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!

Manic Monday

Okay it doesn't look that manic but with about about thirty odd swimmers in the pool it seemed quite crowded to me.At almost 19ºC the water has risen seven degrees in seven days which is amazing. I didn't make it up over the week-end, in fact I chose not to. From what I was told this morning it was just as well, the hot weather saw the place packed out with queues stretching back into the carpark. The upshot being the Monday morning water is rather cloudy probably with all the suncream washed into it.

So no sub-aqautic images but here's the view from the changing room. Also with water this warm there wasn't much time for chat. I did thirty six lengths, just over two miles in just under an hour. I've also joined a team for the mid summer relay, I'll be swimming with Sue, Nick and Pip.

Funky trunks

The weather continues to excell itself. Quite a busy pool this morning and a chance to try out my new trunks which arrived last night from the USA. I designed them myself using the Tooting Bec Lido badge which has been described as either 'italianate' or 'like something out of Hogwarts'. I wanted a retro style design and needed to use my favoutite colour orange. They weren't cheap but at the same time not too expensive. I had them lined both front and back so they're quite heavy compared to my usual speedo's. I'm really happy with them!

Here's the template I was sent to approve for them. The company is called Agonswim.com, their logo is on the rear left of the trunks. I only had time for thirty lenghts today and the water was a tropical 17ºC, that's up 5ºC in five days! The two Sue's, Chris, Ian and Margy were shooting a video to go with the lido song.

Two miles

The warmest day and night of the year saw the temperature rocket up to 16ºC. The crowds still haven't descended on the lido making this the best time of the year for a swim. I started off just outside the the lines on the track side of the pool. The swim trek coach was doing a few lengths ( I guess his lessons were over) try as I might there was no way I could keep up with him. After my first mile Alfonso joined me in the water.

Chris and Sue were also swimming track side. Sue B later played a recording of Chris singing his 'I love Tooting' lido song. It's in the style of George Formby, Vince accompanys on ukulele. It's very good and I'll post a link to it when it's online.

A bit too far away to catch Alfonso's tumble. He's doing the Eton lake swim this Sunday, Good luck!

The sky was grey this morning but it was very warm. The water felt great, pity it's gone a little cloudy.

I'm loving the reflection on this picture, despite a strong kick Alfonso is a very smooth swimmer. I completed thirty six lengths just over two miles and the longest swim I've done this year. It took me just under an hour.

Hot stuff

The weather has at last taken a decided turn for the better and accordingly the lido was the fullest I've seen for 8.15am. David took the all important water temperature, just about 14ºC.

The sun was obscured by high clouds but the air so warm it didn't matter. a fair few new suits were in the water once again.

David probably felt like he was in Cannes with both Johnathan and I snapping away while he took the temperature.

You could really feel the difference in the water. Tricky was cruising up and down, his position in the water is really good. Not sure who he was swimming with?

Johnathan was doing his best to keep up with Pip, a bit of a harder swim than he's used to I think.

It looks like Tricky has three arms, no wonder he swims so well. I did twenty two lengths and could happily have done more if I had time. Wasn't cold at all when I got out for the first time this year, didn't need thermals for cycling to work!