Simply outstanding

Had a great night at the Lomond Swimming & Triathlon Club Awards Dinner last night. Not least because it was good to get-together with my swim buddies, The Maids of the Loch and quite an honour for us to be presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award for our Loch Lomond swim relay.
For anyone who doesn't know, we're a group of six women who set a world record as the first relay team to swim the length of the loch without wetsuits. Yep, it was a slightly crazy feat - tough and challenging, a real test of mental and physical endurance. We all left our comfort zones, along with our wetsuits and any trace of sanity, on the shores of that chilly loch many, many times over the long months of training. This experience has had a lasting impact on every one of us and its a true reflection of how incredible challenges change your life.
Taking on the loch swim was not just about swimming, in fact, that was only a small part of it in the end. It was about training your body to acclimatise to the cold water; it was about pushing yourself mentally and physically - not just once, but repeatedly, day after day; it was about juggling your home, your job, your family to fit in hours of training. Ultimately, it was about discovering that two words:  "I can't!" no longer existed in your vocabulary.
So as we partied hard last night, into the small hours, we discussed the big question of how do you top a world record? Well, I've got my Iron dream to keep me busy, but all the Maids are going on to tackle amazing feats of endurance too. Some have already signed up while others are in the process of organising their next challenge. Which just goes to show that once you've put yourself out there, you just can't go back and if you surround yourself with like-minded people, you will achieve so much more.
Some may call it a mid-life crisis, but there is no crisis. A real crisis would be sitting at home, making excuses about why you're too busy to do what you really want to do. If this year has taught me anything, it's made me realise that everything is possible ... if you're willing to make it happen. That's why I now believe I can tackle a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and a marathon, all in one day! Thanks girls -  the power of determined women. Hmm, could I bottle it and sell if for Xmas..anyone want to buy?!!
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