Sunday 4th December, Central Baths

I did it! 1.25 Miles and I've completed the Challenge! A lovely quiet swim today, a lane to myself. I wasn't sure that I could complete this when I laid down the challenge, it's been difficult, I've been swimming 42 times, it's cost me at least £150 in pool fees and lockers before taking into account fuel. I've spent hours on the computer looking up pool times and blogging. But here we are- and I cant believe I did it!

44 Miles, 22 pools, 12 weeks.

Thursday 1st December- Central Baths

Did you check out the time on the receipt? Yes, I actually went before work! I couldn't see how else to make sure I'd fit in all my swims! I did a mile, the pool was nicely quiet with only two of us in my lane.
42.75 Miles, 22 pools

Wednesday 30th November- Wolverhampton Central Baths

Was feeling a bit more energetic after a day of rest! The lanes were out and i took it quite steady and managed 1.25 miles, that's 80 lengths of Central's 25mtr pool. I'm getting close now!

41.75 Miles, 22 Pools

Monday 27th November- Village Hotel, Cardiff

Well guys, this being my third day swimming in a row, and having moved offices and then driven to Cardiff, I was exhausted! I struggled through the first quarter mile, and was close to calling it a day! So I went in the steam room and the ecalyptus revived me sufficiently to do another half. I also met a fellow aspire swimmer! Turned out she still had 5 nmiles to go - and was only doing the 22 mile challenge- that also spured me on. So just the 0.75 miles for Monday - however (drumroll!) this was my 22nd pool!

40.5 Miles, 22 pools

Sunday 27th November - Codsall Leisure Centre

Well, in my head I'd done 0.25 miles more so it's a good job I added them up! I did a gentle paced mile today. There were a lot of parents teaching kids to swim and they're all over the place so I cant just plough through the little ones! I didn't mind a gentle one as was out a bit late last night!

39.75 Miles, 21 pools

Sat 26th November - Wolverhampton Central Baths

It was quiet and I had my own lane for 10 mnutes or so, but unfortunatyely I got to share it with a lady who couldn't make out the sign that said it was a FAST lane, going CLOCKWISE. Nearly crashed a couple of time as she was clueless and all over the place! Very odd! I did a mile, but it was a struggle, I really wasnt in the mood but that happens - it wouldn't be called a challenge if it was easy. The end is well in sight!

Wednesday 23rd November- Hereford Laisure Centre

I dont know whether I said last time, but they put out ridiculously large lanes at Hereford, very odd! I actually had my first cramp of the escapade on this occasion, swimming for a quarter of a mile with my foot cramping. Luckily it eased off then! Argh! Did a mile by the way :-)

37.75 miles, 20 pools

Monday 21st November - Darlaston Swimming Pool

I forgot to get my receipt! That is only twice in 38 swims so dont sack me this late in the game please! The main thing I like about EDarlaston baths is that they roped off a lane even though it was a public swim not a lane swim- it really narks me that more pools dont do that seen as many people go to pools to do lengthsanother great thing about Darlaston is that they have cubicles where you can shower in private, there are so many modern pools where you find yourself showering on the poolside and or them being unisex showers- no likey!

36.75 Miles, 20 pools

Thur 17th November- Temple Cowley Pool, Oxford

Working away again! This time I was on an auditting course in Oxford! I think it was due to the amouint of food that I ate (fab buffet!) but I actually managed, for the first time, 96 lengths, a whopping 1.5 miles in one go! In 1hr 10 min. Was very proud of myself, howver this was the only swim for the whole week!

35.5 miles, 19 pools

Saturday 12th November - Banff Leisure Centre (Aberdeenshire)

We 'popped' up to see the in-laws this weekend, Craig's mom was celebrating her 60th Birthday. It's a day driving each way but we shared it and I managed to fit in a decent 1.25 miles whilst everyone at home was still trying to shake the hangovers!

34 Miles, 18 pools

9th and 10th November, Bilston Leisure Centre

Back at my usual haunt, on the 9th I only manage 0.75 Miles, the pool was too busy and I wasnt in the mood! Today I did a mile, it was much quieter.

32.75 Miles, 17 pools

Monday 7th November, Wednesbury Leisure Centre

The picture is worse than I thought! This is a new pool, it was quite quiet, but I didnt think the changing rooms were very clean, and the toilets stank!

31 Miles, 17 pools

Saturday 5th November, Crystal Leisure Centre

Yes I've been here before! The wonderful thing that Ive found about Crystal Leisure centre is that it's open later than any other local pool at the weekend - Closing at 6pm on a Saturday and 5pm on a Sunday, which though not late, is later than the others so rather useful when you're a busy bunny like me!

