I am a Channel Swimmer

That was one very tough swim , probably the hardest I have ever had to ask of my body. Even two days later I can feel the sea motion as I sit typing this blog . I will do a fuller account of my swim but for the moment .

• The highs - reaching France on a Sandy beach
• The lows - sea sickness so early on in my swim
• The laughs - Stroke technique from my coach in the middle of the English Channel
• The tears - after about 8 hours my left rotator cuff ( Shoulder and upper arm ) was killing me

I have been back in the pool for very very gentle swims , my shoulders are very sore and I am very weary too.

Physio and Massage later this week and I will be back swimming pain free very soon

Back to the boss !!

That's it for me now folk's. Today has been awesome and being involve in the whole week has been an unforgetable experience !!

The ETA for the boat is 2000 in Folkeston Harbour and I suspect that there may be a beer or two involved.

Cheers,

Andy.

And now - The Money shot !! - Congratulations from everyone Nuala !!

TheTruelly Awesome Crew !!

The last bit !!

Info

I am off for a breif bit of fresh air on my bike and will be back soon to keep the info going.

The journey back should take between two and three hours, so if you are coming to Folkeston that is a guide for you arrival time.

Andy

Text 25

She's surrounded by a mob on the beach i think! We can't see too well.

Text 24 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Done! 12hrs 55 min.

Can we all pass out now !! (Ed)

Text 23

Boat can't go any further. Wee boat with them for the last bit. My battery about to die !!

Oh no !! (Ed) !!

Text 23

Headed for beach. Nearly there!

Text 22

Landing could be tricky!

Text 21

We can see people on the beach. One more gel should do it.

Text 20 - WOW !!

OK, things are looking good! About a mile to go. Spirits are high. Chris getting in for last wee bit. We can see towns and villages and cars now clearly. Bring it on. Lets get some baguetts.

I am going to get past this b****y boat soon !!

A very determined look !!

Text 19

Hopefully about 2 hours to go! But depends on tides. Last feed was a very quick one cos needed to push on. Crew having a quite moment's R&R.

Text 18

Water 17.7 degrees. She's still swimming!

Text 17

Coming up for 11 hours! Jeeso! This girl is nuggets. Reg came out to speak to nools at the last feed - told her that the next hour is crucial for a big push - so no stopping unless for scheduled feed. Chris fast asleep. brother Ian doing a fine job of videoing. Susan's hair is like straw sticking out a midden. Hey ho! Onwards.

Text 16

Water temp is now 17.2 degrees. No issues with the cold which is fantastic. Steady progress and stroke still looking very good and strong. Chris napping in case he as another swim ahead. Tks for all the fantastic messages, much appreciated. Sun is shining - but still not warm enough for the bikini to come out!

Probably the worlds greatest coach !!

Having a feed

Going well !!

Text 15

Last feeding stop was a good one - no abuse, and she said "i'm not stopping" - her spirits are good again. And we can clearly see France now! Another couple of swimmers have stopped and are heading back. About 5 miles to go.

Text 14

Tough time but progress still being made. Lots of grief being hurled at the crew!

Text from Ian Monk

Just watching her dogged determination is humbling.

Phone converstaion

Had a conversation with Susan about 20 minutes ago. It appears that this is a lot tougher than anyone envisaged.

The crew are doing a fantatsic job at managing their roles and are feeding information to Nuala as best they can to help her as much as they can.

They are clearly still a long way from France and Nuala is tired and frustrated. Dave is getting her to focus on half hourly intervals and just to focus on the next set before another rest.

The other slightly surprising factor is the speed considering the conditions. Relative to the other swimmers out there today, Nuala is going really well and yet it is going to be a long crossing. Her stroke and stroke rate are still in good shape. In our naivety, we can only assume that the conditions are forcing a slow swim for all. Two of the original twelve have turned back.

I know that this will come across as a concerning update, but think that it is important to make this an accurate record of events.

The estimate at the moment from the crew is for a 15 to 16 hour swim.

Text 13

Half way there and first sight of france ! Woo Hoo ! Vive la France, fine wine and cheese here we come.

Text 12

Nules is going through a good patch - we've finally got her to swim a bit further away from the boat which is much better! She is smilling and waving at us from tim to time.

Message from Ian Muir-Cochrane

It has clouded over and the wind is up a little. But Nuala in good spirits. Nine miles plus.

Morale

Morale is high with the crew now that Lunch time has been agreed at 12 noon !!

Lunch Announcement !!

Text 11

Not too much to report. Nuala plodding along fine. Stroke rate about 58. Chris just had a pee over the edge of boat. Susan is going below for a wee - wish I was a bloke!

Text 10

No more Puking. She is doing OK. Next feed in 10 mins. Half a banana and more juice is on the menu. and a mint to get rid of salt and puke taste.

Report on the Crew

The Crew are reporting in as in good shape !! They have found their sea legs and are no longer feeling sick.

