We were up very early on Saturday, for an early start to the 5km and 10km swims at Balloch, Loch Lomond. Once again, a well run event, this one with lots of events scheduled, from those longer distances early (starting at 8am) and going through the distances as the day progressed (3km – 250m).

We left the house at 650am, 10 minutes later than I’d hoped to, but in plenty time to register, get ready, drop my bag in and get to the start like for 740 – 8am. We got there just after 710am and I went to register.

Over the weekend the weather forecast hadn’t been great, with rain when I got up, and forecast for the morning. The wind looked and seemed ok, but apparently it was forecast to pick up. So the organisers took the sensible decision to change the course from the planned 1.25km (4 laps) to 750m (6 laps).

That meant the 10k and 5k swimmers would both be aiming for 6 laps each, or about 4.5km. I was a bit disappointed, but glad I hadn’t trained for the 10km as I think that would be gutting. But it made sense. Red caps for the 5km swim, white caps for the 10km swim.

I was a little nervous about this one, likely because it was my first longer distance, or just because it was an event. But if felt ok by the time I got to the start line.I figured no matter what the weather it wouldn’t be half as challenging as the swim in Loch Tay two weeks ago with the waves and wind.

All of the 10k and 5k swimmers were together, and after the very clear race briefing and just after 8am, we were set off as a mass start. I have to say I didn’t enjoy this too much, and the resultant bulking up of swimmers which seemed to happen on the course. But I guess I’ll need to get used to it. Note. I don’t tend to take part int eh warm up either.

All of the 3 open water events I’ve done have been in the recovery after lockdown. So I’ve always been set off in smaller groups of 5 with about 19 seconds between. This seemed like a bad free for all, and didn’t seem to improve much once in the water. I had many more people hitting and crossing me on this swim. Somethings from covid times would be good to keep (in my opinion lol).

The couple of weeks between swims, I’d not been in the pool much, my last swim had been at Tollcross the Sunday before. Maybe I’m going on taper practice lol.

The conditions were nice and calm, with maybe a bit of current near the slipway, but other than that it felt good. I felt strong throughout, and kept up swimming fine.

At the start, I figured counting to 6 wouldn’t be too hard, and I decided to count up to 3, then back down, 3,2,1. I’m sure it was when I got to nearly finished the 5th lap, my watch seemed to say 3km in about 56 minutes which was similar to a previous time I’d done. Only that confused me as I only had one lap to go – which would be no where near 4.5km.

I checked my counting and was 99% sure I’d done 5 going on 6 laps, and whilst I did contemplate doing another, I figured I’d be best to trust in my counting, and on the last one, I pulled off course towards the shore behind two white caps. They were good in showing me the way. Even though I did nearly try to make a beeline for the finish line and had to reroute myself a little.

I swam with effort to the end, and finished on my Garmin watch in 1:13:33, or 1:15 on my chip. My Garmin measured just over 3.8km, but I guess it was maybe 4km making you for some GPS errors.

I came out feeling great. And more used to getting out over the stones and pink carpet, I had a strong run to the end. I felt a little let down that it wasn’t close to 5km, but I’ll do that in 2 weeks time at Loch Morlich. Safety is paramount and the organisers likely learned from Loch Tay.

I checked the results on thistle timing just after it, and it looked like I maybe got 3rd female vet again (and 11th overall). With about 50 females competing, I thought that was pretty cool. Then later a stray timing chip must have been found as I dropped a place, but I still enjoyed the swim and that’s the main thing. The trophies were only being handed out to top three in each distance / gender anyway.

Afterwards I hung about at the finish line for a bit and drank some water. I got chatting to another swimmer called Karen, and we both were encouraged by each other that our distances seemed to be way short, but we were sure we’d done 6 laps. Our garmins fortunately confirmed it – 6 red lines! Phew.

When I was heading back to get changed I saw JP from Tollcross pool. I haven’t seen him for ages, but he was entered into one of the later races. It was nice to see him.

I got changed, and warmed up, and then went to see the 3km swims start. I saw an ex colleague Lucy start off, and then waited around to see Nina start in her 1.5km race. She did a great time and placed in her age category – brilliant swimming from her (again).

Once again, a well organised event with safety at the heart of their decisions. The race campus is well laid out at Loch Lomond, all close together, and well oiled / working well.

I look forward to Loch Morlich in a couple of weeks and do want to do the full 5km distance in an event, so fingers crossed. Then I’ll take a good break from swimming I think.

I’ve neglected running and strength work in the last week while, so I’m keen to get more of a balance between the three in autumn into winter.