30 miles, 16 pools

Friday 4th November, Walsall Gala Baths

This is one of my favourits so far, and quite local! Having walked past a smaller pool to get to the changing area, I was surprised to find that the main pool was HUGE! It's 33 metres long, and over 4 meters deep at the deepest part- because it has a high diving board. Being Friday afternoon it was very quiet, and this is one of the first swims lately that I've really enjoyed- it does become such a chore!

29 Miles, 16 pools

Wednesday 2nd October, Broadway Leisure Centre Manchester

Unfortunately I left my phone in the hotel! No picture this time.

This was a Victorian pool, and therefore 25 yards long. I was assured by the mananger that 72 Lengths was a mile, and so thats what I did!

28 Miles, 15 pools

28th and 30th October - Bilston Leisure Centre

Unfortunately my computer has been down for a couple of weeks but I'm back up and running- so see the below to catch up!

Fri 28th October - Bilston Leisure Centre - 1 mile

Sun 30th October - Bilston Leisure Centre - 1 mile

Total - 27 Miles, 14 pools

25th/26th October- Glasgow

Whilst working in Glasgow for the week I found two pools up there to add to my collection!

John Smith Pool- Tues 25th October - 1 mile
Tryst sports Centre- Wed 26th October - 1 mile

Total - 25 Miles, 14 pools

Week beginning Mon 17th October

This week I was working in Halifax and managed two local pools there. I also swam at Bilston- I'm sorry to say thats the first one I've forgotten the receipt for :-/

Sowerby Bridge Pool - Monday 17th October - 1 Mile
Halifax Swimming Pool - Tuesday 18th October - 1 Mile
Bilston Leisure Centre- Friday 21st October - 1.25 miles

Total 23 Miles, 12 pools

The story so far...

Date	Pool	Swam today	Running total	Number of pools
Mon 12th September	Wolverhampton Health and Fitness Centre	1 mile	1 mile	1 pool
Wed 14th September	Erdington Leisure Centre	1 mile	2 miles	2 pools
Fri 16th September	Dudley Leisure Centre	1 mile	3 miles	3 pools
Sun 18th September	Bilston Leisure Centre	1.25 miles	4.25 miles	4 pools
Mon 19th September	Monmouth Leisure Centre	1 mile	5.25 miles	5 pools
Wed 21st September	Bilston Leisure Centre	1.25 miles	6.5 miles	5 pools
Fri 23rd September	Bilston Leisure Centre	1 mile	7.5 miles	5 pools
Sat 24th September	Tipton Leisure Centre	1 mile	8.5 miles	6 pools
Mon 26th September	Wolverhampton Central Baths	1.25 miles	9.75 miles	7 pools
Wed 28th September	Bilston Leisure Centre	1.25 miles	11 Miles	7 pools
Fri 30th  September	Bilston Leisure Centre	0.75 miles	11.75 miles	7 pools
Sat 1st October	Crystal Leisure Centre	1 mile	12.75 miles	8 pools
Mon 3rd October	Haden Hill Leisure Centre	0.75 miles	13.50 miles	9 pools
Wed 5th October	Bilston Leisure Centre	1.25 miles	14.75 Miles	9 pools
Fri 7th October	Bilston Leisure Centre	1 Mile	15.75 Miles	9 pools
Mon 10th October	Hereford Swimming Centre	0.75 Miles	16.50 Miles	10 pools
Wed 12th October	Bilston Leisure Centre	1.25 Miles	17.75 miles	10 pools
Sat 15th October	Bilston Leisure Centre	1 Mile	18.75 Miles	10 pools
Sun 16th October	Bilston Leisure Centre	1 Mile	19.75 Miles	10 pools

Sunday 16th October- Bilston Leisure Centre

Another day another mile. The pool was quiet again, always a bonus! I'm hoping to do another 3 miles and 3 pools when working in Halifax this week- time and energy permitting.

19.75 Miles, 10 pools.

Saturday 15th October- Bilston Leisure Centre

Today I did my fastest mile yet! 40 minutes! I put it down to my athlete's diet- beer and cider, crisps and scratchings in the pub on Friday night! :-D

18.75 miles, 10 pools

Bilston Leisure Centre- Wednesday 12th October

I had a bit more energy for this one! Had a coffee before I left work which is probabaly why! The pool was quite quiet and I had a lane to myself for most of the time - the lane was put on for earlier lessons. I just took it steady and got throught the 80 lengths I wanted to. 1.25 miles. I think that really I needed the break at the weekend but am back on it!

