In just over a week I will be taking part in my first ever open water event, the Swim Serpentine. Luckily it was my hubby who has started playing with the idea of this fitness challenge ( to get our hands on the London Classics medal), so I have a partner and that makes things so much easier.
I have been going swimming on a regular basis since running the London Marathon, and last week we finally also tried swimming in our new wetsuits in the actual Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park.
If you have been following my updates on here or my social media channels ( check my InstaStories for some serious fun), you know that for me the biggest challenge was not about the actual Swim Serpentine swimming distance, but to overcome the fear and “disgust” ( sorry but that’s how I felt about it) of swimming in the water that is occupied by so many lovely birds.
The sun was shining, and after an hour on the underground, we finally made it to the Serpentine Lake. I could feel the similar buzz like before doing a running event… and was getting more and more excited! And not only me!
After slipping our new wetsuits on ( which we practised a few times at home), it was time to get in the actual water. My heart started pumping and I was getting really worried. Hubby was much braver than me and was in in no time. This meant I didn’t have much time to think about it, and did the same.
It wasn’t very busy, and seeing two other swimmers in the water made me feel more comfortable. I am not going to lie and say that I didn’t panic…. I did and it did take me a minute or two to man up, and put my face in the water… I looked around and said to myself if not now, then when? I took a deep breath and dived in.
The visibility wasn’t great as you can imagine, but it actually felt OK. I felt some cold water getting into my wetsuit on my back and around my wrists, but soon I wasn’t cold at all and was swimming and enjoying it!
It wasn’t as bad as I was worried, and I was so happy for it as this was the moment of the truth. I was ready for the open water swim, and very proud of doing it.
When it comes to picking my swim gear, I have always been a huge fan of swimsuits that have a longer leg and was super excited to see Zoggs have just released their new Predator Spliced Legsuit.
Zoggs have been so kind and sent me this legsuit to try out for the big swim. I was pleased it was easy to put on and fit me nicely. One thing I felt a bit worried about was the fact there was no extra boob support ( I am used to having some due to my larger breasts). At the end when I was swimming it felt fine, and think it looks good too. What do you say?
- Made from 100% chlorine and UV resistant Aqualast™ fabric
- Exceptional elasticity, shape retention, comfort and support
- Great freedom of movement
- Machine washable
- Quick-drying
If you are a regular swimmer like me, you really appreciate Zoggs’ 100% chlorine and UV resistant Aqualast™ LIFETIME GUARANTEE.
As a first-timer, I am very excited about my first open water event, 1 mile Swim Serpentine, but also very nervous as you can imagine. I have read loads of info, and still not sure I have everything I need.
This reminds me of the first time I ran a marathon. This time I will have my hubby on my side, so I think that will help both of us to stay calm and just enjoy the experience.
If you have any last tips for me, I would love to hear them. Good luck to anyone else taking part in the Swim Serpentine on 21 September!
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