Running vs Swimming, I Know What I Choose!
Throughout lockdown I had started to take up running. I was up to running 3-5km every couple of days and as much as I dislike running, I did find a rhythm to keep going. That being said, with restrictions being lifted and the glorious sunshine I have now ventured into open water swimming and there is no turning back!
Last weekend, my mum and I took a boat out on the broads for Father’s Day, a tradition we’ve had the last couple of years. We didn’t think we’d be able to do it this year with Coronavirus still lurking, but fortunately for us the boat yards reopened on June 11th. We take a boat from Wroxham, Norfolk and sail up the River Bure to Horning, this is where we have a picnic before heading back towards Wroxham again. Usually we weave in and out of the broads and I tend to comment about the crazy people I see in their costumes swimming widths.
This year however, as we entered Salhouse Broad, I found myself envying these crazy people.
I’ve missed swimming so, SO much recently and with the incredible weather we’ve had in the last week I have now joined those crazy people 3 days in a row this past week and would you look at how deliriously happy I am!
The freedom of being able to put my costume, hat, and goggles on after 3 months without has just felt incredible.
I would recommend Salhouse Broad to everyone. With an easy access car park which is free of charge after 6pm, followed by a short walk down to the water side and you’ll find a grass embankment with a beach entrance into the water (although when I say beach I am referring to the slope into the water, not sand!). The broad itself is shallow and perfectly enclosed for families to enjoy some time cooling off. For swimmers, a lap of the broad is about 1500m and if you swim round the island near the entrance it takes you up to around 2200m in total. You’ll also find that the outskirts of the broad are shallow enough to stand in but be prepared for a very squelchy riverbed under foot!
I promise, once you’ve tried it, you’ll love it!
A Few Things To Take Note Of
As much fun as open water swimming is, there are a few things you need to consider before venturing into the water.
Swimming for leisure with children, it can be easy to forget where you are when having such a good time, therefore just take a couple of moments to familiarise yourself with your surroundings and before you leave home watch the short video provided by the RLSS in the following link. https://youtu.be/UDTmv4Sddvk
Even if you are an experienced swimmer, please do look at the link below and follow the advice of the RLSS when taking a dip. https://www.rlss.org.uk/open-water-swimming-safety-guide
