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. 

The joys of night swimming.

This weekend's night swim marked the end of an amazing summer open water swimming season. It promised to be a great evening including swimming, food and entertainment. In addition the weather for this time of year was just balmy, meaning the water wasn't so cold. We arrived on site in good time and unloaded our kit. They had suggested that we bring extra items with us, like torches, camping chairs, warm clothing etc, so when Shark emptied an extra bag out of the back of the car, I paid it no attention.

The venue was bustling with swimmers and their families. Shark and I found an unoccupied bench and, once we had signed in, started to get ready. Shark put on her wetsuit and began emptying the extra bag she had brought. I watched in amusement as she pulled out several torches, a string of fairy lights, electric tea lights and a box of glow sticks. I was expecting her to pull out a candelabra and standard lamp as well, however she thankfully stopped at the glow sticks. My amusement quickly turned to horror as she then began to divide them into two piles. There was no way I was swimming round a lake adorning a set of fairy lights and I managed to negotiate only one torch for me and was expected her to do the same, however she began embellishing her tow float, and herself with the remainder of the lights (of which there were many). Finally we were ready to set off. I did express concern that the tow float looked under considerable pressure from the weight of the lights, however was met with 'the look' and thought I'd leave it there. I could always say I told you so afterwards when the body was found!

Thanks gbimages photography for this lovely pic.
BTW- this is not Shark's tow float we are sitting on!

For safety reasons, and rightly so, we were issued with a glow stick which was attached to the cord at the back of our wetsuits. I'm not entirely sure that Shark needed further illumination, she already looked like Christmas, however rules are rules. We set off doing breaststroke to warm up and enjoy the view with all the lights and campfires back to the beach area, but my wetsuit isn't designed for this stroke and so had to swim front crawl the rest of the way. My wetsuit is also not designed for swimming with a glow stick either, and after several nasty strikes to the face. I thought I was under attack at first, and one near miss decapitation (Shark, not me) I stopped and asked her (for her own safety as well as mine) to help me to relocate it to my goggles. I (probably shouldn't have) used the nearby buoy to steady myself (too scared to use the tow float for fear of electrocution) however this manoeuvre caused an avalanche of lights that were illuminating the buoy. With the help of the safety crew the buoy was quickly returned to its former glory and we were on our way again. We managed to swim a mile, before it began to get too dark for me, my middle aged eyes were struggling to see too far ahead. I suggested we head back to the campsite for pizza (there was a retro pizza van there! How amazing is that?), and Shark, not one to miss a golden opportunity, suggested that as I was struggling to see, that I follow her well lit tow float back. I have to admit it was helpful, however she was so well lit that I suspect that she could actually have guided a plane in to land! Touché Shark!

The campsite atmosphere was great, and when they announced there would be singing I was beside myself with excitement and nostalgia. Sadly the fact that I am still word perfect at Kumbaya and the Kookaburra song would only add more enjoyment to my evening. If I'd known in advance of this most marvellous thing I would have spent the daylight hours doing vocal warm ups and gargling with salt water instead of doing the ironing and cleaning my kitchen! I needn't have worried, it seems that campfire songs have moved on significantly since the 1980's, and modern classics are the thing, which were sung amazingly well by the young girl with a guitar. I'm not sure I would have enhanced the experience at all, and not because my voice had not been in tip tip condition, but rather because I've actually no idea what the words were! Shark look relived when I said I wouldn't be joining in. She thinks she, and the rest of the people that were there have dodged a bullet... I say you can't judge my campfire singing on what you hear on brief car journeys. The acoustics are nowhere near the same!

The campfires were lit, adding atmosphere, and also the opportunities to roast marshmallows! I was delighted when Coach Morg arrived carrying the mother of all marshmallows for us. They were so large that the skewer was practically bowing under the weight. This is not a complaint...

Before we were allowed to go (Shark was driving, I had no choice), we had to make sure that all of Shark's torches and lights were turned off and untangled... It took ages , there were so many. I thank goodness she wasn't plugged into the National Grid, for there would not certainly have been a power dip in the area. Also, and quite an important piece of information- electricity and water don't mix. We had such a lovely evening. The water was amazing, the atmosphere great, the mood lighting (courtesy of Shark) was mostly bright, illuminating and I have to admit, almost a little bit magical.

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. It's 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

Training plan for Windermere one way swim.

