Poolside Percy

Last gasp/chance Sunday afternoon swim. After a fruitless attempt at buying jeans and sunglasses I sought the calm and rejuvenating waters of the Oasis. I haven't been swimming much recently, it's cold, I can't find any free swimming vouchers and it's Christmas. Whatever, I love swimming at Oasis. There was a girl with flippers swimming at the bottom of the very deep end, she looked very cool. I arrived late but set myself a target of 60 lengths which I just about managed before kicking out time. Photo: CNJ

Sunday afternoon attempt at swimming. Arrive direct from Shepherd's Bush, water is cool, not even steaming. I lumber and splash, I've forgotten how to swim, forgotten how to be a hero. I feel very uninspired. I consider getting out at length 30 but as if by magic the middle lane becomes free, the massive expanse of the middle lane all to myself under the uninspiring, cloudless and starless London sky. I splosh on and on and on. Finally make it to 60 lengths. Suggs made a TV programme here once.

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.