The start of the 10km race going past the Maid of the Loch

The Great Scottish Swim returned for their annual swim at Balloch on the shores of Loch Lomond on the weekend after the Pier to Pub swim. This year they had introduced a 10km swim event on the Friday afternoon, and I entered during the winter based on the plans to make each lap 2.5km. However, as the event got closer, it became clear that the 10km event would use the standard course, meaning we would swim six laps. Not the best outcome, but hey this was only my second 10km race, and the first one without the support of a river current.

My training had gone well, with several long swims in the loch, and lots of shorter swims with the 545am morning crew, and the folks from Wild West Swimmers. The good thing about that was that I was very familiar with the course, as it was like swimming in my own backyard training pool.

The crowded start point with me up the back adjusting my goggles

I arrived in plenty of time for the 4pm start, having made arrangements to meet the actor who was also competing. We took our time putting on the wetsuit making comments about our race on Tuesday without the suit. This event requires all swimmers to wear a wetsuit which is understandable as most competitors are not used to the cold water in Scotland. However, we had trained in this body of water, and would have liked the option of non-wetsuit. Though I still would have worn the wetsuit as I appreciate the extra buoyancy and the warmth.

My eating strategy was to use the food supplied by the swim (which was going to sweets and cold water), with some gels that I tucked inside the ankle of my suit. I would stop after the 2nd, 4th and 5th laps to keep up my energy supply.

We had the warm up which is rather desultory for this type of event, as all of these swimmers would have their own routine and would not need a talking head to try to motivate us. I just wanted to start and ignored most of the action, as I stood towards the back of the pack. Though I did listen closely to the words of the GB Olympic 10k swimmer who was interviewed in front of us.

My goal was to finish in under three hours, which meant each lap would need to be done in 30 minutes or less. I wished the actor luck and off we went into the water, down the slipway. There seemed to be less churn and melee at the start of this race, maybe because most people realised that 10km is a long swim, and there was no need to sprint.

Now I have not mentioned the weather conditions for the race. All I can say is that it was a typical Scottish late summer day with plenty of cloud, and for a change only a light breeze. During the race we managed to experience wind, rain, sun and cloud, so we had it all.

My first lap was a doddle, as I soon settled into my stroke, and used the time to focus on exactly where the buoys where, as I was going to pass them six times. The second lap went well, and I did keep a good line going up towards Cameron House, and on the return. I stopped after this lap at the feeding station, which was a chap in a small dinghy handing out sweets and cold water. I also had one of my gels.

The third lap also went well, and at the halfway mark, my time was just over 80 minutes, well within the three-hour schedule. By now the sun had come out after a short squally shower, and I did enjoy the views of Ben Lomond and the Luss Hills to distract me from swimming round the same course six times.

Lap four and I stopped for more sustenance, and I was still feeling good. My stroke was good, there were no niggles from my shoulders, and even my normal leg cramps were quickly shifted with some kicking.

Lap five was completed with the race leaders sprinting past me in their quest for glory: they are amazing to watch with their windmilling arms There was also the contestants doing the swim run event entering our course as they undertook the 800m swim leg which was to be followed by a 5 km run. They had started two hours after us, and as I swam past them I admired their efforts in the water as it was obvious they were struggling. Of course if I had done that event I would have struggled on the run, as I cannot run out of sight on a dark night.

I stopped for my last feed and saw that based on my pace till now I might even get close to 2 hours 30 minutes. Half way up the last lap, I hit the wall. My arms grew heavy, my hips dropped in the water, and every stroke was a huge effort. I even resorted to some kicking to try to get my body position back. Each stroke was harder as my pace slowed as my energy levels leached out of me.

Finally I emerged from the water and almost fell over the finish line, having used all my experience to make it to the finish. I was surprised by this as in my training swims I had swum for longer times, but I had stopped for longer rests to have a feed and shoot the breeze. Race conditions are different with only short breaks to refuel before ploughing on once more.

My finish time of 2 hours 45 minutes was well within the three-hour goal I had set, so that was pleasing. However, I suspected the course may not have been 10 kms which in this day of gps devices must be a problem for organisers (my device said I had swum 9 kms only).  I was also happy with a top ten finish in my age group, and an overall placing in the low 40s. I also suspected that some who had a faster official time may not have completed the six laps as there was no way the organisers could know whether a swimmer had completed all six laps.

I bumped into some friends on my way back tot he change area, and they expressed concern over my condition. Apparently I looked exhausted, a look they had rarely seen during our social swims. I managed to assuage their concern with a promise to consume the food and fluids I had waiting for me in the change area.

As I took my time changing I reflected on the achievement of completing the event, which was my very first non-current assisted 10 km race. I can remember that it was not that long ago that I used to admire those athletes who could swim that far. I used to glance at those swimmers in my squad in Sydney who did the annual 9km South Head Roughwater from Bondi to Watsons Bay and think there was no way I could ever swim that far. Well I had now done it. Maybe it is time to call myself a distance swimmer.

A big thanks to the various photographers whose shots I have used: you know who you are.