Poolside Percy

It's bank holiday Monday folks. GF and I have just completed a stunning cycle ride from Tottenham Marshes to Ware in Hertfordshire. Ware? Where indeed. Here's a map of our route along the tow path of the River Lea. Boiling hot day, no hills. View Larger Map I'm sure there are untold opportunities for a 'wild swim' on the way, but I'm going for for the oblong, chlorinated swim, Hertfordshire style. Ware Priory Lido, built in 1934. Sort of heated, 21 degrees today apparently, the locals complain of the cold and even suggest it feels like 15 degrees, they've gone soft in Hertfordshire. Anyway, one amazingly rubbish dive and I hit the cool, clear refreshing water. I swim a few lengths feeling like Ned Merrill (The Swimmer) in someone else's pool. Very, very lovely, I am refreshed. The water in the showers is more like 15 degrees, way too cold, can't summon the energy to complain. Dry off and cycle back to the station and return to London. P...

Water temp: 13 degrees A glorious Saturday morning in London. Post Parkrun plunge with the GB Allstars. The water might look lovely and enticing (well, it does to me) but it is bloody freezing I can tell you. I entered the water with an acceptable dive followed by lots of shouting and puffing. We swam up to the perimeter rope and back again, joined by some fellow runners. Marvellous stuff. One last dive off the jetting for luck then some insane person suggested we should do another couple of 'lengths', OK that person was me. Really felt glad to be alive, what a fantastic start to the day. Shivered and shaked all the way home.

Water temp: 14 delicious degrees I'm still feeling jaded after Saturday's euphoric run and swim through London. However, I'm first one in for the post-work swim, again claimed my solitary length . As my body entered the cool water I was grateful to myself for making the effort. Swam for 30 minutes. Went home and slept. Not my photo.

Thermometer: broken, big toe says 14 Following yesterday's mini adventure through London I ventured south towards Lovely Lewes for a family birthday. Considering the overcast morning I was disappointed to find at least three rubber clad bodies in the pool. Water felt cool and fresh. I managed 14 lengths, one for each mile I ran yesterday and one for the voice inside me that makes me seek out adventures. Flesh outnumbered rubber by three to one when I left. I hastily hit the ravenous path back towards the family BBQ, well as hastily as my sore legs would carry me.

The trailer Inspired by the John Cheever short story and Burt Lancaster film, 'The Swimmer' is a mini adventure through London’s outdoor pools, parks and ponds. Encounter the city in a new way as you run and swim from north to south. We start at the natural ponds at Highgate and finish at Tooting Bec or Brockwell Lido, stopping to dip in Parliament Hill Lido and the Serpentine. Four pools, six parks, and a whole lot of fun – why not start your weekend with a little bit of an adventure? Short story The Swimmer by John Cheever Feature presentation I made it and enjoyed every single step and stroke. We even had our own Route 424 moment ( read the short story ). Thanks all.

Water temp: 12 degrees Early Friday morning pre-work swim. Feeling a bit crusty after last night's mini ale fest with J. It's cloudy and cold (just like those pints of ale) and I don't really feel like swimming. I must be mad. I wasted time by reading pointless things on my stupid phone. Six lengths will definitely be enough, even that seems a tall order. Undeterred by my lack of enthusiasm I dived in and did my duty. After six cold lengths it appears that if I do a few more I might start to really enjoy myself, might start to feel the buzz. I ended up doing 10 lengths, I'm glad I made the effort. I'm taking part in the swimmer tomorrow. Wish me luck.

Water temp: 12 degrees There's a new sign on the front of the building. I always thought that it was called Parliament Hill Lido but obviously I stand corrected. Pre-work swim. Very cold, didn't really get it to my stroke. Managed a very dull 6 lengths, or was it more? Actually it was 7, I broke with tradition and got out at the shallow end. Left in search of breakfast, felt hungry all day. I took some photos around Bloomsbury with Anthony and Tony, we stumbled across a crime scene in Rugby Street, a gruesome murder and suicide.  

Water temp: 12/13 degrees Late afternoon swim, the pool was empty when I arrived just me and the ducks. As I was getting changed another punter arrived. I raced to get in to the water first to claim my solitary swim. Luckily he had to put on his wetsuit so it was just Huey, Duey and me for first three glorious lengths. I reckon I'd go for 10 lengths or swim until I got cold. Managed 12 in the end, not bad. Sat at the deep end and soaked up the sun for half an hour before heading home to watch Chelsea win the UEFA Cup. I'm now the proud owner of a Lido season ticket and a micro towel. Thanks GF. Really need some new goggles.

A forgotten swim that is now remembered. Early Friday evening swim. Photo: Thomas Simpson at Highgate Ponds

Water temp: 16 degrees Early evening Tuesday swim just as the sun was falling from the sky. Changing rooms were virtually empty, I felt a bit paranoid about leaving my possessions. Swam just one big lap. When I returned there were two dodgy looking geezers in the changing room, they weren't looking for a swim, they left as soon as they saw me. Cycled home on nicely serviced bike.

Water temp: 15 degrees Bank holiday Monday morning swim. Sun is shining, I sit on my favourite bench for half an hour to soak it all in. There are lots of people here this morning. That crazy person inside me is urging me to swim an inaugural Lido mile. It's been done at 15 degrees before so therefore it can be done again. After 10 lengths I feel cold and lethargic, my crappy goggles are leaking. At 15 lengths I'm thinking that's one for every degree which could be enough. At 20, ignore the cold and go on for 27. Job done. Picked up a form for a season ticket. Happy days.

Water temp: warming up nicely I'm in possession of a small Sunday afternoon hangover. There is only one sure-fire way to deal with one of those, trip to the ponds/Lido. I stand with my toes wrapped around the end of the springboard gazing at my watery appointment. The ropes and my horizons have been extended for the summer, that's six months of wonderful outdoor swimming there before me. I swim two gorgeous laps before heading off to my sisters not far from here. This is mine and this is good. I feel very lucky to have such a beautiful swimming spot so close to home.

Post Parkrun Saturday morning plunge. Much, much colder than yesterday's swim at the Men's pond. Lots of fun had by the few hardy runners that made the effort. Our morning frolics were watched over by a handsome looking Heron. I've signed up to do The Swimmer in a couple of weeks, really hope I make it... Photo:  A Year on Hampstead Heath - Photos of Hampstead Heath as it changes through the seasons

Tree outside Men's Pond Water temp: 13/55.4 Early Friday evening frolics. Bumped in to the two Dans, old school friends, nice chats. Did two enormous laps and a couple of passable dives. Beautiful evening. I'm very happy to be alive on days like today. Cycled over to Belsize Park for pizza and 'History Boys'.

Water temp: 11 degrees Wednesday afternoon swim. I could hear a woodpecker as I wandered across the heath. No signs of a cuckoo heralding the first signs of spring, I don't think I've ever heard one. Anyway, talking of cuckoo here comes the lesser spotted Poolside Percy heralding the first signs of spring. Apparently the temperature has gone up. I'm gonna do a dive straight off the springboard. Wow, that feels very cold. Couple of it's great to be alive laps then off home for dinner with son and Xmen 3. If I was a mutant I'd want webbed feet and hands, a nine inch tongue and the ability to breathe through my ears.