Planning the training schedule for a 10.5 mile swim ought to be undertaken with at least a small degree of military precision based on a whole cohort of factors like, for example, research, fitness, experience... Instead, armed with nothing but my diary and a (borrowed) unicorn pen, Shark and I found a quiet corner of the cafe to more "hatch a plan' than produce some structured training! The general consensus amongst the small group of two, after a morning of deliberating and pretty much eating our way through the menu was that neither of us had much of a clue.

In honesty I did look on the internet for a training plan to use, but my searches pretty much drew a blank when it came to anything over 10km. There were/are many for up to this distance. I know this as I used one last year, as my very generous children surprised/shocked me with the Mother's Day gift of a 10km swim, and although I didn't follow the plan to the letter, it gave me a great base from which to train. I did need to adapted it slightly to suit me, however it worked a treat. I base this on the fact that I survived the swim in one piece, and enjoyed it enough to do another one after it (although not immediately- I was in shock for a short while after ...).

I did start the planning for Windermere by writing what turned out to be a worryingly long list of my limitations. Some temporary (on doctors orders and physiotherapists advice) and other things I could never do because of my dicky knees and hips, in fact the list turned out to be longer than my actual diary, and so I quickly ditched this approach in favour of just writing down each week and what I hoped I could do, and as I am only a novice swimmer, and far from qualified to know how to plan to train like a champion, I could be forgiven if I cocked it up!

Here's the original plan

And so it began. I stepped back into the pool on 1st March, and gave myself a month to be swimming a mile. Speed didn't matter (no I don't actually believe that either), I just had to be up to that distance. This is a copy of the original, and very un-neat 21 week plan. It only included the dates for the longer swim, and so in the interest of completion here's the rest.

Day 1- long swim - increase gradually according to scheduled week (open water whenever possible).

Day 2- rest

Day 3- steady 1 mile (just turning my arms), loads of stretches.

Day 4- sets and sometimes a training session with a coach focussing mainly on stroke and drills, followed by a steady mile.

Day 5- rest

Day 6- either a 1 or a 2 mile swim. Slightly faster pace than when swimming in long session.

Day 7- rest

And there you have it - with very limited knowledge, a very amateur and basic training plan was cobbled together, and only time would tell whether it would actually be successful.

As I got into the swing of things, I have to say that the original plan (I'm talking about the long swim day here) was working a treat, right up until the day that we had to change venues, as one of us (that be me) had a family party that had to be attended that evening (our usual swim time). According to the plan, that I had been diligently following, I was scheduled to swim 6 miles on this date, and therefore had to change the swim venue. Unfortunately, due to unswimmable swimming conditions (Shark seeing a shark (I know, right? In a land locked lake in Yorkshire...) amidst some unruly weeds in the middle of the lake) led to an abandoned attempt after only a mile (read here for the finer details) still-yet-to-overcome-fear-of-weeds.html before we headed to the cafe to eat cake that we really didn't deserve, but ate anyway!

With no other opportunity to do a long swim that week, I had to wait (feeling tetchy) till the next week to get back on schedule. I must say that it was a great 6 mile swim that followed. I felt surprisingly well, despite the week off, and after much discussion, analysing (loosely) and agonising, Shark and I realised that we had enjoyed not having a longer swim and felt refreshed and revived. We discussed the possibility that swimming a long swim every week was not giving our bodies sufficient time to recover after each one, and that having what was essentially a week off, there had actually been no dip in performance, and we felt none the worse for it, and actually revised the plan after this date to:

20th June - 6 miles

27th June - 5 miles

4th July - 7 miles

11th July - 5 miles

18th Jul - 8.5 miles

25th July - 5 miles

1st August - 9 miles

8th August -6 miles

15th August - 4 miles 

Was the training plan successful? Did I over train? Did I under train? I truly have no idea, but here's what I do know (now I'm post swim). I had trained to swim the length of Windermere for 6 months, and yes there were times when it was tough, it was tiring, the water was really cold, I couldn't find my mojo and some days it just hurt to swim, but I did it! I swam 10.5 miles without stopping (bar the food breaks) and without injury and the knowledge that I had worked hard to get to that point. I exited the lake (in the most inelegant of ways - as standard!) feeling absolutely amazing. On reflection, I have to add that it's not just about the training plan. It's also about having a great group of supportive family and friends that believe you can do it. It's also about determination and self belief and it's about the rewards at the end. I'm talking about the sense of achievement, the sense of accomplishment, the bragging rights and finally the huge slab of guilt free cake!

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

We did it! We swam the length of Windermere!

