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It is time for me to head back in to open water for a spot of swimming.
This year I would like to support Diabetes UK.

Diabetes is one of those conditions that wears down the body and leads to so many other complications that impact heavily on quality and length of life. It seems to affect a lot of people. My father developed insulin dependent type I at age 11, as did my father-in-law later in life.

This year saw the sad and premature loss of my dear friend Carlo, before his 50th Birthday. I met Carlo at university almost 32 years ago. He was one of those genuinely nice people, a gifted engineer; totally committed to whatever he did; and absolutely dedicated to his long term partner and wife, Tina. Carlo developed diabetes several years ago.  Like a of men he ignored the symptoms until it was too late, and was very lucky to survive a reaction before he knew what he had. Just over a year ago he developed a truly aggressive cancer.  We thought that the treatments had managed to stem, and even beat the disease, but it came back stronger than ever and untreatably at the end of last year. Throughout the whole time be remained unbelievably positive, eagerly attending as many rock concerts and wargames events (his two passions) as possible.

Then there is my friend Don. Another good chap, larger than life in many ways, he has had type II diabetes for a while, but about a year ago collapsed with a heart attack after one of our regular swim group Chinese meals. Don has set himself the goal of swimming the half mile at Windermere this year as part of his trying to get his life on a better track.  There will be quite a few of us swimming with him, so ‘good luck to him’ in completing the course.

On the swim front, this year is one of those milestone years with me reaching the half century at the end of June  In an act of denial, I have raised the stakes a little. This year’s target is 2 miles in Windermere on Friday 10th June, followed on Saturday by the half mile with Don and then a quick mile to round things out. Then, I will be swimming the Dart 10K with my partner in such acts of madness, Andy. For we swimmers the 10k is our marathon (400 lengths of your local pool!)  It takes place in the river Dart on 3 September.

Update on returning from Windermere. 

It was a balmy 20 degrees in the water on Friday and only slightly cooler on Saturday - way too hot for serious swimming and definitely not your typical English lake temperature.

Most important news of the weekend was that Donald successfully completed his 800m in a time of 52 minutes.  I am sure he would have broken the 50minute mark if he had not waited for some the slower ones in our group! It his first time swimming that distance and the first time swimming any distance in open water. He really does need to be proud of himself - Well done!

For me, Friday's 2 miles was accomplished in 47m51s putting me just outside the top 10 at 11th overall.  Second in the 45-49ers, but the fastest fat old bloke (its my only claim to glory)!

Saturday's mile was 23m24s and finishing first in my wave.  15th overall, and second in my the 45-49ers.

Serious training for the Dart starts this week, with eating in the water.

If you could spare a thought during these endeavours I would appreciate it. If you can show your support with a donation to Diabetes UK, I would be really grateful, as will the many people who suffer from the condition. Thank you.