Swim Serpentine 2021
Having already completed the London Marathon in 2012, and The RideLondon100 in 2019, I heard about the London Classic Medal.- I needed the Swim Serpentine (2 Mile version) to complete the set and get a special medal. [Spoiler alert - I got it :) ]
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| Robert with Swim Serpentine and London Classic Medals |
I tried to get a place in 2019, but missed any cut-offs. 2020 was obviously a disaster for sport. I was at the front of the queue for 2021 and got my place.
Training was a bit hit and miss. I had a swim lesson in July as part of a set, but didn't manage to get my next ones. I relied on just long lake swims at Bray and Westhorpe Lakes, mostly Bray. I got my distance up to 2800m, just short of the 2 miles needed, so was fairly confident I'd finish, but I was still nervous.
The weather for September was fantastic. 23 degrees, warm, sunshine, very little breeze. Water temperature around 19 degrees which meant I didn't need boots or neoprene hat. This is warmer than two weeks ago where I got really cold hands on a long swim.
I started in the red number 9 wave at 2:20pm (which I'd chosen to give me time to get there comfortably). Standing in the sun in my wetsuit waiting to go was very hot - I was quite glad to get in the water. I started with a slow relaxed stroke, ignoring everyone around me. My new goggles (Aqua Sphere Kaiman Exo, tested only twice) were great. My Zoggs Predator Flex goggles never worked properly from day one, and frequently leaked.
It's two laps of the lake, one mile each. I don't have great eyesight, and don't wear contacts any more, but I figured I'd manage. More on that later!
It was fairly pleasant in the beginning, and I felt relaxed. I'm experienced in swimming in busy water, so the odd push doesn't surprise or bother me much. I did get kicked in the chest by someone in front who suddenly decided to breaststroke, but not hard. It was good to have so many swimmers around me in fact. In most triathlons I gradually lose the pack and swim alone a lot.
The sun was shining but not blinding the route buoys, it was mostly easy to see where I was going. I completed the first lap easily and swam past the start line for the second one. Near the end of the second lap I noticed less red hats, and some fast swimmers in blue hats overtaking from the next wave. I was getting tired by now - which is something faster swimmers may not experience due to less time in the water. My energy levels were down and I could have used something to eat.
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| Serpentine Swim - Final corner (Photo take by me after my wave finished) |
After the final corner, I wished I'd had a better look at the finish area beforehand. It was tricky to see where to go, and the red hats I wanted to follow were partially obscured by the new blue ones. I did get out at the right place, but wasted a bit of time breast stroking and sighting instead of just keeping swimming. As I was a bit tired, and my lower back was aching a little, maybe I was looking for an excuse for a break.
I was pleased to finish in just about exactly my estimated time, 1:28:37.
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| Swim Serpentine 2021 Certificate |
I met Anna and Lyra as I walked through to get my medals. It felt good to have this one - and join the Hall of Fame! I don't know anyone else who has one of these medals.
Swim Serpentine 2021
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| Robert in Hall of Fame |
Results - Official