17.25 miles, 10 pools.

Hereford Leisure Pool - Mon 10th October

Wow, didn't quite realise how late I got to the pool! Well done me for managing what I did in the time! Some pools are a bit wierd about sessions being separate, and this was one! Unfortunately, as the pool was 'public swim' 5:30-6:30 and 'lane swimming' 6:30-7:30, somehow they decided that you cant stay in! I guess they'd want  you to pay again, don't know really. I managed to do 48 lengths of this 25 metre pool by 6:30- really can't abide rushing, but lately seem to do a lot of it! So that's 0.75 miles.

Didn't manage to swim at the weekend and really feel the need to do some catching up now, so fingers crossed for a good week! There must be some time and energy around here somewhere...?

16.50 miles, 10 pools.

Bilston Leisure Centre Friday 7th October

Was back at Bilston for a quick mile on Friday, was going out so had to hurry! The pool wasn't too busy luckily!

15.75 miles, 9 pools

Bilston Leisure Centre - Wednesday 5th October

I'm a bit snowed under so left work late and headed to Bilston again- it's on the way home from the office. The pool was quite busy at 6pm but by 7pm it had quietened down and I managed the 80 lengths of the pool (today roped at 25mtres). Yes I was tired, no I didnt want to go, but I did it, 1.25 miles!

14.75 miles, 9 pools

I've done more than I said!

Guys, I must have been very tired when I posted Mondays blog! If you look to the bottom of each blog,  by Saturday I'd done12.75, then I did 0 .75 on Monday and came up with a total of 13 miles somehow!

So....13.5 miles, 9 pools.

Mon 3rd October, Haden Hill Leisure Centre

What a rubbish swim! Having driven back from working in Oxford I finally arrived at the leisure centre, and once in the pool it just got busier and busier! It's not a big pool and even though before I got out I counted 30 people swimming up and down they didnt put any lanes on, so we were all weaving about all over the place! I managed 60 lengths of this 20 metre pool (3/4 of a mile), but what a nightmare! All I can say is that as I got out there seemed to be a lot more people going in! Not the place to go on a Monday night!

13 miles, 9 pools

Saturday 1st October, Crystal Leisure Centre

I think that I was struck with madness, it must be the chlorine, I got to the pool at 8am! On a Saturday! Now the temperature in this pool is tropical, a bit too warm, the water and air temperature dont lend themselves to swimming a mile I can tell you! I think all the swimmers had a case of the Saturday mornings, I was in the fast lane but none of us were tearing up and down, it was a nice gentle one. :-) I still had to have an afternoon nap before I went out though!

 12.75 miles, 8 pools

Fri 30th September - Bilston Baths

I was a busy bunny on Friday, buying a replacement car! I only managed to get to the pool a little while before it shut and so did just 3/4 of a mile. I actually had a lane to myself the whole time, fabulous!

11.75 miles, 7 pools

Back at Bilston! 28th September 2011

Okay you know what Bilston Baths looks like by now! Also can I point out that I the till was playing up so I paid on the way out this time, I didn't just get there at 7:30pm, thank God!

Well, I was so lucky tonight! They'd put a lane on, and I actually had it to myself for the whole time! Knowing that there was a 'milestone' ahead and hasving the luck of a lane to myself I managed 1.25 miles, taking me to 11 miles! A quarter of the way there!

I'm halfway to Calais!

11 Miles, 7 pools.

The story so far!

Date	Pool	Swam today	Running total	Number of pools
Mon 12th September	Wolverhampton Health and fitness centre	1 mile	1 mile	1 pool
Wed 14th September	Erdington Leisure Centre	1 mile	2 miles	2 pools
Fri 16th September	Dudley Leisure Centre	1 mile	3 miles	3 pools
Sun 18th September	Bilston Leisure Centre	1.25 miles	4.25 miles	4 pools
Mon 19th September	Monmouth Leisure centre	1 mile	5.25 miles	5 pools
Wed 21st September	Bilston Leisure Centre	1.25 miles	6.5 miles	5 pools
Fri 23rd September	Bilston Leisure Centre	1 mile	7.5 miles	5 pools
Sat 24th September	Tipton Leisure Centre	1 mile	8.5 miles	6 pools
Mon 26th September	Wolverhampton Central Baths	1.25 miles	9.75 miles	7 pools