A bit of a round up

I'd like to take a moment to do a round up of the summer months, in particular of my swimming, and the friends who've joined me in this crazy pastime. I'm an all year round sea swimmer, (for those of you who are new to the blog) and more importantly I don't wear a wetsuit. I love the challenge of swimming in the cold Atlantic ocean in just a swimsuit. The daily routine, no matter what the weather, makes me feel good. It takes drive and determination to face something that so many would flinch at. In addition it helps keep my focus throughout the winter months when SAD threatens to settle around me. 






Kate is a dear friend who visits the island as often as she can - this is from her June trip. The joy we feel after our swim is pretty obvious.


And here's fellow blogger Kezzie who visited the Isles of Scilly in August while on a cruise with her mother. We three managed to fit in a quick dip on Pentle Bay together before I gave them a whistle-stop tour of this little island paradise.


Kezzie and Ros were impressed by the endless clean white beaches and turquoise sea.


It's difficult to believe that this idyllic scene is in the UK. I promise - this image hasn't been tweaked - it really does look like this!


September was when I managed to fulfil a long term dream of mine by swimming in the Jubilee pool in Penzance. The beautiful art deco building has recently been rebuilt after severe storm damage in February of 2014. See the details here.






Mid September, and Kate and I were both on Appletree Bay enjoying some late summer sun.


This was taken on the morning on 2nd October which was the day before our 35th wedding anniversary. I had a swim just after sunrise and took some time to contemplate life with my wonderful husband. It's good to stop and count your blessings.


10th October, and one of my daughter's work colleagues, Anna, was on the island for a few days. We had a couple of sessions on Appletree Bay together. (She swims like a fish - I tagged along in her wake.)


And and this was taken on Friday at sunrise on Pentle Bay. I'd just finished my morning swim when the sky and sea turned golden before my eyes. Cold water swimming is scientifically proven to encourage the release of endorphins (our feel good hormones). I suppose that's why I do it again and again. And also for mornings like this.

For more information on the benefits of cold water swimming see the programmes "The doctor who gave up drugs" with presenter Dr Chris van Taulleken available on BBC iPlayer.

Linking with -
Cherie of Style Nudge
Anna x

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21 comments

  1. I dream of it! Oh to return and swim again and again!!! I'm glad you've had some companions for swimming this year!x

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    1. Happy days, dear Kezzie! I do hope you can return again one day. We could try out some of the other coves next time.
      Anna x

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  2. Brava to you and your mates who swim in the chilly waters! I can see the joy on your faces. Nature is beautiful, as are you all. xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. So kind of you Patti. Yes, you can see we all love it - the afterglow is amazing and is what keeps us coming back for more.
      Anna x

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  3. It looks wonderful, Anna. I had a most invigorating swim at Easter 2015 in the Atlantic ocean in Ireland. I'd love to swim everyday in the sea.

    I love your swim suit with the long legs - where did you get it? I have an all in one that has short type legs but I'd love one's that long like yours and yours has lovely colours and patterns.

    Have a great week

    Veronica
    vronni60s.blogspot.com

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    1. I do know I'm so very lucky to be able to swim like this. My swimsuit was from an online firm called Wiggle and the suit is by Arena. I like to have a bit more coverage if I'm going to be on a busy beach - for me this means more three people!
      Enjoy your week x
      Anna

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  4. I haven't swum in so long! And here I am on the west coast, too, but the water is so cold here! The Pacific Ocean is not warm in our area. I love all these pictures, Anna - you look so happy and a-glow!

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    1. I bet your sea is terribly cold over there Sheila. Even with my determination I don't think I could get my body in to it! These are great reminders for me of such happy days.
      Have a fab week x
      Anna

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  5. I am so impressed by your year round-sea swimming! This was a very nice look back!

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

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  6. YOU SIMPLY AMAZE ME ANNA!!!
    I remember when I first read the "about me" description of your sea swimming and being blown away at your tenacity and spirit.
    Being fit and all of the different types of activities I do to maintain fitness is very important to my physical and emotional health so I "get" challenging physical activity being a priority in your life. BUT!! Jumping into cold, wild, ocean water is just not a typical fitness activity and I love, love, love, how important this is to being you!!!

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    1. Hey thanks Judy, I'm really pleased to hear that you get where I'm coming from. I love sea swimming and last year discovered that I don't however, love sea swimming en masse. So there's something about the solitary nature of this, that makes it seem all the more worthy. I used to run a lot, and likewise loved to run alone, so maybe I'm just a bit of a lone exerciser. Sea swimming is a wonderful way to connect with nature, and becomes very meditative the more you do it. To see fish and crabs dart out of the way is really captivating - it's another world.
      Anna x

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  7. Another lovely visit to your beautiful island! Thanks Anna for these gorgeous photos. Isn't it fabulous when you have an activity that not is not only good for you but that you love! Wishing you lots of (chilly) swims over the coming chillier months. xx

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    1. It's great to hear that you've enjoyed this too Elizabeth. I get such a buzz out of swimming, but yes of course, I love to reap the health benefits too. And very soon, the winter chill will set in and yes the challenge will really begin!
      Anna x

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  8. I have great admiration for cold water wild swimmers, it must be pretty cold round the Scillies in the Winter so well done you. do you find that you become acclimatised to the cold? I have swum in an unheated sea water pool in January in Madeira and it felt great but it can take me a while to warm up again afterwards so I can't imagine what it must be like to have to get back from the sea to your house.Do you need any protection for your feet or is it sandy where you swim?

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  9. I'm well bundled up in clothes before and after my swim, but yes, it does take me some time to get warmed up again. I cycle to and from the beach, then I usually have breakfast then stand under hot water for a good five minutes to get cosy. And as for my feet, I can always find a sandy beach to swim from - I'm not a fan of rocky coves for my swimming. As we get further into winter I notice the cold mostly on my head and sometimes my skull bones ache with the icy temperature. I've worn two swimming caps to try to remedy that, but it didn't make much difference.
    Anna x

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  10. I bet it is meditative! I think anything you can do with repetitive motion rhat is rhythmic can become Yoga!! Actually I love that Yoga can be practiced in a variety of daily activities.

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    1. This divine morning meditation really sets me up for the day, so much so that if I miss it (only ill health or work pressure will do that) I'm not quite myself. I also practice yoga, but find it's the solitary nature of swimming that suits me best.
      Anna x

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  11. I bet it is meditative! I think anything you can do with repetitive motion rhat is rhythmic can become Yoga!! Actually I love that Yoga can be practiced in a variety of daily activities.

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  12. I am so wowed by you! I would have a heart attack - reaaly- maybe?
    swimming year round and do so admire it. Cant wait to see more posts, I saw you on Suzanne's blog and was so impressed with how you styled the feather dress.
    you seem a dear person , too!
    I love that last shot of you as the sun set!
    Also happy belated anniversary! ( I am coming up on 33, also counting my blessings!)
    xx, Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/

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    1. Hello Elle! Isn't blogging a grand way for making new friends - ones who are so understanding of our crazy clothes obsession too! This post does give you an insight into my other passion and I'm delighted that you like it. Thank you for all of your lovely comments. I'm heading over to introduce myself on your blog now.
      Anna

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