#speedouk

Feeling sad and depressed? London weather doesn't help? Just came back home and found my brand new equipment for happiness!! Thank you #speedo you colour up my life and make it better 💜 #swimming #speedouk (at Clapham Park)

Remember the name > #SWIMDEMCREW Large up @holsnco mum for making the banner and driving up from #london to cheer, legend! 🏊🏼💙🏊🏼 - #wetthatweave | #drydemdreads | #ridethatwave | #swimdemcrew #speedouk | #greatmanchesterswim (at Salford Quays Waterfront)

Emotional business 🏊💙🏊 - #wetthatweave | #drydemdreads | #ridethatwave | #swimdemcrew | #speedouk | #greatmanchesterswim (at Salford Quays Waterfront)

Emotional business 🏊💙🏊 - #wetthatweave | #drydemdreads | #ridethatwave | #swimdemcrew | #speedouk | #greatmanchesterswim

Yesterday was a special one, it marked our last collective swim before the #greatmanchestswim The last 5 months have been an emotional rollercoaster to say the least. Lessons have been learnt, not only in the water, but outside of it too. Tomorrow will truly be a day to remember. | #swimchallenge2015 🏊🏻💙🏊🏻 - #wetthatweave | #drydemdreads | #ridethatwave | #swimdemcrew | #speedouk (at Stoke Newington West Reservoir Centre)

Sunday's Swim 🏊🏼💙🏊🏼 #speedouk Often driven past this leisure centre and wondered if it was still in use. It was no longer a mystery as I walked through the doors of #sevenisland I never had a pool in my school but I imagine if I did, this[insert italics] is what it would look like. Here's how it scored: Busy: 🏊🏼🏊🏼 Clean: 🏊🏼 ( defo a flip flops ting! ) Price: 🏊🏼🏊🏼🏊🏼 - #wetthatweave | #drydemdreads | #swimdemcrew | #ridethatwave | (at Seven Islands Leisure Centre)

So because people rarely tell it like it really is on insta here is a Real Talk Lesson from the Reservoir: I jumped in and had a small conversation with my nemesis Mr Orange Buoy today. The first time we were all good but on the second attempt he planted the seeds of doubt in my mind and made me panic. When you panic your body does weird things like make you think you will drown and despite the fact there are safety teams in boats and @swimdemcrew in the water you feel desperately alone. Which in turn makes you dependent on people which is a feeling I loathe as that involves trust and trust leaves you vulnerable to being let down. The positives of my swimming adventures is that I'm having to confront some fears and issues that have been safely buried for a long time and I'm looking forward to emerging a better man on the other side. Another positive is that confronting real fear will make you appreciate life in a way you could never imagine. So feeling real good to be alive right now and for having some real people in my corner willing me to succeed. @swimwithharley you rock on so many levels and with each little word of encouragement you make me a stronger man. 200 sketchy open water metres in the bank today . Thanks Brother. Over and out Captain my Captain. #swimdemcrew #swimdem #rundem #rundemcrew #bridgethegap #speedouk #westreservoir