Finally, after 2 cafe stops for coffee and scones (it's not even a two hour drive, but frightened of not eating enough carbs), Shark and I arrive at Windermere. The car suspension has survived the journey, and I'm talking about our over zealous packing, not because I've spent the last 8 days overeating, but passing it off, rather successfully I thought, as carb loading!

We head straight down to the lakes edge to see where we would be finishing and to dip a toe in. As we approached the waters edge we were confronted by some very territorial ducks that were diligently parading up and down where we were. Their beaks looked sharp, and I suspect they weren't afraid to use them in a bid to protect their lake.  As I couldn't be sure whether it was food they were after or my feet and not wanting to get a toe injury this late in the proceedings decided to retreated instead to the pub (only for soft drinks- my body being a temple and all that!). We met up with Leon and Al from Swimyourswim to discuss the details for the following day. This was the point I broached the subject of available room on the boat, to which I was pretty much told that it wasn't the QE2 and that silver or waiter service would not be provided during the swim.

Checking out the venue

After our standard pre-swim meal of fish and chips, we head back to the hotel for an early night, but unfortunately despite the comfiest of beds it just didn't happen, so I began to read, only to be distracted by worrying questions going round my head. Not sensible ones like did I pack a spare towel? Or have I added the right labels to each feed? No, it was stuff like will my sandwich taste any good if I drop it in the water? (No, it was shocking, but ate it anyway) Would it be worth putting sun lotion on my hands? (even though I didn't because it was overcast, I should have- I really should. I now have awful tan lines on my wrists!) It must have been bad as usually it's impossible to distract me from a Roy Grace novel once I get reading, but as it stood I couldn't sleep and nor could I read.

The following day, the day of the swim, and I couldn't have been more excited. Breakfasted, we were collected and driven to the other side of the lake where we met up with Al and Leon at the boat. Although Al had given us the limits on size of bags, what he hadn't mentioned was weight, and so taking full advantage of this had tightly packed everything I needed (and more, and was prepared to tell them that the I 💜New York keyring and the peg (long story) I took were actually my lucky mascots and essential to my mental well being for the swim). As we handed over our bags, we also handed over some envelopes. We had provided them with some activities to do whilst they were on the boat. Things like colouring, Mastermind quizzes, Mr&Mrs, reading sonnets (in the style of a sergeant major) and Beatrix Potter stories (with a mouthful of marshmallows) and yoga - that kind of thing. We told them it was to keep their minds and bodies active over the course of the day, however the reality was actually an attempt to stop them being mischievous. You see, they provide a live link (available to watch on the Swimyourswim Facebook page) which mostly charts our progress, and reminds viewers of the Virgin Giving pages for any donations to the charities, but as well as this they use it to keep themselves, and viewers amused (please watch them, they are hilarious- especially the one with Keri-anne Payne (who actually watched it and commented, and then congratulated me on my swim), and Al reading Peter Rabbit with a mouthful of marshmallows). Swimyourswim

From the slipway I did my warm up and then we set off. In my eagerness to get started I forgot to ask the temperature, and I also forgot to put my goggles on! My second attempt at starting was thankfully more successful, and despite being given clear direction from the boat about which direction to take, began swimming towards the wrong buoy. With an eye roll from the boat the more simple instruction was "see those huge hills over there? Head for them!" You couldn't wish for a better, or bigger thing to use for sighting!

The water was a millpond, and the temperature okay, I soon found my rhythm and a steady pace; I was worried about setting off too fast, after all I'd not swam this distance before, and after what felt like no time at all it was time for the first feed. We had planned on every hour and although the conditions were near perfect, it's usual for me to have really cold hands and feet for the first hour or so, and today was no exception, added to this there were some really cold spots in the lake. To help with this I had packed some hot (too hot) orange squash. I asked Al for some of my (Harrogate) water, packed specially to cool it down a bit to which I was told we didn't have time and to stop faffing about and dip my cup in the lake!

An enormous, solitary and curious swan that was in no hurry to move guarded the next stretch. We had a whole lake between us, but were both determined to want to be in the exact spot. We were on the brink of a stand off with a swan, when I realised that I was actually in no position to win. We were eye level with it and very much at a disadvantage. I swear it was sizing me up, and had pretty much come up with an exit strategy when thankfully it flew off further down the lake. Thank goodness. I'm not entirely sure whether me leaping on a small boat, with two people on it and a load of heavy (and quite large) bags would have actually survived the impact and I can say with certainty wouldn't have ended well! Continuing the swim I had been using the "huge hills" to sight, however decided at this point to stop using the landscape in front of me, it just never got any nearer, and instead began using the boat to my left and any buoys to the right, to which I found quite successful although of the whole lake stretching roughly 18km x 1.5km you would thing that I could use a buoy to sight, and not actually touch it, but no, I managed to hit the thing with my arm. You could look at it as a positive though. I am 100% accurate!?!

