allowed to use, all bigger than My pool, and if I were to be on holiday or a trip away I would thank my lucky stars for this facility, however I live almost an hour away from the nearest one, and so for the next month it won't so much going for a quick dip to the pool, but more of a day out! Still, it's that or not swim, and so for the next month I will be unable to meet friends, go shopping, cook, clean, iron or walk the dog; I simple won't have time!

And so I arrive at the temporary venue I notice some immediate differences. Some good, some less good:

1. At MY pool I can walk in and help myself to a million towels if I wish. I could have one to dry every strand of hair, every limb or every digit if I chose. I don't, I stick to two, despite probably needing three, but no-one likes a greedy cow, especially not the cleaners! At this pool the towels are behind the counter and closely guarded by a diligent receptionist who is managing to talk on the phone, type on the computer whilst keeping one close eye on me. I asked for two towels, although suspect I may really have needed a few more, they were tiny. She placed them on the counter and said "three silver coins please." My first thought was to consider locating the nearest Ikea- you can buy a hundred towels for three silver coins, but that would add more precious time, and so thinking on my feet I decided to assume she was talking to the person on the phone still and so with a flamboyant "thank you' and wave of the hand I hot footed it at neck breaking speed to hide in the changing rooms (if I can locate them before I'm found).

2. At MY pool they provide shampoo and conditioner. This nice touch is not a facility at this pool, and so after my swim I am afoot in the changing room bartering the contents of my kit bag in exchange for some (what is the going exchange for used ear plugs? Anyone know?). Unfortunately the time I got in the shower coincided with the children's mini gym session finishing, and so the best on offer (which I took gratefully) was baby shampoo. Two helpings later were not quite enough to rid the smell of au de chlorine, but beggars can't be choosers and all that.

3. At MY pool I know my way round. It is familiar and quite compact. This pool (and surrounding gym) is cavernous and the way to the pool from the changing room really could do with directions, maps, compasses (or colour coded lights would do) and small snack for the journey. I regret now not doing my Duke of Edinburgh award in my youth, but unfortunately it clashed with disco night... sacrifices that had to be made at the time are now coming back to bite me on the bum it seems.

4. This pool is longer than MY pool, and so in theory less turns should mean that I have a faster time. Unfortunately I lost count at thirteen, or could have been fifteen, or indeed any other odd number in the vicinity, and so couldn't be sure whether I was actually quicker or not. Disappointingly it would appear that no matter the length of the pool I still can't keep count...

5. Toe tapping is not a thing in this neck of the woods it seems, no, from my very limited experience of only one day, they appear to prefer more body parts touching when they are establishing superiority over the fast lane. This is achieved by actually swimming over slower swimmers without a backwards glance to see if the same slower swimmer has actually survived the ordeal (unless it was a complete accident). I shall have to find out what the protocol is for the return favour when they run out of steam and the slower swimmer catches them up. Over? Under? Around? Just in case it were to happen to me...

6. This pool had the biggest coffee machine ever, and when I clap eyes on it I am practically skipping into the cafe (I say practically - firstly I haven't actually skipped since I was 9 and really can't remember what to do, and so without running the risk of ending up in a heap with my legs pleated together at the foot of the machine I actually do some king of fancy looking legwork from my disco going years that I think Michael Jackson would have been proud of). I noticed though that it was not accompanied by any cake of a similar size, or any other for that matter. There were plenty of alternatives that all seemed to be sprinkled with healthy, but I'm not sure how I feel about no cakes. On the bright side though, being a huge cafe and all that, there are plenty of blind spots, and lets just say that if someone were to have a huge kit bag to hide contraband, and they were pretty stealth... well I'd go as far to say I think they may well get away with having their number one choice of post swim nutrition without being noticed.

Shark and I have been at the pool for what seems like the best part of the day, and as we depart for our long journey home, I notice an electronic suggestion box on the way out. In a bid to claw back some time I send Shark off ahead to warm the car (do people still say that now?), whilst I take time out of my (our) already long day to leave some constructive feedback and recommendations... They are after all stuck with me for a whole month and it's good to have things right from the off!!!


