Ailsa Craig Swim Challenge: Diary of a middle aged swimmer

March 29th 2009

I have had an interesting week which has helped things along somewhat.

Monday

Felt no ill effects from the run to Lady Bay the previous day so I'm very pleased. Got to the pool in the evening with the Stingrays and we did 3900 meters. It was a tough swim as after a warm up of 900 meters in sets of 12, we did 30 sets of 100 meters on 2 minutes, all freestyle. Now, in order to meet the time, I need to breathe unilaterally as I can really get into the rhythm and pull strongly. Unfortunately I could feel the tweak in my back and I worried that I was damaging it. The minute I try bilateral breathing I feel my stroke weakening and I feel like I lose my speed. I need to ask Harry and David my physio how to stretch afterwards to combat the bias. However, I did seem to keep up my time and on the sets where I alternated my breathing I actually didn't lose as much time as I thought. Euan the coach thought my stroke stayed strong.

Tuesday

Got up at 5.50am but went back to bed as I knew I hadn't had enough sleep, so I chose to miss the early swim session. I was really pleased with my back though, and the body felt good. I knew I had a challenging week ahead work wise, and I got to work feeling refreshed and strong. Had a fantastic African drumming session as always in the evening.

Wednesday

Left for work at 6am and drove to Dumfries to work with a new group of people facilitating a challenging seminar. Got home at 7.45pm and got straight on the rower for which I feel very proud. I did 20 minutes.

Thursday
A follow up seminar but local this time and I felt refreshed and relaxed. I had some concern about our plans for a photo shoot on the beach on Saturday as the weather is looking bad. It has been very windy and if there is a hurricane blowing we will have some difficulty. I sent all the people involved an email saying we were monitoring the situation.

That night we swam 3,200. This time we did kicking and 25 meters at a time. I kept up, even though we mixed our strokes and I am so slow at backstroke and breaststroke. I like to mix my strokes though as it helps my overall fitness. Euan said I have improved greatly in the last month alone. He says I look strong. We are beginning to think about 'after the swim' which will be a challenging time for me.

Friday

Back to Dumfries for another busy day and straight out the minute I got home to a charity do for the Tara Project. Confirmed arrangements for tomorrow. Did interviews on the local radio about tomorrow for

BBC radio Scotland and South West Sound.

Saturday

As forecast very windy but sunny with great visibility. I jumped up feeling excited. It was wonderful to get out all my open water swimming stuff again. Wetsuit, boots, gloves, thermos, safety blanket, thermals etc etc......

Down to the beach and there was Suzanne. It was freezing and windy and I felt nervous. My risk assessment was negative as the wind chill factor was a major issue.

Then they came, one by one my VIP's as follows

Councillor Willie Scobie

Councillor Iain Dick

Councillor John Dougan

Russell Brown MP

Alex Fergusson MSP

I had challenged them to meet me on the beach and wear their trunks to launch the Open Water swimming season(sort of) and to get some publicity for the Fundraising

I felt overwhelmed and with the high winds and one or two over excited dogs, it was difficult to talk. The Free Press were there and we took our positions on the beach. After the photo op, what could I do?

I got in and swam at least 5 strokes. A quick change in a little brick building and it was all over. Thanks to everyone who came to support me, and to Carrie for the photos.

Sunday

Completed Concept 2 challenge on rower. Washed, shopped for food and cooked.

Challenges this week have been

Travelling for work
Not enough rest and sleep
Back is sore after Saturday's dip and sitting in a draught in Hall for long meeting in the afternoon. I'm cross about my back as I know that is a danger and I allowed myself to sit in a draught.....
EB has dismantled the house and is decorating. The kitchen bedroom and lounge have been fairly uninhabitable for 4 weeks!!!! Good news..nearly done and looks fantastic.
Harry is away and I miss him
Cats are stressed and naughty due to disruption in house and they are into everything!

Highlights this week ....see for yourself!