The Challenge is on!

Monday 9th March 2015 (926)

Last year Beewriter challenged me to join her this year in the Manchester Open Water Swim. She repeated the swim on 1st January this year and again laid down the challenge. I decided to accept! 

Recent weeks have been spent in a panic trying to source a wetsuit. I have been frustrated with all manufacturers who seem to think ladies of my size shouldn't do open water swimming requiring a wetsuit (rant over). I had a traumatic moment alone in a shop changing room trying one on when I got stuck ... I was rather relieved when I managed to get it off!!! Finally sourced one which arrived today and I think it fits, although I need to find a friend locally who can assist me doing it up to check. So, part one get wetsuit - complete (I hope).

I've always enjoyed swimming but haven't been for ages. Last time was one day last July, before that was relaxing swimming in Egypt in 2013, before that I can't remember. So, a bit of training needed to build my stamina back up. 

The Manchester swim is one mile. I did do a 2.2 mile sponsored swim in a pool once but that was about 20 years ago. Last year I had to keep stopping every few lengths. 

My training programme is behind schedule as I was ill recently. Today I decided to take a lunch break and go for a swim. I set myself the goal of 20 lengths non stop, thinking I would have to build up to that. 

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I decided on a gentle start and to swim for as long as I could without stopping. My target was possibly 30 lengths today, 32 would equal half a mile. Within a few lengths I was in my stroke and didn't feel the need to stop. Target of 32 reached but I didn't want to stop, I always did like to swim in batches of 10, so I kept going until I did 40 lengths (0.6 of a mile). First time for ages and non-stop in 28 minutes. Feeling quite pleased with myself. I could easily have carried on but time didn't permit.

I've signed up for a virtual swim challenge of crossing the English channel (21 miles). Thankfully I can do that in sections in the local pool and just watch my little character swim the channel on the computer! 

So, Beewriter, the challenge is on - 4th July here we come!