A Busy Week Indeed with Meres and Waters Galore

A Busy Week Indeed with Meres and Waters Galore

By Karen Quartermain

August 10, 2023

Meet Alison Hadfield. Alison was in full swing of her Round Jersey Relay Training season when she decided to give Windermere Solo a go. With a history of pool swimming, a long long time ago, Alison took to open water quickly. First in a wetsuit, then in skins, building up her confidence, overcoming her fears and having a fabulous season.

So after knocking out a 10km swim solo as part of MediaCity UK Swim Challenge event, Windermere was next. What a day she had too. With hubby on board to smile, feed and encourage, Alison swam Windermere in a superb time of 5 hours and 45 minutes on Thursday 10th August. Her smile of earning that gold cap says it all.

Monday 14th August saw a super wet day on Coniston and a very excited Sara taking on her longest swim to date: Coniston solo. Sara had been following a trusted training plan written by Coach K of Uswim Adventure. She had absolutely focused on these swims and was in the best swim shape ever. Sara was supported by Dave Q on the boat and fed by 2nd swimmer of the day Neil, who was taking the wet weather in his stride.

Sara had a fabulous swim, smiling most of the way, and deciding last minute to show off her front crawl. In a time of 3 hours and 48 minutes Coniston Solo was cracked.

Following on from a crewing experience, Neil Bates was super keen to get in the water. Sitting on a boat in torrential rain had taken its toll and Neil was beginning to feel cold. Cap and goggles on and in he went at the start of a training swim. Due to the horrendous and consistent downpour, the only picture captured that came out was whilst Neil crewed.

He knocked out a very impressive 2 hours 45 minutes. Neil has an English Channel Solo booked for 2024; we are super excited to be supporting his journey.