If you have enjoyed reading my blogs also I have a "group" on Facebook. Its not really a group, as it's only me, but on it I post more regularly, and I'm also on Twitter and Instagram. You'd be very welcome. Here are the links. 😊

 @Openwaterwoman_
Open Water Woman

Cold Water Shock- making myself aware of the causes, symptoms and responses.

I've recently decided that I'd like to continue swimming in the open water into the winter (not continually like Forrest Gump, 'cause that would be just too exhausting!), but even before I've even put a toe in the cold water, a good friend, who is always one to put the fear of God into you if she thinks you are being an idiot/stupid/risking life and limb, has already had her two penneth. She appears to be well versed to the dangers of cold water. Impressed, I enquire as to how she had become such an expert in the field. She admitted that she's quoting the RNLI's advice about the dangers of cold water to me having recently been on an educational visit and, well, (her words) "some of it had sunk in. I knew I'd need it one day to lecture my idiot friend who has no sense whatsoever! Why would you want to do it?"

Why indeed? Swimming in cold water is potentially dangerous, and up until now I have spent all the winter months almost surgically attached to my hot water bottle, so I'm really not sure, but I know I am waiting, with almost excitement (could be fear, they are said to be closely intertwined), for the water to cool down, and it seems I'm not alone, cold water swimming is fast becoming more and more popular, with many swimmers not only enjoying the cold water, but also claiming to have felt both physical and mental health benefits from it. There is, as of yet, only a small amount of scientific evidence to back this up, but there is more than plenty when it comes to the risks associated with swimming in cold water. 

One of the risks is hypothermia, which I shared with you in a recent blog, hypothermia-what-i-needed-to-know.html. Another, and one that people are far more likely to die from (sorry to be blunt), is cold water shock, which unlike hypothermia, happens as soon as you get in the water. Mike Tipton Professor of Human and Applied Physiology at the University of Portsmouth and cold water survival expert says:

"If you're lucky enough to survive long enough to die of hypothermia, you've done very well; most die in the first minute of immersion." 

I promised my anxious friend that I would read more about cold water and the risks involved and I thought I'd share the information with you, but before I go on please note I'm not a doctor, specialist, scientist, or indeed Guru (unlike my friend), I'm just a swimmer that wants to understand about the dangers, learn how my body will react so I can be better prepared and be able to respond properly, enabling me to enjoy my winter swimming as safely as I can, or worse case scenario, to increasing my chances of surviving. The information below is me just sharing. It does comes from experts, scientists, medical people, accomplished swimmers and organisations, all of which I'm not! These are their thoughts, opinions, recommendations and suggestions. Once again, I must say that some of it may be conflicting, and parts of it that you may not agree with .... Basically, in a nutshell what I'm trying to say is don't shoot the messenger!

Firstly, what is cold water shock? 

"It is the body's short term involuntary response to being suddenly immersed in cold water." RNLI (2017)

Our bodies are designed to function and operate efficiently within a very narrow temperature range which the body needs to maintain. If the body's status in quo is altered even just a little bit, it begins a process to return it back. It does this by sending signals to the hypothalamus in your brain (one of it's jobs is to keep your body in a stable and constant condition), via your nervous system. The hypothalamus then generates instructions to return the body to it's equilibrium state, so in the case of swimming in cold water, when your skin is exposed to the cold water, your body triggers immediate physiological responses (an automatic instinctive reaction to a stimulus). 

These responses are collectively known as the ‘cold shock response.' And as cold water carries heat away from your body about 25 times faster than air at the same temperature, the following effects will happen quickly: 

