First swim in the Harbour

Took my first swim in Dover Harbour this morning. We moseyed down to the beach and got there about 10 am, in time to swim with Marcy, Mike, and Raquel, other solo swimmers who have had a couple days here already. It was definitely helpful to have others to swim with-- there were a few small sailing boat things out towards the end of the swim, and I felt better knowing that they could see the group of us. We swam for an hour, and I felt really good-- it was really nice to stretch out after all the cramped sitting yesterday on the plane and bus. It was also a great confidence builder-- I had started to worry in the past week or so that maybe I hadn't done enough cold water training this season, but based on today, I think I am well prepared. The cold rainy summer at home has, in that way, been a help to my training.

The conditions this morning were good for building confidence-- it was rainy and overcast, and got quite foggy in the middle of the hour. The air was probably around 60 or lower, so there wasn't really any heat to be gained from sun or air. The water was about 62 or 63 and quite pleasant. No gasping at the start which is always a good thing, and my feet never got cold. I had some chilliness in my hands and forearms, but no cramping or real coldness and my core felt very warm the whole way. A great first swim in Dover Harbour and I'm feeling relaxed and ready. Off to phone the pilot and go pick up some more supplies.