The May Swimmer

I'm still a bit behind on writing up recent swim adventures - working through a backblog, you might say. I should take a lesson from Poolside Percy, who documented the May Swimmer thus. The simplicity and elegance are astonishing (I'm not even in it as I was taking the photo).

So, secateurs of succinctity at the ready, I present to you my version of the latest installment of The Swimmer. Massive thank you to Brockwell Icicle Peter for the excellent pics as usual!

Swim #1 - Hampstead Men's Pond

We'll just see about that

Rev. Graham goes ninja

A most wonderful start to the day, water about 15 degrees, soft and silky, under a moody sky bruised with purple-grey clouds (if memory serves).

Then off we trot to...

Swim #2 - Parliament Hill Lido

For more diving spectacles (and floptacles)

Small & Mighty Anna

And look a rare showing of our very own Brockwell Icicle David, opting to cover the 12ish miles of the event on bike rather than running shoe (it's the Brockwell Way):

Icycle

Group shot on Primrose Hill:

Then zoom down to Hyde park for...

Swim #3 - The Serpentine

I've pinched a very cool and atmospheric photo from Anna (thanks Anna!), who as it turns out went to the same secondary school as me: quod suus 'a parum mundi ain't it?

It looks deceptively glam in monochrome - you'd never guess that exiting involves stubbing your toe (EVERY goddamn time) and slithering up a ramp of duck poo would you?

The Interval

CAKE in the Serpentine carpark - and oh my, how Jonathan is spoiling us - not only the fluffiest treacle spice cake ever to emerge from an oven, but also some technically brilliant millionaire's shortbread.

Jackpot

And after a bit of a lie-in, the sun came out to play.

Strong contender for pic of the day:

Three swims and almost 10k into the journey, I'm down to my last cozzie and hastily smoking an energising cigarette before the final furlong to Brockwell.

I fall into step with former school compatriot Anna (who, when I ask if she's training for anything, replies "No not really... oh yes I have signed up for a 60 mile run in July"), Andy (who managed not to fall down this time), and Brockwell Icicle Marc, valiantly battling the Monster of Fatigue who likes to ambush between Battersea and Clapham.

At last we reach our final destination...

Swim #4 - Brockwell Lido

Whereupon Marc and I collapse, spent:

Hitting the deck running

Time to stretch out those hamstrings

Ooooh

Three cheers for Jonathan, back running with us after months of foot injury - hooray!

Then a wonderful soothing swim in my favourite lido in all the world, enjoying a well-earned sit on the shelf in the deep end under a full and benevolent sun.

And finally... to the Lido Cafe for perfectly poached eggs (they never ova do it) and beer.