Lakeside National Relays - September 2013

At last, a chance to swim with my son Mark. 

Disappointingly, The Great East Swim at Alton Waters had been cancelled this year. I had been training my eldest son, Mark up for his very first outdoor swim and he was doing so well, so when we heard the news it was cancelled, having done all that training, we decided to enter the Lakeside 750m event instead.  Mark used to compete in his childhood but then the typical teenage phase of booze and fags got in the way and he became quite unfit.

It was whilst watching my video of the 24 hour swim challenge back in 2011, that he decided enough was enough.  If his ole mum can swim 24miles in 24 hours, then he's inspired to do something.

He sent me a beautiful text saying how proud he was of me and that he was going to cut the fags and booze, get fit and do something energetic! 

Here's a reminder of that epic (and sometimes sad) video of my challenge. 24 Hour Challenge You might need to put the kettle on before watching but if you want to see a grown woman break down, then just skip right to about minute 13.

Gary, my youngest son, was my swim buddy on this challenge and helped me through the night along with Chris.  Unfortunately, would you believe it but the tape ran out on the very last length so the grand finale was not caught on camera.

Anyway, that's old news.  Back to Mark.  The end of 2012 saw me without a job so I was able to devote 3 months to being Mark's swim coach.    Jeez, was he unfit on the first few trips to the pool.  All he could manage was 2 lengths max. before dying with exhaustion.  He trained his butt off for 5 months, we entered The Great East Swim and then just a couple of days before, we received the news that due to bad weather, the event had to be called off.

I don't think I have ever been so gutted before that a race had been cancelled.  Poor Mark was all hyped up and ready to go, it was so disappointing.

Unfortunately, he wasn't able to get the time off work to switch to The Great London swim, so I entered him in the 750metres at Lakeside instead.  By now though, he had lost his mo-jo.  I don't actually think he went anywhere near a swimming pool between June and September so when the day came to race at Lakeside, he was out of shape, but determined to do it.

I was in an 800m relay event and I had also entered the 750metres too so that I could keep Mark company (well he is my baby).

Chris was also entered into the 750 metres and when the gun went off, me and Mark were soon left far, far behind.  3mths out of the water, more booze and fags and he was rolling on to his back just kicking to get his breath and compose himself.

I told him not to worry about anyone else.  It was not a race, it was a challenge and we were going to complete it no matter what.  but I could tell by his face, that he didn't like being left behind.

However, funny how things take a turn for the better.  I noticed that we had been making some ground on another swimmer so said to Mark (as we had plenty of time to chat whilst we doggy-paddled round), hey look, I think you are catching a swimmer up.

To my surprise, of all people to catch up, it was Chris.  He was struck down with severe cramp and could not swim at all.  LOL, -- Come on Mark, we ain't gonna come last after all - HILARIOUS. 

We caught him up and I had a pang of guilt - do I stay with my husband who is in agony, or do I stay with my baby.  No brainer - See you laters Chris - we ain't coming last.  Apologies Chris, but Mark is only 28 years old after all and still needs his Mum :)

Mark was so pleased he finished, albeit it was not the swim he had imagined  He learnt his lesson, that you need to train for these things, so we have now entered the The Great East Swim again for f 2014, he has joint a Swimming Club and we are keeping fingers crossed that come June, he will get round the mile course without any hitches. 

Little bit disappointed that the first thing he grabbed when he climbed out of the lake was - A FAG!

Well done Mark.  Now it was your mums turn to have a tear in her eye and be so proud of you because you didn't give up - you did it and I am so so proud of you. x