Sometimes you need to put some time aside for yourself. Time to challenge your own demons and test the water.
May/June was an Adventure Week for me who joined Sal Minty-Gravetts Jersey Swim Camp for some time out and a chance to challenge myself in the Sea. This Camp was titled "A Different By Every Day" and that is exactly what we did. I had the absolute pleasure of sharing a house with new swim friends Ann and Ali and my fellow Dover Soul Sue Haines. I met some fabulous people with similar swim dreams and learnt a lot about myself.
The first few days we swam in various locations and were totally blessed with the weather. The sea temperature was 13-14 degrees so not too much of a problem for me as I stay acclimatised over the Winter months. My biggest challenge is cramp, always has been and always will be. Since a Neurological Condition called Cauda Equina Syndrome ion 2010, the Nerves from my lower back to my right side have a mind of their own. My right leg spasms and can go into full blown debilitating cramp leaving me totally immobile and in a lot of pain. So this isn't the "eat a banana", "have salt" kind of thing, its nerve related and nothing can be done to deter it.
Jersey has the most stunning bays and we really had been blessed with the weather. The camp schedule allowed time to travel around the Island , due to tide windows it meant we were often up very early and had our swims out of the way giving us the afternoon for exploring. Being with Ali and Ann was like being in a comedy sketch, this pair of best friends will never know how truly inspired I was by them. The little things they said, the encouragement they gave and most of all their experiences. This dynamic duo are true sea swimmers, strong , fearless and fast.
This trip was packed with fun and adventure but also some serious sea swimming experience too. My biggest challenge was "the head". Not allowing the negative thoughts of what may happen if I cramped enter my mind. Fellow swimmers on the camp unknowingly helped me with this. Listening to their anxieties and fears put me at rest and the realisation that "WOW " everyone feels just like me, yet on the exterior you would never have known. Whether it be jellyfish worries, feeds working or the cold, we all had something to conquer.
We built up swim times steadily and there was opportunity to complete 2-6 hours as some swimmers required qualifiers for various challenges. Sal asked us all how long we planned on swimming and I just said "happy to get an hour in to be honest".
We got together with swimmers we knew were similar speeds and off we went. Came back to the slipway had a feed and off again. The first 90 minutes is always the worst for me, my muscles seem to twitch and jitter but something was different this time. I didnt think Im going to cramp I had better get out, I though this is just what happens. I buddied up with house mate Ann and we encouraged each other to keep doing a lap , in for a warm drink and back. Supported by the land team of Ali, Sal and Deborah Vines I found myself completing a 3 hour swim. I was elated, but as expected slightly twitchy on the exit.
Jersey was one of the most amazing places and I am honoured to have shared it with such a beautiful bunch of like minded people. We went to France on the boat for an Evening Meal, took a trip to Les Minquiers and experienced dolphins frolicking by the boat. The whole experience completely wore me out but in a good positive way.