I began to tire but knew that our next feed was imminent as I'd seen Al rifling through our bags. It had felt like a long hour, and my stomach felt a little strange. I continued swimming until Al indicated he was ready, and this was the point where I think I saw the only fish of the whole swim. I say think because there is a possibility that because I was tired I was actually hallucinating, still, worked a treat and for the next five minutes my pace increased, despite the lack of energy. When we stopped I was ready for something more substantial than a bar or a gel, so ate half of a jam and butter sandwich (the bit I didn't drop in the lake tasted 100% better than the bit I did!) and as I began eating it I realised that the unfamiliar sensation I'd been feeling in my stomach was actually hunger. Something I'd not felt once for the last eight days, since I began carb loading...8 days is far too longer stretch for carb loading.

In all of my training it's around the six mile mark that I struggle a bit, and knowing this in advance really helped me to chose carefully for my next feed. It wasn't a case of choosing what my body needed, it was more about having some home comforts, and bearing this in mind I had packed myself a Fat Rascal from Betty's (the cafe in my local town), and I have to say it really perked me up. It tasted amazing... except the bottom half. That was less amazing having being dunked (definitely not deliberately) in lake water. Next time I'll break it up into smaller, bitesize, chunks before hand. Lesson learnt.

The weather couldn't have been better, and the water was really flat, so it was very much a surprise when suddenly Leon indicated some chop (you can see it on the live video). A boat, that we hadn't seen, had come towards us quite fast and of course caused a wake. I say wake, it actually caused a real wave that stopped us in our tracks. I have never heard Shark swear like that which made me laugh and swallow a large part of the wave as it hit me in the face. This brief interruption was actually really welcome by way of a bit of a change, however my feelings was short lives when shortly after another boat came near causing another smaller wake, which also put me off my stroke for a bit... I was less keen on other boats being in the lake after that.

With one mile to go the feeling of knowing we had nearly completed it spurred me on. I had a sudden burst of energy, and almost euphoria. We were nearly there! The end was in sight, and so was our large, solitary swan again! (I'd at least like to think it was the same one, because I'm not entirely sure that they are usually that large). I'm not sure why it kept appearing, possibly just to keep me (metaphorically) on my toes...

We were finally at the finish with only a few strokes left to do. At the end I had planned to exit the lake a lot like Ursula Andress in Dr. No. In my mind I had it perfected, but unfortunately where we were to get out the ground was covered in large, slippery pebbles and as I stood up to get out to give Shark a "bloody hell we did it!" hug, I slipped and at the same time she stumbled backwards. We both fell back, very unceremoniously, into the water. I tried again to stand but my unobliging body was not having it, so sitting in the water for a breather to come eye to eye once again with our favourite stalker swan, this time flanked by the army of ducks from yesterday, and a sudden grim dilemma hits - there are two ways to get out of the lake and the other is back where we came from... Maybe next year!!

Al, Shark, me, Leon

I just wanted to add - It's been 8 months since my surgery, and 6 months being back swimming. It's been hard work, but it's been worth it. There's been mostly ups, but also some downs, but with the love and support of family and friends, a fantastic swim buddy Shark, Hollie and the guys at swimyourswim, some really hard graft, determination and not taking no for an answer, I did it. Thank you all so much. I am so proud of myself and a week on am still grinning. I can't wait for the next challenge...😊

Two last things - firstly I've been asked by swimmers about the training plan that I used for this swim. I did my own as I was unable to find one online that suited me. I'm more than happy to share, and will write it all out in neat as originally it was done in a cafe in the back of my diary in very untidy writing, and also there were changes made nearer to the swim that are different the original plan. I'll hopefully get it all sorted next week, and secondly, if you enjoy my blogs 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.

 @Openwaterwoman_

Open Water Woman

https://www.instagram.com/openwaterwoman/

Final preparations for Windermere

The last twenty weeks have been pretty much full with non-stop swimming/training/ driving to venues etcetera, and so with one week to go till my Windermere one way swim, according to my plan, I will only be doing two short pool swims. I initially wasn't too sure how I would feel about having some spare time on my hands, it felt like I was being lazy, however there is actually lots to do.

