The important word here is "try". No guarantees but I do need to start to stretch myself.

Aw shucks, MHR, thanks. It's current assisted, though. I reckon it would take me 3.40 with no current. I'm going to do a lake 10k at the start of next season, as I want to qualify to try Windermere one way.

Absolutely fab. 2 hrs 39 mins, no wetsuit, 15C. Much slower flow than last year. A very different experience. I was warmer and faster by 16 mins, even though less rainfall meant that the river was slower, so I'm very pleased. Loved it.

Hi MH

clear some space in your inbox, i've tried to PM you

A very happy Christmas and new year to you and your family.

Thanks...its from all the writing!!

Thank you. She is regrettably no longer with us but we got her and her sister when they were really tiny semi-feral kittens. Her sister had a massive tumour aged 13 and had to be put to sleep and Tabitha, this one, was with us until she was 19 - then her kidneys started to pack in. We were terribly attached to her - she was with us for longer than our children! She and her sister were the sweetest little cats. We thought we could never have any others but we're now considering it.

Persians are gorgeous but hard work I expect?

Just wondered if you had joined www.swimmanager.co.uk/imaswimmer