To prove that we are made of the stuff that could even contemplate a channel swim, we were required to complete a qualifying swim. Essentially this a swim completed in water of less than 16 degrees Celsius – we were required to swim initially for 90 minutes, emerge from the water for 60 – 90 minutes and then a further swim for an hour.

The qualifying swim invoked a great deal of discussion, mostly about when. Too early and the lake would still be so cold as to induce hypothermia. To late and the temperature may have risen above the required 16 degrees. Would we need more than one attempt at the swim, and if so, did we need a few dates in the diary? How should we refuel in between swims and how should we keep warm?

We settled on a date in mid-April, just before my birthday. An early start was required to complete the swim within the WholeHealth opening hours. An unexpected late frost and an air temperature of 4 degrees led some vocalisations questioning life choices, but the mindset becaem that of aiming to complete laps of the lake. Snatches of songs running through my head maintained the rhythm.

Ninety minutes passed with a few extra just in case the watches underestimated our time. We emerged to swaddle ourselves in layers upon layers of clothing. Hot chocolates were consumed and a cheeky march around the lake brought the feeling back to the toes.

A pep talk from Coach Wales consisting of “Empty the tank” and “hot fires” preceded the second swim. Having known Wales for some time, her wisdom seems to have a theme around the topic of “Go hard and swim fast!” Yet her advice rang true: 2km of swimming at a pace significantly faster than the first 90 minutes meant that the time passed. Before we knew it, qualification had been achieved at our first attempt!

Of course a birthday wouldn’t be a birthday without a swim – just because qualification was done, didn’t stop an extra dip in the lake. However, the addition of a Markeaton parkrun PB, several meals with family and friends, beautiful handmade birthday cards (my goddaughter’s card depicted Vicki, Jane and me swimming) and an amazing cake did make the weekend rather special…