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!