Firstly I need to think carefully about my diet, and what I'm going to eat this week. A quick look on the internet revealed that there are various suggestions on how soon to start carb loading before a long swim, and as I couldn't find a one size fits all, decided to stop looking and just go with all week- I don't want to accused of scrimping on my carbs this week, and that way I most definitely will have had plenty. I have only two, very much tried and tested (and actually edible), pasta meals in my cooking repetroir - Bolognese and carbonara. They are both eaten by my family regularly, without complaint, however I'm not sure they would tolerate the two dishes on repeat for the whole week, which means that I spent a morning trying to find recipes that suit everyone's tastes, not easy, so resorted to choosing what I like and I'll be telling them to pick out the bits they don't want (great parenting demonstrated right there!).

Over the last couple of months, whilst my swims have been increasingly getting longer, I have they have pretty much been living on yesterday's leftovers and ready meals for four nights a week. Always served with an apology of course, and a promise that it will only be till my swim is done, and then normal services will resume, to which they suggested (rather tentatively) that when the swim is done they should like to continue with this arrangement. Before I had time to object, they cleverly added that they think I will miss the swimming too much. I'm on to them though. They are not thinking of me. They prefer the ready meals to my cooking, and I have provided them with the perfect opportunity. I'm stuck between being okay with it and being upset that they don't like my cooking (not too upset mind) but their "selflessness" does give me a free pass to continue my swimming...

Recipes chosen I arrive at the supermarket with a list a mile long, including some ingredients I've never even heard of, to find myself migrating to the ready meal selection. My kids are not afraid to say when they don't like something (mostly my cooking), and the risotto they always request does look quite appetising, and they do say don't change anything before a swim, and whilst I'm not sure that extends to family members and their diets, I am not prepared to risk it, and guiltlessly fill my trolley.


Another must on my list for this week has been to write a check list and gather up everything that I need to take to Windermere with me. Once gathered together I realise that it looks like I'm about to embark on at least a two week stay, rather than a couple of days. I've packed more than double food than I've trained with, and if I have a spare of anything, even things that I've never once needed before now when I've swam, they've all gone in ... just in case. I'm not too sure what kind of emergency would warrant 3 pairs of goggles, 7 ear plugs, 2 silver blankets, a peg, a sewing kit and an "I 💜New York" key ring, however will take them all regardless.

Laid out on the floor in my spare room I realise that I actually not only have to fit it all into my car, but I also have to get Shark's stuff in too. I sent her a message suggesting that we (she) travels light, however don't think she took me very seriously when she sent me a photo of all of her things laid out. I need to contact Swimyourswim to find out how big our support boat actually is for as it stands nothing smaller than a barge will do. I fear that I'll need to be telling them, in the words of Brody (Jaws) "You're gonna need a need a bigger boat!"

I hope you've enjoyed reading this blog. Ive set up a Facebook 'group' Open Water Woman where I post more regularly. Please feel free to join, alternatively I'm also on Twitter Open water woman

Ditching my wetsuit for a skins swim...

I'd not been off the plane for ten minutes when a friend (and fellow swimmer) Claire called me to ask if I would be able to meet her the next day for a swim and have a coffee and catch up afterwards. Despite having a suitcase of laundry that needed attention, I agreed and packed up my wetsuit ready to go. After a week of sun, sea, sand and a small amount of swimming (in clear, warm, azure waters - sigh!) and the real fact that I'd also eaten my body weight in food, I needed the exercise and there was a real possibility that even getting my wetsuit on would be a long and difficult process, but holiday over, and my Windermere swim a week away, I needed to just rein in the bad eating habits before then.

I arrived the following day and as I began unloading my wetsuit etcetera out of my car (I don't know how to travel light!), Claire came over to say hello and to inform me that I wouldn't be needing it. "We are swimming in skins today." She announced. I must have looked shocked as I had assumed (wrongly it turned out) that Claire wanted a quick swim (in a wetsuit) and to have a catch up over coffee (etc) and to look through my holiday snaps, instead she had conveniently forgotten to share this titbit of information. "It'll be fun!" she added. I on the other hand am not convinced, but I should tell you that a small part of me actually breathed a sigh of relief. Nothing worse (or more exhausting) than trying in vain to get your wetsuit over chunky knees and holiday thighs, however the main part was horrified. I've only swam in skins once before, and that was last year, and whilst it was dramaless (unusual for me) I don't remember it all that fondly either, added to this (and at the risk of repeating myself), I've literally spent the week swimming (slowly and usually with snorkel and mask) in the most amazing crystal clear water at 30 degrees celsius with all manner of colourful and vibrant (and mostly small) fishes. I was both surprised and delighted with myself for actually doing it without panicking, and only hyperventilated once when a leatherback turtle appeared and took me completely by surprise - imagine that, being in the sea and all... 😅 Looking out at the lake on this cloudy and cooler day didn't seem all that appealing in contrast.