Well done crew - top effort !!

Technique holding out !!

Big Brother and Big ship !!

awesome !!

One Third done !!

The Pilot estimates that Nuala is about a third of the way there now.

Text 9

6th feed done. Dave told her that she had to take a gel otherwise she was going to struggle. Done 7.4 miles. Beautiful tall ship just passed and been instructed by n to look out for jelly fish!

Text 8

More sickness aftre the 5th feed unfortunately. But once she starts swimming again she's fine. One boat has turned and is heading back, not good news for that swimmer. Yikes!

Please keep out of their way Nuala !!

Ian, Dave and Ian with the observer in background

Looks like a feed !!

Text 7

Have now overtaken another boat. Just been through lots of seeweed !

Text 6

4th feed done after 3 hr 45. Observer says she needs to take on more water, so we are stopping again in 30 mins. Chris now warm apart from his toes. sun getting warm now. Lots of big ships now that we're in the shipping lane. sun tan lotion coming out now! Trying to make as much progress in next hour and a half before tides change!

Text 5

Got to 3rd feed - Nuala recovered after being sick a few times - Chris was there to help her through it. Done just over 5 miles. Chris out and warming up.

Going Well !!

Text 4 - 0655

Nuala feeling a bit sick - so am i !

Text 3

Second feed done but not vivin (?) a couple of minor mishaps - lost one gel to the fishes at the bottom of the ocean, and hit her with the water bottle, woops! 12 boats out here with swimmers. We stared last and have overtaken 3 already !

Text 3

Second feed done but not vivin (?) a couple of minor mishaps - lost one gel to the fishes at the bottom of the ocean, and i hit her with the water bottle, woops! 12 boats out here with swimmers. We started last and have overtaken 3 already!

Text 2

Water is apparently 16 degrees. Chris is geting in at the 2 hour mark. Crew have now had morning cuppa. No puking yet! Nools doing about 63 stroks per minute.

Communications from the boat !!

Hi All,

I am receiving regukar text messages from Susan on board the Viking Princes and will copy them verbatum on the blog as they arrive. Here is number one:

Hey, left at 4.22 in darkness. First feed done. Warm juice! Sun rising, beautiful. All good so far.

Brief brush with the law !!

As the Viking Princess pulled away; Andy, Tam and Robin started the shuffling of vehicles to parking spaces etc. Unfortunately, Andy asked Robin to follow him and headed the wrong way down a one way street, swiftly followed by flashing lights and a rather concerned young Constable !! Fortunately it was only a warning !!

We drove up to the headland and watched the Viking Princess heading away from the shore. There are 12 boats and swimmers out there and it was fantastic watching all of the boats moving away from the shore steadily. The Viking Princess stood out as the brightest and best lit. It also stood out as the one moving the quickest !!

The sun started to rise and Nuala and Robin were delighted to have seen Nuala Og off safely !!

She's Away !!!

Nuala started the swim at 0422 on Saturday 26th July 2008 !!

Everyone met at the Burstin Hotel reception at 0315 with an air of excitement, anticipation and of course apprehension !!

The Viking Princess pulled along side the harbour at about 0340 and looked in magnificent condition and brightly lit up with lights all over the rigging.

Nuala, Ian, Ian, Susan, Dave and Chris climbed down a rusty old ladder fixed to the harbour wall and got on board with the observer. The crew of Reg and his brother loaded on the bags and kit and they set off at about 0350.

The boat chugged around the headland to Sandfire Hoe and then Nuala was put ashore. At 0422, a hooter was sounded and she set off on her way. The sea was very calm and there was a gentle off shore breeze. Perfect conditions !!

It's confirmed !!

So, Reg has said yes and it is all on !!

The meet is 0315 in the morning with an expectation for Nuala to be underway by about 0400.

It is a fantastic experience for us all to be involved in this, and then there is the not insignificant charitable contribution to Mind of over £5,000 !!

More news to follow !!

It looks like Saturday !!

So, the 1930 ritual was obeyed again with the call to Reg and this time he was able to give good news.

Reg is aiming for an 0330 Saturday meet with Nuala at the boat and an 0400 departure. The wind and tide are looking favourable. All to be confirmed at 1930 Friday !!

Fingers crossed !!

WindGURU

We have just looked at an excellent site called WindGURU and it looks like Reg was right again !!

The wind is gusting tomorrow and in the wrong direction. The site is forecasting a calm wind in the right direction for Saturday. So, now we keep looking at the site and see if the forecast remains.

Looks like another 24 hour wait !!

The Waiting Game

Here I am in Dover trying not to get too stressed .....Tam has arrived to keep me sane . I woke really early and after breakfast went to see the sea - not a wave in sight ...Arghhhhhhhh

I know I have to be patient and trust Reg my pilot but thats really hard for me .

