In May, I posted a blog on ‘An Open Water Swim.’ Before that first dip at Milton Country Park, I’d had an inkling I’d enjoy the experience, but had no clue where that initial enthusiasm would take me four months on…
Living in Cambridge, with easy access to one of the UK’s best lidos at Jesus Green and the River Cam at Grantchester Meadows, a whole summer lay ahead of me after that first open water swim on the early May Bank Holiday Weekend.
Since then I’ve swum an average of 5000m per week, cut out weekday drinking, reduced carbohydrate intake and, as a result, have lost 20lbs. My sleep quality has improved considerably and I’ve seen a cardiovascular improvement in my running, managing to shave 45 seconds off my average mile running pace.
New goggles, wetsuit and swim rucksack have helped with kit envy and made me feel part of the swimming community . The shared experience of swimming with friends and family has been a true delight, with swims in the Cam, Stour, Waveney and Dordogne rivers, on Norfolk coast, in a Spanish reservoir and a French glacial lake…
After some ‘light’ background reading, it quickly became apparent that I could continue cold water swimming well beyond the summer. Acclimatising naturally by continuing to swim as the water temperature gradually drops could see me swimming well into the autumn months.
As the seasons change, the challenge becomes where to swim. The Jesus Green Lido is already shut but the Cam is always available at Grantchester Meadows, as is the mill pond at Houghton Mill. I can also venture further afield. Sunday saw me setting off at 05.30 and experiencing the (unheated) aquatic delights of Parliament Hill Lido which opens at 07.00, 365 days a year.
Whether I reach Jessica J Lee levels of endurance and find myself hammering ice on Easedale Tarn in the height of Winter, I really can’t say…
While there’s no doubt cold water swimming will boost my immunity, vitamin C and multi-vitamin effervescent tablets can be an easier alternative. I also find convenient protein and energy snacks are essential for a post-swim snack.
If you’d rather leave the swimming but have vitamin, mineral or protein requirements, please contact Opalbond.