Chelsea Piers

So, the challenge begins, and where better than a 5‑star NYC pool with Hudson River views!

On a business trip to New York for a few days and keen to maintain my weekly routine of six swims and 18 km, I started researching New York swimming pools. I started thinking: how many pools did I visit as a swim club kid? I couldn't remember more than a few, but there must have been dozens.

Google threw up several blogs and sites listing a handful of choices; the same few pools cropped up each time. Top of the list? Chelsea Piers.

So I plotted a route for a morning of sightseeing and swimming. I set off from Hilton Midtown, through Times Square to the Empire State Building, paid my money and took the elevator to the top - impressive views and a fantastic story. How did they build it so fast?

Next stop: I'd heard a lot about the High Line, part of the west side redevelopment along the Hudson. I picked up the trail at the start and followed it through the buildings, with great views from the once elevated rail freight line, about 10 metres above the streets below. I walked as far as the 20th Street stairwell, then headed west to the Chelsea Piers sports and entertainment area.

The facilities looked great from the vast reception and cafe area, which made the $50 day pass feel slightly more acceptable.

I made my way out to the pool deck; wow, what a view! A panoramic glass wall faces the Hudson River. I had a quick pre‑swim chat with the pool coordinator to run through the rules and be allocated a lane (we need these in the UK!), borrowed a required swim cap (bright green triathlon cap) and figured out how to switch my Garmin Swim watch to yards. It was my first time in a 25‑yard pool; I knew it was slightly shorter, and later found out 25 yards is 22.86 metres. These US yards play havoc with my usual habit of rounding to neat 1,000‑metre chunks!

It's great to experience such a well‑managed pool: as I started the swim, they moved my slower lane partner to balance things out (Wyndley, are you reading?). It was also good to see the poolside staff not just covering lifeguard duties but offering ad hoc technique tips and training pointers to swimmers - something I've not seen elsewhere.

I completed a 5,000‑yard swim, with a quick spa‑pool break after 3 km to enjoy the view (you can see the Statue of Liberty from the jacuzzi). I figured I'd best get my money's worth - at 25 cents a length!

The views of the Hudson are stunning. The pool space is floor‑to‑ceiling glass on three sides, and it feels like the water could almost flow out into the river. In summer, I bet you'd need to be in early to get a sunbed on the deck.

I also discovered my new favourite pre and post swim sugar snack: Swedish Fish. Now officially addicted!

After making the most of the facilities, I rejoined the High Line and continued downtown, walking through Greenwich Village and Tribeca neighbourhoods, straight into Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan Island, totalling 17.4 km for the day.

I decided that if I ever do manage to complete my 1,000‑pool challenge, I'll finish in New York and return to Chelsea Piers, sit in the spa pool and remember where it all began!