I needed something to demonstrate the advantages of my present lifestyle over that of my more solvent countrymen.
I chose to swim 200 meters butterfly (as quickly as possible) in open water. The butterfly stroke is a prestigious (and I think rather glamorous) stroke, and so it would serve well as a lifestyle propaganda stunt.
It was important to swim locally (by bicycle or by running) and not to use any heated or indoor water to train for this, because the effort was a direct challenge to those who must consume resources in order to achieve anything.
Time constraints permitted 3 or 4 swim sessions a week. The endeavour had to be completed by September, before water temperature was too low.
Sadly only 150 meters was achieved - but this probably equates to 200 meters in a 25 meter pool, because I didn’t have the use of a wall to kick off against every 25 meters ! There was also a side current to contend with.
Whilst I am entirely satisfied with the propaganda virtues of this exercise, I shall be repeating it in 2022 in order to achieve a faster time and the actual 200 meters distance. More training time will be allocated this time too.
The bodies of water I swam in were the Thames in Reading and one of the ex gravel pit lakes near Theale.
Swimming outdoors has begun to inspire my sculpture now
https://mcalistairhood.artweb.com/home/770241_skinny-dip.html
And
https://mcalistairhood.artweb.com/the-hood-in-the-wood/834499_sculpting-sculptor.html
A quick cool off in the Thames, in the middle of a barefoot run.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xaigdqnRS0&feature=youtu.be
#WetWednesday