Downstream

the timing chip provided
around my ankle, secure the
Velcro strap, give my name
to someone with a clipboard
and am told to rest my ankle
against a block. This is
nothing like my upper river
swim; the challenge here
seems not so much to swim in
the Thames but to do it as
speedily as possible. We all
mill around near the start,
helping ourselves to water. I
drink two bottles, so now