The event was the Great London Swim, organised by Nova, the company behind the Great North Run, so I was looking forward to a well organised and fun Saturday. The swim was to be held at Millwall Dock, on the Isle of Dogs, just south of Canary Wharf (which was actually a back up venue, as it's preferred site, the Victoria Dock, was deemed not to be clean enough for swimmers at the moment). There were about 3000 people entering, from elites to first timers, setting off in waves from early morning to late afternoon. My wave was at 12.30, so no stupidly early start, and had plenty of take the train down there. It was a gorgeous day, warm and cloudless blue skies (perfect for skydiving really, but I was not there to jump, I was there to swim!). I had a bit of time to spare, so watched some of the earlier waves set off, and wandered around the event village (it was very similar to a running event, with charities and retail tents set up).
We had to "check in" for our swim half an hour before out start, so I got changed (takes ages to get the wetsuit on) and headed for the start at about 12pm. My backpack with clothing etc all goes into the baggage tent. There was a short walk (barefoot, in a wetsuit) from the changing area to the start, including crossing a road, but it was all well organised and there were so many swimmers around that it felt normal.
At check in, the swim hats we were provided with went on (we had blue hats to show we were the blue wave, each wave had different colours so you can tell waves apart when in the water). Then, we had to check the timing chips were activated by fastening them round our ankles and holding them against a sensor. Not had to do that before the swim in a triathlon before. Whilst we were waiting, we were given bottles of water, which was nice as it was really hot standing around in the wetsuit and we couldn't wait to get in.
We got a few minutes to enter the "acclimatization zone" - a small, sectioned off area of water to get used to the temperature and warm up. I spent most of the time in there trying to loosen up my wetsuit and adjust it, as it was all bunched up too low and I wanted more movement around my shoulders! I then took a quick swim around the zone, and the we had to get out again!
When everyone had been in the water, we were put into sub-waves with fastest swimmers in the first group and slower ones (or those who were slow entering the water) at the back). The first set were off - down the pontoon and into the dock! Followed by the second, and then the third (which I was in) - I was quite nervous now, but we were off!
Set off at a nice comfortable pace, trying to get my breathing right. It was really nice to have already been in the water as there was no sudden shock of being in cold water, so it was easier to get straight into front crawl and head off. The course was like a big L shape loop, where you did the long side of the L first, then the short side, and then came back again on the other side of the dock (swimming anti-clockwise). You swam pretty close to the end of the dock most of the time, and there were a lot of spectators lining the route so got some good cheers - when you could hear them! Think the loudspeakers woke up the residents in the flats though, but they seemed good-natured as loads came outside or sat on their balconies to watch (they were nice flats with an awesome view, wouldn't mind living in one of those). Decent views from the dock too, and could just about see Canary Wharf, too!
The swim all went well. Had to pause a couple of times to adjust goggles or just take a short breather. Open water swimming is so different to the pool as you can't just stop and rest by the side, all you can do is tread water or do a bit of breast stroke. The final long stretch back was excellent, I had a good rhythm going on and over took quite a few people. I'm by not means fast, but like running once I get going at a steady pace I can usually hold that for a while.
Finished in 38:56 which I was happy with!
Got out the water (with a bit of help from the marshals!) and it was great not to have to get the wetsuit off really quickly and run to transition for a bike ride. It was all over, so could just relax and enjoy the rest of the day. We were given our goody bags, and there were showers set up (well, more of tents with hoses in the roof!) and shampoo/conditioner sachets in the goody bag to use. Once dried and dressed there was a cool finisher's medal and tee-shirt to wear as well (these events are getting more and more like running races every year!).
Spent some time watching other swimmers, for a bit before heading off. It's always amazing to see people of all experience, from those taking well over an hour, really struggling but still carrying on, those with disabilities taking part, and of course the elites.
Rest of the day was nice as we went out for a family meal at the local pub. Over all really enjoyed it and recommend it as a good day out. It doesn't matter at all if you can't do front crawl as there were plenty of people doing breast stroke, and you can take as long as you need as there are so many marshals in canoes looking out for everyone's safety and well-being.
Bring on 2014! Below - my finisher's certificate, the starting areas, and a pic of One Canada Square (canary Wharf) which I got to actually be inside briefly (tiny bucket list item ticked off there!). Taken on my old iPhone 3GS so sorry about the quality!
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