Plan of action today is have a little swim down in the harbour and then a drive to the sights of Dover - well that wont take long will it ???? Maybe gentle stroll on the cliffs to look across the pond and think about the challenge ahead . 19:30 I will call Reg again and fingers crossed tomorrow will be the day

The Waiting Game

On Hold for A Day.

Reg has decided that the conditions are looking good for Thursday and is holding for 24 hours to make the most of them.

The same call will be made to Reg at 1930 Wednesday, when it is expected that the countdown will commence.

Dover and depending

Worldwide Communications networking headquarters established in Dover - Room 61 - upstairs at the Travel Inn !!!

Nuala currently in the nerve centre studying the meteorology - sitting on the bed watching the news !!

The decision of will she stay or will she go tomorrow is pending a phone call to Reg at 1930.

Further news will follow !!

Final details

Saturday I was down at Dover for my last group training session . Chris - marine boy came down too to have a gentle swim next to me just to get used to my slow pace .Only two hours in the sea , what joy eh .....after getting warm we had at least another two hours gaining final details from the many channel veterans on the beach. I was given a boat checklist with essential items for me and my crew, and some top tips from Freda - just keep swimming one arm and then the other arm until you get to France. Focus on swimming to the next 'feed' small swims not one huge swim . On our way home we popped into Folkestone to have a look at The Viking Princess - a small bright blue fishing boat . I will spending the next few days getting my things together , eating well and sleeping as much as possible

Last few days , the nerves are starting

The last few days I have been thinking alot about the challenge ahead of me . Many many good wishes from friends and colleagues and the whole thing is becoming so very real and so very close. I am off to Dover in the morning for a swim and checking out where my boat will leave from , where the hotel is and also catching up with two friends who are now 'Channel Swimmers ' as of last week - I am looking for Top Tips

Eating well and sleeping lots is my main focus for the next few days and of course praying for good weather .....

Communication coordinator invades blog !!

Nuala has given me her User name and Password, so that whilst she is swimming hard, I can be visiting all of her credit cards and having a party !!

Andy G
xxx

Sunday 13th July - an easy swim

Sunday was a very exciting day , as I drove down into Dover I could see four boats off across the pond - yes a few lucky swimmers had just set of on their own personal challenge- I had goose bumps as I watched them .

My swim today was an easy three hour swim - with no feed / drink which did make it a little harder . By the end of the swim I was starting to cramp on my legs this soon eased when I had finished my swim . The sun was shinning when I started my swim but the clouds soon filled the sky . As I drove back home I was thinking about those swimmers crossing the pond as I drove - my thoughts were how lucky are they , I am ready to swim just need to be patient and rest over the next ten days .

My swims this week will be nice and gentle , a few in the pool and two visits up to the Lido . I will eat well , rest and I have a massage on Wednesday - Tapering is my favorite training phase

12th July - Dover in the sun .........ish !

Saturday was to be the penultimate weekend of training in Dover harbour . Usually procedure up at 5am leave at 6am and arrive at Dover 8am - via my usual pertrol station for a hot chocolate . The sea looked great and very inviting . Five hours today - was to be four but tomorrow I cant do four as advised so it was swiftly changed to five today and only three tomorrow . As usual the first two hours were the hardest but after that each hour feed was my goal - helps mentally to think of small challenges not the whole picture. As five hours approached I was more than happy to be getting out . Not my greatest swim today but I managed it OK , the sun when out was great but the dark clouds weren't too pleasant . As I chatted on the beach whilst getting dressed I heard a few were heading to Shakespear Beach - mental note need to go with them as this is where Mum & Dad and any others waving me off will be . Off we went in a car convoy...........shakespeare beach everything becomes very real when you look out across the sands and sea to France. All that seperates us are the busiest shipping lanes in the world !!! Very Very scary but very very real too .

Many thoughts went through my mind as I then headed back home , I have done the hard work , its just a time to keep focussed and prepare mentally - as if I havent been for the last ........forevever !!!! Sleep is calling .........

SW region Open Water - Weymouth

The weather forecast wasn't great and maybe I was being rather hopeful that the races would go ahead . Saturday morning , the sun was shinning but the wind was blowing a gale . The 10 k race was cancelled , I wasn't a happy bunny at all . Despite the race being cancelled a few of us still managed a dip in the sea - playing in the waves really. Saturday in Weymouth was just about bearable , a really nice walk with friends and Jakey ( Ali's puppy)
Sunday morning was really grim , the wind was blowing , the rain was pouring and there was no way the 5 and 3 k races would be going ahead . After checking with the races organisers , the decision to head back to London was made . Its a very long drive back home when the purpose of the weekend hadn't been achieved - maybe I should have just gone down to Dover !!!! Next year I will be giving this event a swerve .........
A week in London training in the pool and maybe a visit to the Lido , just gentle swimming nothing too hard . Two weeks to go before the big swim !!!!!!