Poolside Percy

Friday post work swim. Arrived just before the pre-weekend rush. Pool was almost deserted, fast lane all to myself, water not very warm. I decided to time the first 40 lengths, I used to do this a few years ago when I first stated swimming here regularly. Anyway, after a lot of huffing, puffing, splashing and fears of a heart attack I swam 40 x 27.5m in 22 minutes, new world record I reckon. Swam another 20 at a more leisurely pace. New changing rooms and showers are totally fab, even enjoyed watching big club party bangers on the in-house tv screen, well I did till they showed a Robbie Williams video. Photo: my vintage london

T his is more like it. Ironmonger Row reopens after £16m refurb. Thanks to Rowan Arts I managed to get invited for a free swim in the pool which started this blog Despite the magnolia tiles this place still has heart and soul. Managed to do the worst inaugural dive ever which left me with a head full of chlorine and blinded in one eye. I slightly redeemed myself by swimming a maiden refurbished mile. Terrible showers but settled for a preview tour of the building with a bit of free cake and a mint Viscount thrown in for good nostalgic measure. Great afternoon.Will return to use the Turkish baths, but there again I said that back in April 2010. Home for homemade fishy fingers, samphire and Spanish plonk.

Lunchtime swim. Spent most of time with eye on the clock. Trial membership ends tomorrow.

Monday evening swim. Still not feeling right after Saturday night. Half-hearted attempt at swimming a crazy mile was interrupted by the Monday night swimming club. Sloped off to the slow lane. Odd man out. Long sit in the steam room.

Gonna keep these David Lloyd posts brief. Early evening session. Mental swim, became focussed on lapping gentleman in next lane. Great to swim outdoors in a heated pool minutes from home.

Back again. Lunch time swim, sun is out, empty pool, perfect conditions. Swam a very efficient mile, lane to myself spent most of my swim trying to justify paying the membership fees. Spoke to a lady who used to swim all year round in the Ladies Pond and a gentleman who fondly remembered the Peterborough Lido and swam rather majestically. Wonderful stuff.

Picked up my card, outdoor pool was closed (seasonal opening times), gutted. Kids swimming lesson in the indoor pool so bided my time by dipping my toes in the jacuzzi. Rather frustrating swim, managed about 45 lengths before being crowded out by slow people. Quick visit to the steam room then home. Disappointing, but nice to be back. Lionel Richie tunes in the spa room.

Water temp: a tropical 27 degrees Could've stayed home Sunday afternoon and done all those pesky little jobs that needed doing. Nah, headed for The Oasis In the heart of London's west end. Three other swimmers in the pool, joined the fast lane until the middle one became free. Enjoyed the luxury of the middle lane for about three lengths until I was joined by another. I decided before I left home that I was going to swim 70 lengths, I duly obliged. Sped up to the Indian veg place on Chapel Street for all you can eat with four chicas. Buenissimo. Click on the pic for British Pathé newsreel of The Oasis in 1954.

Water temp:  8 degrees Yep, still at it. I was feeling pretty virtuous after virtuoso performance at Parkrun this morning, well that's almost true, I thought I was going to die after lap one. Score on the Lido doors said eight degrees? My heart sank, that's too cold for me, that's one less than nine, it's too cold. A kind person offered me their swimming gloves and socks, I gratefully accepted. No way was I gonna dive in so I tried entering the pool at the shallow end, too cold. A strange but rational voice inside me suggested I should enter by the steps about a third of the way up the pool, that worked before, seemed reasonable enough. It was beyond cold, luckily the sun was shining, not sure if the gloves and socks helped with the cold, I found them difficult to swim in but that may have just been the cold. I managed three lengths then returned socks and gloves and hurried off to the Mecca of all showers. Thanks to the lady who offered me green tea. Phot...