On Friday, June 17, one day before the Great North Swim in Windermere I took part in a charity football match. The outcome? A great weekend for fundraising, not so much for me!
The game was in aid of Pendleside Hospice and saw the staff from PhysioRoom.com play against Ultra Group (a sister company). We were the underdogs of the game and after a disallowed goal the final score stood at 2-1. Sadly losing the Rusty Cup was not just bad for my competitive nature, it also left me the following morning with an unwanted bout of cramp!
Taking part in the British Gas Great North Swim meant a bright and early start at 5.30am. This coupled with the cramp surely contributed to my poor finishing time of 37 minutes. My two brothers came in at 29 minutes and 32 minutes, losing me Mills bragging rights.
In hindsight I should have done more stretching. Resistance Bands, which help to improve flexibility, strength and posture, would have been the perfect solution.
Although a great event to be a part of, the importance of correct training and preparation was brought home by the fatality of a competitor during the race, which marred the occasion. An abrupt reminder of the dangers of open water swimming and of the care that should be taken by everyone.
