Just a quick one I promise
Bit of an unknown this one. Was supposed to do this last year, and was in great swim shape for it having done regular open water swims of 4-6km and a 10km event a month before. A cracked rib the week before the event made sure I had a DNS though. I was well p1ssed. Not only for missing the event, but also I'd bought the hoodie be and now couldn't wear it. So, I had a date with 2014. However, I hadn't done much swimming as I was busy preparing for Race to the Stones...
Last few weeks have been playing catch up, swimming 1-2km daily at lunchtimes. Had to buy a new wetsuit (BS Reaction) and only got to use it once in my one open water swim since last year (only 500m as time was short). So, that was that. I was going to take the day as it came.
The race is run as a sportive and after the first 4km your placed in pods of about 20, each with a safety kayak and safety swimmer. There were going to be about 20 pods we were told so I was chuffed to make it into pod 9. Plenty of room to fall back if I needed to.
There are 5 points where you have to get out and these were also feed stations and a chance to regroup. DIstances between the stations were the initial 4km, then 3km, 3km, 2km and the final 2km. In short, I stayed with the group the whole way which I was chuffed with. The rain fell hard at times, one clap of thunder threated to have the whole event called off (another clap and we could all be pulled out). But I absolutely loved it! Yes I got tired, yes my elbow was quite painful towards the end, but I finished strong and pleased as punch. Total time about 4hrs 30. Swim time about 3hrs 30.
Special mention for Combatdwarf AKA Iain. Great to meet you again mate, I needed a friendly face to take my mind off things. Also I've never had a wetsuit fit so well after you properly fastened me up! Hope you had a great race.
Bridge to Bridge... Done!