She did it – 5.25miles of Coniston end to end completed!

LUSU Lou started her staggered triathlon challenge completing the Coniston End to End Chillswim event, raising money for the Dan Maskell Tennis Trust on Saturday 25th June.

Coniston End to End, a 5.25 mile swim was the first challenge of the series. Entering with a small team of friends, the challenge was set and the training was due to begin at the beginning of the year. A shoulder injury and workload, interrupted the training plan, so Lou arrived at the event feeling anxious and unprepared.

Having registered on Friday evening, the night was spent camping and calming the nerves.

Saturday began early, meeting for breakfast and then off to the meeting area, to change into wetsuits, and make any last minute preparations. Bags were dropped off and we jumped onto the buses to transport us to the other end of the lake and the starting point. Nerves increased as we drove the length of the lake and the challenge became real.

The weather was a typical British summers day; rain and wind, creating choppy conditions in the water. We started in the 3rd wave of participants, pink hats and a tow float highlighting us when in the water. Conditions weren’t kind, with the wind causing the tow float to affect the swimming stroke and waves adding to the challenge.

After 4 hours, Lou exited the lake, feeling proud that the Coniston had been completed.

It was a fabulous atmosphere, a very well organised event and the volunteers helping throughout the weekend made the event extra special.

We celebrated in style, fish and chips and a well deserved glass of bubbly! The bubbles must of taken effect as our thoughts and discussions turned to entering Ullswater Chillswim in 2023 – 7.5 miles! Watch this space ……

So the first challenge of the staggered triathlon has been completed – now to start thinking about the bike and walk event. There is still time to sponsor Lou, so please head over to the fundraising page, any donations are really appreciated – please donate here.

If you would like to enter Coniston End to End or the other Chillswim events, please click here.