Today was gonna be one very busy day. Great Swim Series in the morning, dash back home, quick change, then to Take That concert at the new Wembly Stadium. As usual, the week had been hectic with last minute preparations for Karen's little swim across the channel. Gradually, the pile of things to take is growing so much, you'd be forgiven for thinking I was going on a week long cruise.
Unfortunately though, it meant I was gonna miss Karen's double. A 6hr swim at Dover Saturday followed by another 6 hr one on the Sunday. I have missed a lot of the Dover weekends due to my own swimming commitments but there's not a lot I can do for her now other than offer support and security of another swimmer beside her. Most of my hard work was done in the pool during the winter so now it's all down to just swim, swim, and more swimming. Once again, her week sessions have been limited due to work commitments so we make the most of what time we get.
So back to London, I was really looking forward to this one as it was only 1 mile and being in the docklands, sighting those buoys would be far easier than the lake swims. So, off I go to London. Chris was with me this time which was lovely. And I had some great news from BlueSeventy that they were prepared to exchange my suit that I had already worn for three Great Swims but was still struggling with the sizing. Maybe they felt a little responsible since they had insisted the Ladies Small would be OK for me, but either way, their after sales service has been impeccable. I decided to keep it dry and clean and go back to my good old faithful battered and bruised Speedo wetsuit for today's race. I couldn't help wondering whether it would make that much difference. Here I was in a 'cheaper' suit that's old and fits like a glove and has glue everywhere, when for the past 3 races I have worn a top range BlueSeventy that's been extremely uncomfortable. If I come in much faster today than Salford, is it because I am more comfortable?
The weather was fab, and once again, as soon as I got there, I was itching to get going. Had a few twinges of nerves this time so I need to get that into check quick. I am determined not to start putting any pressure on myself to do this or that. Just enjoy it. My last 1 mile at Salford Quays was 25.48 so this was the time to beat, I was telling myself, which is exactly why those nerves creep in. Self inflicted pressure. The atmosphere was great, hundreds of supporters, the usual tents, lots of music and happy faces. Bumped into Tongie, Helen and David on arrival from Redcaps who were going in the 9.30 wave so exchanged a few good luck wishes and time to go. 10.00a.m. pink wave for me.
The planes were flying low over the docklands into City Airport which added to the buzz of the day. And Chris, as usual, insisted on his continued commentary on the video cam that, only those who have had the misfortune to be made to watch it, will know what I mean !
So we were off, I positioned myself about a 1/3 back from the start and on the outside edge coz I'm always worried I am gonna get flattened if I am in the middle. I've been picking up some good little tips from the OpenWater magazine and these were going through my head as I found my pace.
I soon started to pick off the swimmers one by one as I edged my way up to the front. Anyone who does these races will know that you have absolutely no idea where you are coming, but I knew I was creeping up.
When I turned into the finishing straight and my feet found the pad, I was gobsmacked to hear over the loud speaker, First lady home, Lorraine Rate. Wow, I was chuffed. Just three men in front of me. Girl Power! 25.18 was the time and I came 2nd overall in the ladies over 50 category. And a much more comfortable swim for me this time.
We took ourselves over to the Blue Seventy tent and I felt their immediate disappointment when I told them I had just raced in my old Speedo suit today. The way they treated my problem truly shows why they head the field in wetsuits. They were lovely. No quibble whatsoever. "It's important to us that we fit you properly. We will post you a new Women's medium for you to try". Julie even went to the trouble of asking me to phone her when it arrives so we can discuss the fitting over the phone. Hows that for service.
I noticed the difference straight away so I think I am all set now to break into my new suit. I haven't raced in it yet but paraded around the house in it for an hour until I had dissolved into a puddle.
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| One Happy Bunny ! |
So, off home, quick bath to remove the green gu from me hair, get glammed up and back to Wembly. Another brilliant day. And not that I am a Take that fan and I am even less of a Robbie Williams fan, but I have to say, Robbie stole the show. He was great.
Sunday was a BBQ round Karen's with the Crew. Who are : Solo Swimmer - Karen. No. 1 Coach and companion swimmer - Bettsy
All present and correct. Discussed feeds, plan of action, shopping lists, rules etc and had a lovely evening so we are all ready and waiting for the phone call now.
Finally, no report of mine would ever be the same if I couldn't give mention to my dis-organised hubby. So here goes: First a Recap : Eton, he messed up. OK, forgiven, just don't let it happen again: Windermere, he messed up again - big time - our mini break holiday left me ALL BY MYSELF. (Read previous blogs if you need to catch up with Eton and Windermere saga). So, you will be forgiven for thinking by now, he will never ever ever dream of messing up again. Are you ready for this............ July 17th is the Bournemouth Pier to Pier swim. "Bettsy, I am gonna do this swim with you, please enter me in it. I always wish I was in the water swimming when I come to watch you so I will give it a go. And Bettsy, is that the weekend the Chalkwell Redcaps are going up on Friday and swimming at Dancing Ledge, Lullworth Cover, Durdle Door etc etc before the ultimate pier race on the Sunday". Yes it is. OK lets do that as well then. Perfect. A weekend with swimmers, swimming in lots of places, lovely. AAAAAArrrrrrrrrrgggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh! "Bettsy, when did you say Bournemouth was"? "Next Sunday WHY"! Errrrrrrmmmmm. Hate to say this, My Senior Golf Qualifier is on the Monday so I don't want risk any injury on the Sunday by swimming and also my practice round is Saturday".
My husband needs sectioning!!
Anyone wanna do Bournemouth and pretend they are Chris, I have a spare entry and also, anyone know anyone with a shotgun please ?
Channel crossing update : Anytime between 6 -15th July. I am typing this on the 9th July and the weather is appalling. Sooooooo windy. We are 4th in the queue and have just heard that swimmer No. 1 may go on Sunday, so perhaps we may go round about Wednesday. Meantime, that pile of stuff to take I mentioned earlier, is still growing. So today, we will swim in the River Crouch and tomorrow head off to Southend on Sea for a sea swim while we try to keep busy waiting for that call.
