Loch Rannoch

Monday 10th August

Training during the week went more or less to plan and I feel good. Wednesday was very windy so Harry and I ventured back to wig bay to try and get rid of some demons about my eye crisis. I went in and there were big waves and a very strong current. It was exhilarating and gave me the chance to feel what it's like when the tide is against me.

A shorter swim on Thursday as I prepare for Sundays challenge. Met lots of enthusiastic people who sent messages of support.

Saturday Harry and I left for Loch Rannock at about 12.30pm. The journey was very long due to roadworks and we didn't get to the B and B till almost 8pm. We did stop for some food and we also found the finish of the race...a very beautiful loch and surroundings.

After a fitful night dreaming about boats and water Harry and I had a mediocre breakfast in our curious and strange B and B and headed off to the start of the race. I had to be dropped there on my own at 8am so that Harry could drive to the finish to leave his car there. He met up with the other swimmers and drove back which was a long process. I was left with the midges who tried to eat me.

I seemed to be in the grounds of an incredible house which was in the process of renovation. A man who said he was the groundsman arrived and said the place had burnt down in the 1980's killing two people who lived there. He said the owners would be along shortly. I tried the door and it was open so I could escape the midges.....

Soon I was joined by some people who worked there looking after holiday cottages and then along came Ian who was the owner. He told me of his dream to save the ruined house with his wife of nearly 50 years. They have been renovating the house since 1996. He showed me round and upstairs is his own lounge and bedroom and I told him it was one of the most beautiful views in the world from a bedroom. What do you think?

Sadly she never saw the dream completed as she died 15 months ago. Ian is surrounded by loving friends and family and I was very taken by the man and his story, but there was a sadness still which I think will in the end lead to the completion of his wonderful home and enterprise. If you want to learn more, visit http://www.rannock-lodge.co.uk/

I know I have met some new friends and could have gone home happy after stumbling on an amazing place and fascinating people. But don't forget...I was there to swim and soon the others arrived.

There were five swimmers in the end, three younger people who were out to win and then Morag and I who were older. Morag told me she swims steady and strong and she seemed to be someone of incredible determination and courage who had completed some incredible swims. If you read this Morag get in touch because I did not see you at the end and I'd like to keep in touch. I knew that the young champions would steam ahead. The atmosphere was great and so I felt really relaxed and ready to face the challenge ahead of me. There was some mention of the rule that swimmers had to complete the swim 90 minutes after the first finisher. I couldn't think about it as we were about to set off and I was fiddling about with my kit.

The water was 16c and so I felt optimistic as we set off. I didn't see the younger swimmers for dust and I quickly settled into a rhythm.

Most of the time I felt good and I really enjoyed the scenery and beauty. I was comfortable and got into my stride. I had some trouble keeping my mind in check as the swim went on relentlessly. I realised I was making progress and tried to concentrate on putting one arm in front of the other. Harry was there hardly taking his eyes of me and seemed to know when I was losing concentration.

About halfway I stopped for a drink and an energy gel. I felt the suspicion of cramp in both calves and this was a bad sign. When I stopped again about an hour later the cramp came back and threatened to take hold. I had to be so careful and I tentatively swam on without kicking much. Harry kept reassuring me. The trouble really started when I could see the finish. I suddenly thought that I was swimming backwards. It felt like a nightmare of arms whirling round and round to no avail against the black peat water. I was convinced I was swimming backwards and I told Harry I couldn't finish. My stroke went completely and dropped down to 46 strokes a minute. Harry told me later he considered stopping me especially if my stroke dropped any further. I realised I had absolutely no choice but to swim on and find my rhythm again. I was furious that I was in this terrible situation and I had no choice about it and that was so frustrating words cannot express my panic.........

I had also been in pain since the halfway point with my back and my shoulders. I decided to share this with Harry. ' I'm in pain you know!' Harry smiled and said 'Well I'd be worried if you couldn't feel anything...being in pain is a good sign!'

So I splooshed to the end and crawled onto the beach after swimming for 5 hrs 23 minutes and 30 seconds. The man with the clipboard told me I should be proud to have done Loch Rannock but he couldn't give me a medal. I had gone beyond the cut off time.........more about this later