Last week

This week

Putting the swimming part to one side, I just wasn't prepared, and I don't mean mentally, a week ago I was beach ready (nails, hair... and the rest). I'd had no warning time to reinstate the pre-holiday me, (that being buffed, scrubbed, polished and prepared till I was pretty much shiny). I'm not making excuses here, but the good folks of Yorkshire should not be subjected to the post-holiday me, which included none of the aforementioned. Thankfully I'd brought my Swimzi and once stripped to only my swimming costume, wrapped myself up in it. It covered, and kept warm all the offending areas (and I love it more for this), so then there was just a matter of getting in without anyone seeing me.

Unfortunately a hundred other swimmers arrived at the same time as me and not one of them appeared to be in any hurry to get in. I thought about running in, but the odds of me breaking my neck in the process were long, and to be honest the bo**ocking I'd get from Leon for not aclimatising properly (even at a water temp of 18.5oc is a must) was just not worth it, so how did I get in? By side stepping at a brisk pace whilst hiding behind a strategically placed swim hat, that's how, and whilst I had planned to strut into the water like a seasoned athlete, the reality was far, far removed from that.

It was always going to be a rigmarole getting in. It was agonisingly slow, very sweary (not sure it's even a word) and with little dignity. There was nothing ladylike whatsoever about it, which was reinforced when I stubbed my toe on a rock and fell unceremoniously into the water. A quick recce revealed no damage, but the remaining week old nail varnish on my big toe was no longer there (no bad thing really - I'd decided a day into the holiday that white nail varnish was not the colour for me, so it did me a favour really).

After the initial shock (and embarrasement) of falling in I regained my composure (once the applause and laughing had eventually stopped) to find it wasn't too bad and after I climatised, we set off. The plan was to swim for 200 metres and see how we felt, and then just carry on from there if we were okay. Claire wanted a more leisurely swim, whereas I wanted to compare my usual time for a mile against in a wetsuit, and so we agreed to swim at our own pace. I set off at a good speed, concentrating on my stroke and how I was feeling without a wetsuit, but it wasn't long before my feet began to feel a little chilly. I realised that the best thing was to up my pace, and as fortune had it a man came from nowhere (a bit like the shopkeeper from Mr Ben - for those of you of a similar age to me) and overtook me (scared the life out of me). I'd like to tell myself that it was in a bid to get warmer that I decided to try and keep up with him, and to an extent it was, however if I'm being honest the real reason is that the competitive me just couldn't bear it. After another 400 metres it was very clear that I was not going to catch him, and I was also failing miserably at getting my feet warmer, when I caught sight of a whopper of a brown, large, camouflaged (I know not entirely as I could see it) fish, nothing like the fish I'd been used to. You'd think that I'd be okay with fish per say after my week pretty much living in the sea - where actual sharks live, but I still let a brown fish spook me. I immediately went into fight or flight mode resulting in the quickest lap I've ever done (discounting the one in the boat where I forgot to turn my watch off - It was a bit of a panic and all as I was being rescued from a lightning storm at the time).

How did I feel swimming without my wetsuit? After the initial shock (both from the surprise of doing it and the cold water) I did feel quite vulnerable when I got in, but once I'd relaxed into my stroke and concentrated on listening to my body, I actually quite enjoyed it. It wasn't as alarming as I thought I would be, and as long as all the fishes stay out of my way (could do with someone to corral them into a corner whilst I'm in) I managed to relax a little. Acclimatising is vital if I'm to do it going forwards and ensuring that I've warmed up fully before I get in, this should mean no cold feet, or indeed no cold anything. I think the worse bit for me (and this will come as no surprise to the that know me) was the fear of the unknown (fish), however I am sharing their environment and it's just part of it, however if seeing a fish is going to mean my lap time increases as it did today, I'm pretty sure I can learn to live with it... Eventually!