As I’m sure many of you are aware – I love swimming!!
I couldn’t tell you when it started, I think I’ve always loved swimming. My mum likes to tell the story of when I was about 4 years old and I’d been sent to my room for being naughty and the punishment was that I wasn’t allowed to go swimming, as we always did on a Friday night! So what’s a 4 year old to do with herself on a Friday night when you’ve been grounded!! I rolled up my towel and my cozzie and sneaked out of the house and walked the 1 mile to the swimming baths and went swimming. Needless to say I was in even bigger trouble – but it clearly demonstrated 2 things – 1. My determination and 2. My love of swimming.
It’s only as I’ve got older that I’ve discovered open water swimming – which is seriously even more fun than pool swimming.
There are no lanes – as the Great Swim slogan says – no lanes, no limits. You can swim to your hearts content. No stopping and turning, no one tapping you on the feet to get past, no overheating in water that’s hotter than a bath!! In fact the colder the water, the better!!
There is lots of research into the benefits of swimming in cold water – even to the point where it can replace anti-depressants. It’s pretty much a prescription for mental health and wellbeing (http://www.swimming.org/justswim/swimming-improves-mental-health/)
The cold water teaches the body to deal with stress more effectively, it releases endorphins that you just don’t get from pool swimming, it boosts the immune system and an added bonus of burning more calories.
I have seen seasoned pool swimmers try open water swimming and be converted, I’ve seen complete newbies who wouldn’t even entertain swimming in a pool, let alone open water have a go and absolutely love it.
I realise it may not be for everyone – but if ever you’ve seen the pics posted up on here or the FB page and are even a teeny weeny bit tempted – go for it – I’m quite sure you will love it.
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