5km Blue Dragon Swim Challenge completed

Today my 5km swim challenge came round a month early when my new team coach announced yesterday that he had signed me up for a longer distance than the warm up 3km swim I was planning for today.

However, he told me that the weather conditions were perfect for open water conditions and the water temperature was 21 degrees C so I decided there was no better time to try it.

I arrived in Pardubice (Czech Republic) with my girlfriend this morning at 10.15am, almost an hour later than planned as we couldn’t find the entrance to the Czech Cup race – the first race of the open water swimming season here. I had just enough time to register, get my number put on my shoulder and get in the water for a 10.30am start!! At least there was no time for nervousness!!

before the swim start

Final words from the coach

Overall my first impression of open water swimming is quite good, it’s a nice atmosphere and I think a lot of people just go there for a swim and some fun! A bit like me! I found that it was like a long training session for me and I quite enjoyed it apart from a small area where there were weeds growing from the bottom as I don’t like it when they touch my arms and body – I never have done! That’s a definite plus of swimming in a wetsuit in triathlon!

I also found that my face got cold, even in the relative warmth of the lake today and at times I had to swim on my back or breast stroke just to try to warm it up a bit….. still I finished in about 1h49 (still to check on website).

the finish... not looking too happy...

Thanks to everyone at our school party on Thursday who donated – we raised 1722kc there, which will be matched koruna for koruna by Intrepid Travel and thanks to everyone else who has already donated via my internet webpage. Every penny donated will help to improve thei kids lives.

 If you haven’t donated yet and wish to then please follow either of the links below:

Through my Special Appeal webpage at Intrepid Travel: 

http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_34&products_id=77

Or direct to Blue Dragon:

www.bdcf.org

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