I cannot tell you how excited I am to have won a place in this competition. The link to apply came up in a random facebook advert on my newsfeed, and my curiosity took me onto the entry page. It was a simple application and with little hesitation I had entered. The completion page advised that winners would be notified after 27th March, and so from the morning of the 27th I spent the day eagerly checking my inbox and junk folder. Nothing came through… and after a few days I’d accepted that I’d not been successful. And then as I was cooking my family their tea last week, I glanced at my phone to see the most amazing message from Becky. I’d missed her call, so she’d reached out via text.
Everything inside me was jumping for joy! I think I let out a little scream, then read the message again! I had actually won a place!!
My immediate delight was soon met with that internal question mark, asking can I actually do this? My swimming ability and fitness levels are rubbish (I did used to swim very well about 25 years ago). I guess it was expected that I’d have those thoughts of doubt creep in.
I didn’t truly believe that I’d won until Becky emailed the following morning. I’ve tried to not let the enormity of this challenge cast further doubt on my ability to complete it. My nephew was super proud this weekend having achieved his 25 metre swimming certificate. As I told him of my challenge, I couldn’t quite believe myself that in 12 weeks I’ll be swimming 1,600 metres non-stop! 1,600 metres!!!!! Is a mile really that long? I swear the mile long drive to our local shop doesn’t seem that far 🙂
So today is day 1 of the training plan. My watch and strava didn’t quite record my distance properly, but I achieved almost 30 mins in the water and attempted to swim over 200 metres. I say attempted as it was a random combination of breast stroke and doggy paddle kicking. I have a surfing wetsuit for the occasional spot of bodyboarding on holiday, and whilst it’s great for that, it isn’t great for swimming. Most people swimming in the lake are in skins (costume only) but it’s way too cold for me to do that!
As I was about to get out I decided to dunk my head under the water. The 10 degree water woke my face and I massively smiled afterwards. I’ve not put my head under water for many years. I watched all the other swimmers with their swim caps and goggles, and heads down as they swam. I watched their technique and their breathing.. and as I watched, I thought “that’s going to be me in 12 weeks”!!
That IS going to be me!! And I really cannot wait!!! 🧜‍♀️