I thoroughly enjoyed the first Great North Swim and hope to do again.
I had started training for triathlon and did a few sprint races but wanted to know what open water swimming was like. I joined Arragons Cumbrian Triathlon Club, which is based in Penrith, and met lots of people who were keen to train together in the lakes.
I think open water swimming is one of the most liberating things you can do. It's like having a playground all to yourself!
I was sensible and trained with others and sometimes with cover of a safety boat if we trained in numbers with the club.
I would recommend that people do get experience of open water swimming before entering the GNS as it can be cold and conditions sometimes choppy which you do get used to.
“I think open water swimming is one of the most liberating things you can do. It's like having a playground all to yourself!”
It is important to approach the event sensibly but aim to have fun and stay relaxed. If you can swim a mile in the swimming pool (64 lengths) and take several cold dips in the lakes with your wetsuit you should be well prepared.
I was pleased to finish without requiring rescue and I managed to front crawl though it took me a little while to get into my stroke!
The people I met were mixed ability and we all had different goals.
It was a well-organised, friendly event and I can’t wait to jump in again this year. I travelled down for the day from Carlisle and parked at Ambleside which worked out well.