|
|
|
Our man (nearly) braves the pond in a good cause
 | | Our intrepid reporter (right) joins James Hewson, David Learmont and Andrew Conway and tests the water |
WHEN the Ironmen of Highgate invited me for an early morning dip in a freezing cold pond my initial reaction was not entirely positive.
But on learning it was for a good cause (and after a bit of not so gentle peer pressure from my colleagues) I decided to put my own "ironman" credentials to the test.
The group meets on Hampstead Heath four times a week for a six-mile run followed by a plunge in Highgate Men's Pond for a brisk swim to finish off their masochistic morning.
After deciding to forgo the pleasures of the run, I met founding member Andrew Conway, from Ferme Park Road in Crouch End, at the pond at 9am on Tuesday.
Steam was rising from his body after his strenuous trot and he looked as if he might be about to boil in his own skin.
The 45-year-old said the heat generated by running was the only way to prepare the body for a dip in the cold waters.
"We enjoy swimming in summer but there's something special about going in when it's cold - you get a definite glow when you get out and it stays with you all day," he said.
"I'm also fairly sure it prevents you getting colds - until you stop doing it. It also makes the cold shower afterwards bearable."
Before agreeing to meet Mr Conway, I had done a little research on cold water swimming - and the dangers involved.
I was alarmed to read that plunging into water less than 21 degrees Centigrade can result in panic, shock and instant cardiac arrest.
Even more alarming, the water in Highgate Men's Pond is significantly colder at its current temperature of just five degrees.
As Mr Conway and his ironmen enthused about the virtues of pond swimming at the end of November I began to wonder if they were slightly unhinged.
But after watching them climb, dive and splosh in the icy waters I decided to have a go.
I am not sure I quite cut the figure of the fresh water warrior I had envisaged as I descended the pond steps gingerly into the green water.
I made it in far enough for the lower half of my body to be submerged, but that was more than enough for me.
The water produced a sort of instant numbness and mild pain in my legs and feet.
I stayed partially immersed for about a minute before climbing back out and watching the real ironmen disappear completely under the surface.
Surely, there are charity events based in warm pubs.
Mr Conway, who works as a vehicle lease manager, said: "I think Hampstead Heath is a lovely place to come and the ponds are fantastic - they are such a gift - it's great that you can just turn up and have a dip."
o Copies of the ironman calendar at £5 each are available at Highgate Men's Pond, by calling 07941 350 481, and online at www.musclehelp.com.
tan.parsons@hamhigh.co.uk
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| HIGHGATE NEWS |
Use the links at the bottom of the story to have your say, send the story to a friend, or send a story in to the Ham&High newsroom
|
|
|
|
|
|