980 lengths to go...

Splish splash - my 2nd Monday in the pool.

I did think I'd really struggle having not swum for 3 days in a row, as I went away for the weekend to celebrate achieving another year of wisdom.  I must admit, I didn't go for my early morning swim today as my eyes wouldn't open or focus when the alarm went off, and I thought it might be dangerous for me to drive in that condition to the pool first thing!  However, the lunchtime session went, well, eh hem, swimmingly.

Pool wasn't too busy and I only had to share the lane with one other swimmer and as we were both going at a fairly constant pace, we didn't get in each other's way.

Also, word about the Flower Power Cap is spreading as people see the cap and straight away say to me 'are you one of the ladies doing that Channel Swim for charity?' and I was chuffed that people know what we're doing.  A couple of more ladies will sign up on the sponsorship form too which always gives you a boost.

So, I swam 56 lengths this session - to add to last week's total of 374.

I'm hoping to get to the pool for an early session tomorrow morning, hope we don't have too many lane-rage incidents as it's too stressful a way to start your day!

A big tick in the box for my first week

Have returned from a most enjoyable session at the pool and got a further 54 lengths in, so that's 374 for this week. 

I've had to really push myself this week because I won't be around at the weekend as I'm off to go and play to celebrate my birthday.  Let's see if I can keep myself away from pools for 3 whole days!  I might have to have a little practice in the bath.

The not so good news on the horizon is that the weather will be poo this weekend, I just hope I don't get too much snow to ruin my fun!

Happy swimming to my fellow swimmers this weekend and TTFN from me!

Latest ideas for Hollywood

Today's early morning session has inspired me to write some scripts for sequels to Night of the Living Dead, namely:

Night of the Living Dead in the Pool; and

Night of the Living Dead on Ice

I've already seen some potential males who could take on the lead roles and suspect they'll be clawing each others eyes out to get chosen for my movie.  They are certainly pretty brutal when it comes to the morning swim and there's not a lot of room for sharing, so they would be perfect for the part!

Still, I managed to get 50 lengths in, so now a total of 320.

TTFN lovies!

Swimming through treacle pudding

Boy did I find this session hard.  By lap 34 I was really feeling I couldn't go on, but I hit the wall, slowly swam over it and by the time I'd reached 40 the end was in sight.  The last 10-15 laps seem easier to get through.

There was a lot of support today which really bouyed (eh hem) me along.  Three 'good luck/good-on-yer's and another three donating/sponsoring and asking about the background as to why we're doing the Channel Swim. 

There was only one chap in the pool when I got in and I think he took one look at my fancy cap and got out pretty quick!  Not sure if there's a connection, but there wasn't much lane rage with us gals swimming which made the session a lot more enjoyable.

AND, last but not least, I've now done 270 lengths (64 lengths in a mile) and so by my calculations, I've done over 4 miles.  Brilliant and that will keep me focused.

Splash Navs

So, another 54 lengths done and dusted.  I wasn't feeling particularly gung-ho first thing but am pleased I got it done and hope the feeling of invigoration will overwhelm the 'I want to curl up for a snooze somewhere quiet' feeling.

Pool was pretty busy when I first hopped in and there was, I sensed, a degree of testosterone-fuelled lane rage, or there seemed to be in my lane, as I was the only gal in that lane today.  I hadn't realised that men won't stop and ask for directions even in a pool.  The etiquette is to swim in a clockwise direction.  However, the smaller print, of which I was not aware, must have included the clause 'except for the last 8ft where you shall change to the other side for some reason and expect people in front of you to have eyes in the back of their swim cap so that they can see this manoeuvre'.

Thought I'd share with you a pic of a similar pair of trunks of which I had an eyeful today:

All of a Sardine

Another 54 lengths successfully completed, although no mean feat as it was very busy in the pool, and we were playing Sardines in the change rooms at the end of my swim.  Wonder if I can get the fish to join the campaign...???

One lane was also taken off us, after everyone had hopped in and were into their stride; apparently they needed it for assessments - one whole lane for 2 peeps.  Anyway, we all squashed up and managed.

There have been several admiring glances at my fetching cap and no less than 3 people have asked me where they could purchase such a creation. 

Also remembered to put up my 'I'm swimming' notice board, and also remembered to put it away at the end - Health and Safety!

Hope I don't nod off in my meeting this afternoon....

Tuesday Snoozeday

As I'm wolfing down my Fruit 'n Fibre, here's my latest update.

Got up when the alarm rang out this morning, instead of waiting for the news and weather report to be over and done with.  As I'd been prepared last night and packed my work clothes and swim bag before hitting the sack, all I had to do was get up, into my cozzie and out the door.

Sounded so simple, a bit harder to do in reality.  Normally don't do anything without at least a cup of coffee in the morning, but my morning routine was very different today.

Got to the pool and althought it was only just past 7.30am, the place was already packed.  I opted for one of the lanes and managed to get 54 lengths done - goodo. 

Will still do my lunchtime session, so I imagine I'll be nodding off in my evening class tonight - but I won't be the only one as my fellow Virtual Channel swimmers Linda and Trina will probably also be pretty tired!

Monday - inaugural swim!

Complete with flowery swim cap, ear plugs, goggles and nose clip off I went to the pool during my lunch hour to start my first batch of lengths towards my 1410 target.

I soon discovered that the nose clip was too uncomfortable and hampered my breathing, and therefore my muscle efficiency, so it was removed.

Today I managed 54 lengths in the Geoff Moulder pool in 35 mins.  I'd like to be able to work up to 64 a session as that's an entire mile, but as I've only been training for 10 days, my body will gradually get used to the idea (it's not liking it much at the moment!).

I've been looking forward to the actual start as the planning and training has taken up a lot of my spare time - now I'm actually DOING the challenge and hope my efforts will help raise lots of money for Brain Tumour Research at Cancer Research UK