15th November 2025. Breathwork and my first polar bear challenge dip!

Second swim of the day! After my first one, I put a dry costume on and dried my hair but kept my thermal leggings on, along with my long sleeved vest, joggers, top, fluffy socks and boots and my zoodie to keep warm.

I ate some food to refuel and went out to an artisan market to have a toot round.

We got to Sale water park ready for my session and I was in a group of 7 lovely women plus the instructor Jane who teaches the wim hof breathing method.

Obviously I know how to breathe, but I have a tendency to hold my breath if I'm anxious, stressed, in pain etc. I was holding my breath during a deep tissue massage yesterday so I knew this workshop would be worthwhile for me.

Jane spoke to us about our breathing technique and we followed her instructions and I found it really helpful. When I inhale I used to also hold my stomach in rather than let it expand naturally. I am more aware of breathing and how it can be an effective way to manage the fight or flight response. This is particularly important when preparing to dip or swim in cold water, to avoid your body going into shock and to adapt slowly to the cold temperature.

After the breathwork session we went into the changing room to get undressed into just our skins and dry robe before heading to the lake.

Only wearing skins underneath my dry robe 🥶

Off I go for my dip! Brrrrr it was chilly and storm Claudia was still hanging around.

Trying not to lose my footing on the ladder was a challenge 🤣

I'm in! And shivering. It felt like a thousand burning needles all over my body.

I managed two strokes 🤣

Not sure I'll ever be just a skins swimmer! Made me realise how much warmth my wetsuit gives me but I'm still up for the challenge and building resilience.

My happy face! Doing a little jog to get my robe on and head back to change.

in a warm car with heated seats! Feeling quite knackered here. Home for a bath and refuel.

The after drop is a real concern of mine and I did experience it mildly a few weeks ago, so with the water temperature continuing to drop each week, its really important that I remain alert. I have become quite skilled at getting dried and dressed quickly and efficiently, concentrating on my core areas first, and having a warm drink. It's also one of the reasons I dont swim for too long as hypothermia can set in rapidly. Im building up my distance slowly and carefully and listening to my body.

I am also breathing much better..