Fiona Outdoors logo My independent guide to the best of Scotland outdoors

If only . . .

Written by Fiona January 20 2009

A tri club friend told me abut his 18-year-old son’s success in a recent national swimming competition. As I do the press stuff for the club (volunteer position) I duly posted the fab story on the forum. I thought little more about it except to believe that his record breaking times must be awesome.

But then, a little later, I stopped to consider his times. 4mins 24 secs for 400m individual medley which apparently includes 100m fly, 100m breast, 100m back and 100m freestyle. Wow! I’d struggle to do 400m of freestyle only in less than 7 mins (and that’s after spending quite a bit of time in the pool being coached).
If only I’d learned how to swim properly as a child I might a) look less like a teddy bear in a washing machine b) be faster at crawl than breast stroke c) have a much improved chance of making it out of the pool during a triathlon before everyone else has done their first lap of the bike course.
Then again, it might also be a talent thing. Whatever, I am now utterly in awe of my pal’s son.

More Like This

Adventure

Autumn in the Alps – 8 must-do activities in Haute-Savoie Mont Blanc 

Adventure

Review: Sea to Summit Ultralight XR sleeping mat for camping

Adventure

Best cars for camping in the UK

Adventure

Day trip from Edinburgh?: Where to leave the big case before your train

Activity

The Canadian shoulder season gear audit: What to pack, rent or leave at home

Adventure

Why Australia’s next big trip for British outdoor lovers is not a road trip but a walk