I have always loved swimming – when I was younger (and even occasionally still) my family used to call me by the nickname Minnow because I loved swimming so much!  I started open water swimming in the summer of 2021. I was very wary at first (especially about what might be lurking in the depths!) but after my friend gently forced me, I was immediately hooked. I can still remember the absolute exhilaration after I'd completed that first 1k loop. I've swum there ever since and I'm not sure I could ever go back to indoor pools and the lane rage and humid changing rooms.  I continue swimming outdoors throughout the winter and I'm very proud of my three sub-10 degree swim badges as they were hard-earned (not least due to the struggle of getting into a wetsuit!) 

I exercise regularly, a mix of weight-training, running, yoga, walking and swimming. Swimming is the one that feels the least like exercise and I feel at peace. It obviously has benefits for my physical health but I also feel grounded, calm and myself afterwards. I work as a therapist (mostly in schools) and so I’m very aware of the importance of self-care when it comes to mental health. For me, swimming is very much a cornerstone of how I keep myself from getting overwhelmed. 

There's no guarantee that you’ll love open water swimming, but I thoroughly recommend to everyone that they just give it a go; worst case scenario, you don't enjoy it and you don't have to go again!

What I really love is that the lake is never exactly the same; some days you’re swimming in bright sunshine and waters as calm as a mill pond, and then the next time you go it’s raining and the wind is up and your tow float is gently tapping you on the shoulder as you go round.  The atmosphere is very friendly and welcoming. My experience is that other open water swimmers are happy to welcome anyone who wants to give it a go. 

I found out about the Aspire Channel Swim from Katia at Queenford Lakes. She had overheard me talking to another swimmer about all the great events that the lake has coming up and thought I'd make a good ambassador for the Aspire Channel Swim. 

I've done a few of the Queenford distance challenges in the last few years (I'm highly motivated by the cake you get at the end!) but this particular challenge interested me because of the duration - I knew I'd have to push myself to maintain that sort of distance each week. I'm planning to do the 22 mile challenge, which breaks down for me as 3k a week. Last summer I probably averaged a bit less than this so it will definitely push me out of my comfort zone. I've already noticed my swimming fitness improving - I managed 1km of front crawl when I've not done more than about 150m in one go before.

I've done a 10k run in the past to raise money for my local primary school. For this challenge, I'm planning to post on Facebook and asking my family to sponsor me.

Sponsor Justine

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