
What better to way to start the weekend than leaping off a diving board? The first swim of the Swimmer is at Hampstead Men’s Pond. A quick circuit of the Pond, dodge a few ducks, then we race off to Parliament Hill Lido. The Lido feels colder than the Ponds – maybe it is the spage-age steel lining. A couple of lengths and just enough time for a quick hot shower before we’re off again, running up Primrose Hill and across Regent’s Park to Baker Street. We dodge the tourists outside Sherlock Holmes’ house, then on to Marble Arch and across Hyde Park to the Serpentine. If Parliament Hill Lido was cold then the Serpentine feels proper brass monkeys. After racing a few swans we fuel up on biscuits and bananas for the last leg to Tooting.

Thanks to everyone who took part in the first ‘Swimmer’. Three and a bit hours, four amazing swims and nearly a half marathon – hope your legs are starting to recover!