Pond life

A jump or a dive? Ali performs a mixture of both into the murky waters at Hampstead mixed pond. A warm sunny Saturday when friends who normally work were off, The pond was a great place to spend it.

A more traditional dive from Eva. The water was probably around 20ºC I think. I probably get to swim up here once a year.

I changed and joined Ben in the water. They're plans to close the ponds at some point to renew the dams.

Even Reedy took to the water, he rather enjoyed it too.

Midsummer relay

The midsummer relay took place at the Lido last night and we had a proper midsummer evening with long shadows in the setting sun. I felt quite nervous arriving at the pool to see the large crowd of swimmers. Twenty nine teams of four were taking part, almost 120 swimmers!. We signed in, got our colour coded team hats and were assigned a lane. Pip's Squeaks were in lane 18, Margy's team were in 20. A quick and confusing run through of the rules and we were off. No images of the racing itself, I was too busy swimming!

There were many time keepers and helpers who did an excellent job. They were also serving coffee, hot chocolate and cakes afterwards.

The real hard work was working out who won. Nicola and Mandy fresh from the water looked over the numbers and Sue filled in the certificates. There were awards of bronze, silver and gold for the three different age categories.

First up were the under 150 (total age) winners. I don't know who they are but there were some powerful swimmers in this group.

The 150-200 winners were the Met police I think, they had quite a few swim teams here.

So Margy's team beat us to win the 200+ group. Swimtrek Dan who is holding the certificate had us in check all the way.

Here we are, silver medal for the Pip's Squeaks. It wasn't really all that relaxing but I was glad to take part. I think we did very well and I'm proud of my first ever swimming medal.

Good to be back

I'm back from the north and back in the water. It's feels good to be swimming, the rain has made the water soft with a fresh earthy smell to it. On Monday there were only three people in the water at 8am and although there were a few more this morning it wasn't the usual rubber Tuesday crowd. I'm not sure of the temperature because David is on holiday at the moment but a thirty six length (two mile) swim was fine. Wednesday sees the midsummer relay race, I'm in a team with Sue, Nick and Pip. Our main rival will be Margy's team, she has somehow coerced Swimtrek Dan to join and he's probably the fastest person I've seen in the lido.

Tootin'

An old picture, but I like it. Water still 19.5ºC swam a pleasant twenty four lengths. Will be taking a bit of a break now, off to Scotland for a couple of weeks. Happy swimming!

Catching Alfonso

I was just getting in the pool when I saw Alfonso. 'You're early' he said, he had hoped to get in a couple of lengths before I arrived. As it was he joined me after my first two but by mid length I was already ahead. I lagged for a bit but then wanted to get on if I was to complete my two mile swim in time. Although there was high cloud it was warm with the sun trying to break through, the water has stayed just under 20ºC.

Alfonso swam the 10K at Eton last week end in 2.54:31, no wonder he seemed a little tired. My goal was to try and catch him up over the two miles, I got a little closer with each length but didn't quite make it. I was perhaps 10 yards short after thirty four lengths. What it did mean though was the 3600 yard swim was done in just under 55 minutes. Phew!

Being the end of the month here are my stats:
Number of swims: 21
Temperature: between 9.5ºC and 19.5ºC
Number of lengths: 476
Distance: about 27 miles or 43 Km

May started off so cold, I'm well down on last years near 40 miles. Thankfully the temperature shot up for the end of the month (warmer than last year) and I got a few two milers in. The lido opened to the public a bit earlier this year, I'm not supposed to take pictures during the summer season so posts might be a bit more sporadic from now on.

Rubberless Wednesday

Quiet morning, perhaps half the numbers of yesterday. Wednesday is a less popular swimming day for some reason. A light mist had risen and the sun broke through, lovely and warm but not quite so humid as the past few days.

Nick chats to Barbara waiting for Sue and Pip to join him in training. When I wonder why the pool isn't so full today Barbara says 'Rubber Tuesday'. It's an early summer phenomenom apparently when the wetsuits like to train.

Twenty four lengths was enough today, great to have a bit more space in the water. It's easier to relax when you don't have to keep on the lookout. The water is clearing up a bit as well.

David makes the temperature 19.5ºC today. With the general cooling in the weather predicted this might be the early summer peak.

Chillaxing

Another super sunny morning, the water about 19ºC. When I arrived at 8am the water was frothing with wetsuits swimming every which way and it was difficult to find a spot to swim. I'm afraid we've been discovered now and it'll be like this for the summer. Thankfully most of the manic swimmers have departed for the office by 8.30am and the water settles down. Batch got bashful but Pip smiled for the camera.

I took a few snaps after my swim, as you can see it was warm enough just to relax and chat at the side of the pool. It's already difficult to remember how cold it was only a week ago. Margy has just arrived and catches up with Tricky and Sue before her swim.

The two Carls discussing strategy no doubt. I did another thirty six length swim in just under an hour. I'm sure I'll be down on last years May total but it's good to be getting back to longer swims,. After about a mile I feel my stroke becomes much more relaxed and efficient, I wish that happened sooner!