• Involuntary gasp- this overrides the ability to hold your breath. If this happens and your head is under the water you may drown immediately. One breath is all it can take.
• You start hyperventilating - (this can be as much as 4-5 times your breathing at rest). The rapid breathing can lead to hypocapnia (this is a deficiency of carbon dioxide in your blood), which can cause: dizziness, visual disturbances, anxiety, numb hands and feet, pins and needles, cramp, onset of asthma, chest pains and slower reaction times.
• Your heart rate and blood pressure increases significantly, and your heart rhythm may change as the blood vessels in your skin constrict in response to the cold, by shunting the blood away from your limbs to the core, to protect your vital organs- The increased load on your heart can lead to cardiac arrest or stroke. This is most likely you have an underlying heart condition, however it can happen to even the healthiest of people.
• Your ability to move decreases as the body cuts off the blood flow the the non essential muscles of your body. 
• Increased levels of the stress hormone adrenaline in your body -  this also increases your heart rate and your blood pressure.
• Dry drowning - cold water hitting your throat can cause it to spasm to stop any water getting into your lungs. Unfortunately, it will also stop any air getting in. 
• Your instinct may be to swim hard, however this can lead to drowning as you'll probably be gasping. 
• A feeling of panic.

I've include here a video link with Ant Middleton, the ex special forces military veteran and ambassador for RNLI, experiencing what cold shock feels like at the University of Portsmouth. It also demonstrated how cold water affects your motor skills, even after only a short period of time. It's an interesting watch. watch

Cold water shock only lasts for a short space of time. For some it will take less time than others - Everyone is different, but it usually passes in under three minutes. The important thing is to try and remain calm, and know that this feeling will pass.

How can you minimise the risk of cold water shock?

• Don't jump or dive in (that involuntary gasp underwater means you'll inhale water).
• Try and stay calm and relaxed.
• Wait for the feeling to pass before you set off swimming  (or if you do, swim with your head out of the water).
• Float on your back. 
• Habituate yourself gradually.
• Keep warm up to the moment you get in- swim coats, hats, gloves, socks, hot drink etc.
• Do some stretches- it should help you to get into your rhythm quicker.

So, if I am to continue swimming through the winter, what can I do to stop this from happening? The short answer is, nothing. Cold water shock happens whether I fall into cold water, or choose to get in and it will always happen, however there is some evidence to suggest that, if I repeatedly expose myself to the cold water (stimuli) it will result in an increased tolerance to the cold, which hopefully will mean that my response as I become accustomed to it will shorten, and I'll be able to enjoy the water for longer (repeatedly getting used to getting in cold water is known as habituation, whereas acclimatisation is the process of adjusting so you're able to stay in cold water for a longer period of time). I'll write more about these when I've had a bit more experience. In addition to reading about cold water shock and hypothermia (there are also two more stages of cold water immersion) I've joined a winter swim club. I've not swum in water colder than 14oc before now (except once very briefly at 10.1oc but I'm discounting that on the basis that no sooner was I in, than I got out - and not very elegantly I might add. I blame the lack of feeling in my feet and we'll leave it there), The one I joined (Swimyourswim) runs for six weeks and includes training, coaching, safety and advice. It's been great, and really informative. It turns out it's also full of great bakers. It's a lot like GBBO every week so far, and I couldn't be happier about that bit!

With regards to cold water they recommend the following: 

1. Keep warm until you get in the water.

2. Walk in up to your waist keeping your feet on the ground.

3. Hand/wrists in.

4. Splash the back of your neck and face.

5. Dip your shoulders under slowly. 

6.Gradually start swimming once breathing has settled.

7. It can take 200/400 metres to get comfy and swim easily.

8. Never swim alone.

I have to say that as I read back through this blog, it all seems pretty grave, however I really don't see the point in sugar coating it- not if it can save your life, or that of someone you're swimming with. Cold water is potentially dangerous, and as I report back to my friend (who I suspect was trying to put me off by suggesting I read about it), that I've now done the reading, am doing a course and still want to continue. She is not impressed, and now tells me that only a full medical will put her mind at rest (this actually isn't a bad idea. A clean bill of health before I start means that I know that I'm having a normal response to the cold rather than something else. This is also recommended by Leon at SYS and Coach Morg at Blue Lagooners), but I now realise that despite all my promise to be careful, there's actually no pleasing her when she said "This is all well and good but don't come running back to me when you've frost bitten toes!" Er, okay, but should I get frostbite, I'm pretty sure running will be out of the question anyway (I don't say these words, I only think them in my head... Too much like poking the already anxious bear otherwise, and I'm not that much of an idiot)!

