Highgate Men's Pond

Grey and overcast

Adrenalin junky huh? Where's the buzz in running uphill though six inches of mud in to a howling gale? Yep, it's another Hampstead Heath Parkrun Saturday. GB and I are on the prowl for more legal highs.

The East German Swimming Team have just left the Men's Pond so it's All Quiet On The Western Front. Bizarrely, there's no temperature displayed on the the boards today.

'What's the temperature Mr. Lifeguard?'
'I'll tell you when you get out.'

If you look up 'grey and overcast' on Wikipedia then I'm sure this morning is it's very definition. The usually placid pond waters are choppy today. We eventually, inevitably and confidently make our way across the pond to the perimeter rope. I swim a desperate and noisy style of frontcrawl and breaststroke. A sense of joy has overcome me but I could be confusing that feeling with fear. GB looks like he may do a lap of honour. Before you know it we're safe and elated on dry land.

'At least you swam back with the tide' quips Mr. Terry Lifeguard. 'It's 3 degrees this morning.'

GB and I bid our farewells.