What started as a good idea on a warm sunny August evening turned into 12 intrepid swimmers taking on the Cool Mile in Liverpool on the 26th October… with water temperatures of 10.4°, into the cold we ventured!
An amazing day was had by all – nerves turned to excitement, excitement turned to a sense of achievement as the three-lap course was lapped-up.
In preparation, all the swimmers continued to swim outdoors as the water temperatures dropped – ensuring they were fully acclimatised for the conditions they were about to face! This is not a swim to be taken lightly. Regardless of the preparation, this did not prevent the expected nerves from taking over as we all got ready on the edge of Princess Dock in Liverpool, in (as expected) cold temperatures and a biting wind.
As the time came to get ready nervous giggles ensued as wetsuits were donned, hats, gloves and boots. Didn’t we look good! We listened intently to Mike’s briefing, particularly the course and what to do if you got into difficulty and then…. the time was here time to get in!
Sliding off the jetty into the ‘cold water bingo’ started, many words screamed and yelps let out, as we swum underneath the footbridge to the start. A countdown from five and we were off! Faces in, feeling the stabbing needles of the cold, bodies desperately attempting to contain what heat we had beneath the wetsuits, gloves, boots and hats. Surprised at how shallow the dock was, we were able to see the bottom all the way round apparently there were sights of a pram and some old railings, but this did not put us off or end goal.
As we exited the water having completed our swim, we quickly got dry and into our layers and bobble hats – sipping warm drinks to minimise the after drop. Those of us who were out first there to encourage and support the rest as they completed their swims.
12 of us started 11 of us finished, a very brave decision from Karl to not push on and listen to his body and call it a day after lap one, we practise what we preach at Kuotos Swim. The remaining 11 completed their swim full of adrenaline, the smiles said it all.
Full results list is below, but a huge shout out to Gill, Julie and Claire on completing their first ever event, a massive achievement and one that they will never forget.
We will be back next year even if it’s just for the post swim burgers. The community and Kuotos Swim team are second to none, we are proud to not only have you as clients but to call you, our friends.
See what we’re up to next
Join us on Spond, come to an introductory course at Whitmore lakes, or take up lessons? It’s never too late.. or even join us in Majorca!
Watch this space, we’ve got even more exciting opportunities and events on the horizon at Kuotos Swim as our community grows bigger and stronger year on year!
The Kuotos Swim Team, Cool Mile – Liverpool:
