THE DIARY OF A SHIVERING SWIMMER

Shivering, rain dripping on my head, I’m not relishing the thought of the water today but I’m here now.  My clothes are getting wet as I undress.

Shivering I start to wade into the lake, stones digging into my feet, cold rain like little electric shocks sparking on my skin.

Deep inhales, short snappy exhales … am I mad?

A moment to steady my breath, I plunge forward and the familiar feeling of the cold water washing over my shoulders grounds me and I remember why I’m here. With each stroke, the shivering subsides and a feeling of joy transfers through the water to my skin, muscles, bones, every part of my mind and body to my soul.

The lake is perfectly still but for the droplets of rain and their subsequent ripples. As I settle into a rhythm I pass autumn leaves sitting neatly on top of the water. Fish jump in acrobatic attempts to capture their breakfast of resting flies. The mist is lifting revealing the beauty of the fells, different sizes, shadows, shades of grey. The rain is lighter now, more of a mizzle. I feel it settling in my hair, the most gentle of all massages.

I’ve warmed up now, a nod to myself that it’s time to turn around and head back to the shore. The feeling of warmth is soothing but also a warning that any longer could be too long. The cold water has to be respected as does my body.

I enjoy a different view now, the green fell and winding footpaths, I hear the tumbling of the water as it pours into the river. I clamber onto the stones, most inelegantly, my feet too numb to notice the sharp edges. I wrestle with my towel, my fingers don’t work, it’s still raining. I bypass the towel and grab for my clothes, inside out, wrong way round, it’s matter-less. 

Shivering I scurry to the car, my body tries to warm up, I jump in …quick. Rubbing my hands together, stretching my legs and trying to control my chattering teeth. I feel alive, happy and without a doubt most definitely glad I did it.

Ps. ‘Please turn the heater up Ged’ 

With love,

Glynnis x