After two 40th parties it was time to do some exercise. I’ve been lake swimming for the last 2-3 years and I absolutely love it, for me it’s much better swimming in s lake than a chlorine filled swimming pool despite having to wear a wetsuit and the temperature of the water. There’s something good and healthy about swimming outdoors.

My friend Paige picked me up with her daughter Jordyne, which was a good thing as my car is still dead, and we set off to Heron Lake (http://www.swimheron.co.uk). It’s only a 20 minute drive away.

Because the weather was so gorgeous today, and because the surrounding lakes aren’t open yet, it was really busy. I think we waited at least 30 minutes in the queue to get in.

Paige’s husband Carl joined us at the lake too.

The lake was cold but not as cold as I thought it would be, I even managed to get my head under the water without debilitating brain freeze! Think it must have been around 11 degrees.

I swam around 500m and at least half of that was front crawl, not bad for the first swim of the year. It’s so refreshing and makes me feel really energised.

Pete and Paul and their grandson Harrison were at the lake too so we all had a coffee after the swim. It was really nice to catch up with everyone.

I’m definitely going to try and swim once a week during the summer months.