Finally, it's a year since I first began writing my little blog, which stared as a way of writing about my recovery, the training and the swim I did last year (Windermere one way). I have been amazed and overwhelmed at the amazing response, and lovely messages of support I have had. After I had completed the swim I was asked if I would consider putting last year’s journey into a book. Going from a blog to an e-book is something quite different, and a lot scarier, however I decided after a lot of consideration to take the plunge (no pun intended) and do it, and finally has now been published this week on Amazon. How amazing (but mostly scary) is that? I hope that for those of you that read it feel inspired to not only take on difficult challenges, but also to never underestimate how far you can push yourself to achieve what you set out to do.

Open Water Woman Swims Windermere is available on Amazon

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Open-Water-Woman-Swims-Windermere-ebook/dp/B079ZB1775/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520196854&sr=8-1&keywords=jacqui+Hargrave

I also have a "group" on Facebook. Its not really a group, as it's only me, but on it I post more regularly, and I'm also on Twitter and Instagram. You'd be very welcome. Here are the links. 😊

 @Openwaterwoman_

Open Water Woman

Bibliography and points of reference (in no particular order):

http://swimyourswim.com
https://www.myevolve.org/ (for Coach Morg).

Tipton MJ (1989) The initial responses to cold-water immersion in man. Editorial Review, Clinical Science, 77: 581-588.

http://completeguide.rnli.org/cold-water-shock.html

https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2017/may/25/rnli-says-fight-your-instincts-not-the-water-to-help-stay-alive

https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks/cold-water-shockhttps://aceboater.com/en/cold-water-shock-symptoms-treatment

https://loneswimmer.com/2012/11/13/cold-water-immersion-and-cold-shock-the-first-three-minutes/

cold-water-shock-and-how-to-avoid-it

http://www.experts.com/Articles/Immersion-Into-Cold-Water-By-Dr-Alan-Steinman

http://www.rya.org.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/training/Web%20Documents/RYA%20Training/Instructors/Shorebased/Cold%20shock%20and%20hypothermia.pdf

http://www.rlss.org.uk/water-safety/water-safety/cold-water-shock/

https://www.boaterexam.com/blog/2010/05/cold-water-immersion.aspx

http://www.coldwatersafety.org/ColdShock.htm

https://www.healthline.com/health/thermoregulation

http://www.shipwrite.bc.ca/Chilling_truth.htm

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/body/brrr-joys-cold-water-swimming/

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-swimming-blog/2013/nov/29/cold-water-swimming

http://1vigor.com/article/cold-water-swimming-health-benefits/

https://health.spectator.co.uk/fewer-illnesses-less-stress-cold-water-swimming-can-change-life/

http://thenextchallenge.org/cold-water-swimming/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17993252

https://www.arenawaterinstinct.com/en_uk/community/fitness-wellness/swimming-in-cold-water-wise-or-foolish/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2231206/

http://edition.cnn.com/2017/05/03/health/ice-swimming-health-benefits-and-dangers/index.html

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mike_Tipton/publication/280581343_The_physiological_responses_to_cold-water_Immersion_and_submersion_from_research_to_protection/links/55fbab2c08aec948c4afb056.pdf?origin=publication_list

http://magazine.rnli.org/Article/Cold-water-shock-A-bolt-from-the-blue-125

http://www.kayaksession.com/the-chilling-truth-about-cold-water-immersion/

http://mariovittone.com/2010/10/the-truth-about-cold-water/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10967234

https://www.britishrowing.org/sites/default/files/publications/ColdWaterImmersionGuidance-19Mar09.pdf

http://www.sciencepoles.org/interview/dealing-with-cold-injury-and-cold-immersion-in-extreme-environments

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/microsites/lds/EEC/ICEE/textsearch/09articles/Michael%20J.%20Tipton.pdf

http://www.physoc.org/proceedings/abstract/Proc%20Physiol%20Soc%2035SA23

http://websites.sportstg.com/get_file.cgi?id=877756

Kolettis, T. M. and M. T. Kolettis (2003). "Winter swimming: healthy or hazardous?: Evidence and hypotheses." Medical Hypotheses 61(5-6): 654-656.