Weatherbeaten but not beaten

Sunday August 2nd 2009
Things are improving friends and I have swum well in the pool all week. Really worried about the heat in the pool and my lack of acclimatisation. Tensions are showing and we have had some tantrums this week as the team feel the pressure. By Thursday I decided that the only thing to do is to spread the love. Everyone has a role to play and everyone is doing their best and I realised that some people did not understand that perspective. Differing opinions are fine but consensus is crucial to our success. Some misunderstandings seem irreparable however and I feel that communication by text and email can be very misleading. If only we were closer geographically these things would not happen. However I can only hope that people will come round in time and get back on board...............the welcome will always be warm.

So today we had a rehearsal on board The Diva. The idea was to find out the best way to get the Kayak to Ailsa Craig for the swim. After much huffing and puffing and a tense try at towing the Kayak we finally hauled it on board and is sat snugly and efficiently on the boat. Hey presto we have lift off. This means that once we get the go ahead for the swim, we can get the Kayak aboard and head off for the Craig as fast as the Diva can muster! Thanks of course to Harry and Mike, but also to Chris and Harry H for all their support this morning.

SUCCESS!

After project Kayak this morning the two Harry's and I went to Sandhead for the first sea swim since my eye drama. The sea was clear and beautiful and NOT ONE Jelly fish which is unusual. I felt cold from the start and felt shivery when I got out. This is unusual and caused some concern. We put it down to stress at the moment and a tricky week. I was also playing with my friends last night at a wonderful party and although I wasn't drinking I had a late one. Harry has emphasised the need for me to get rest and plenty of sleep and to remain as stress free as possible. We swam for 2 hours and the eye was fine. Twinges in my back which is an old problem but not too bad.

This week I will swim 5000 meters tomorrow night. Tuesday or Wednesday in the sea with Harry. Thursday not sure but hopefully a sea swim. Friday rest and Saturday Harry and I are heading for Loch Rannoch.

After all the talk of Health and Safety I have painted my toenails bright red. This will help with visibility although if it's just my toes they can see it may be a bad sign.