Lockdown lido journey

The reality of not swimming had gotten to us.... 

We agreed in March 2020 'Lockdown might take away our goggles but they'll never take our soul', but it was desperate. For all those years, the ability to clear our heads and get away from it all had been taken for granted. Who knew at that time how much joy and mental health support swimming gave us; keep calm and carry on swimming was a mantra. Lockdown showed us, and made us restless for the pool.  

We have both of lived in South London for a long time but neither of us had ever made it to Brockwell Lido on a regular basis. When the Lido opened before indoor pools it was the place we could swim regularly, so off we went in a dizzying mix of excitement and trepidation - seeing all the regulars ploughing up and down, remembering from our childhoods how to 'beach change', dealing with a longer pool than we were used to, locating our thermos flasks and more.

But it was glorious. No matter what was happening in the world the Lido was our safe space, our relaxation, our new home.  

We wondered if we could carry on into the winter but we tried and we thrived. Wetsuits, though independent purchases ended up being very close matches, neoprene gloves from scuba diving days were dug out of cellars and attics, double hats were tested, hot water bottles for post swim heating were found, even if they came with a teddy bear cover, and a whole new joy of cold, outdoor swimming was discovered. 

The wonderous feeling of the initial shock, faith that after two lengths 'it will be ok', the mild headache from putting your head under for the first time and the wonderous glow of vasoconstriction -- or tightening of muscles around blood vessels -- in action (as scientists this fascinated us!).

So we stuck with it - the lowest temperature we swam in was 4 degrees - we had fun, found laughter, a community, great coffee and occasional pizza at the Lido café, helpful lifeguards always there to assist with gloves on a freezing cold day and a sense of freedom, empowerment and joy. Also the fitness element of course. 

Let's keep swimming people....