Day 9 in the Lake

We headed down to the Lake on Sunday (7th July) to hit the mile mark again. Flirt, Daisy, Harvey and Mayson (Mhairi's son and other half) came along. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and there wasn't a ripple on the lake. Unfortunately, every man and his dog and kayak had also headed down there. Half the population of Britain must have been at Pooley Bridge - seriously! And why wouldn't they head there? Spectacular scenery, water, and fun for all the family.

I tied Flirt up with strict instructions to Mayson not to let Flirt off until we were out of sight. Mhairi stressed - umpteen times- that we must sight lots. (I guess she thinks I don't sight much!) This was to avoid the yachts, dinghies, canoes, kayaks, steamers, dogs, kids and fishing lines. We would head out to the red buoy and then keep close to shore, so we didn't get in the way of the regatta (which didn't much look fun as no wind!) And we would swim out 0.5 miles and then back 0.5 miles. Sounded good to me. I was feeling good!

We waded in, and all I could hear was Flirt yelping - obviously not impressed she was being left behind! We negotiated the group of kids in canoes, the family fishing on the shore, and set out to the red buoy. God it felt good! I was freeee! Then left towards Parkfoot campsite, and then Waterside. We stopped briefly for Mhairi to check distance, and we had swum 0.42 miles. On we went, and just as I was swimming over what looked like train tracks on the lake bed, we had reached 0.5 miles. We bobbed for 10 seconds, then turned about and headed back to shore.

We were side by side one minute, then the next all I could see were Mhairi's toes. She had upped the tempo! I kicked to catch up, cursing her under my breath as I gulped in air. I stayed with her, and we bypassed the red buoy and didn't stop, and then started to swim into shore. I made it into the shallows, and pulled up, to see Mhairi laughing! 'Did you enjoy that?' she yelled. I won't type the names I called her. She thought it was hilarious! The good news was, I had swum a mile in 29 minutes!!!!! Whoa-ho cowboy!! Not bad. In fact, having googled last years Ullswater epic event, I would've been 4th female in the age 40 group over the line!!

I was shattered all day- but soon felt energised again after watching Andy Murray win Wimbledon. Wowser! My 5:2 fasting is going really well too. On the days I fast when I swim, I feel incredible - apparently a side effect of fasting. I've lost 4kg, I have a waist again, and feeling great!

2 more swims to go until the event, and I really cannot wait! I am so excited. Please please please sponsor me if you haven't already, and help me achieve my £500 target sponsorship for the Stroke Association.

www.justgiving.com/Moira-Dudson