SwimNualaSwim

I am a Channel Swimmer

2008-07-28T16:21:00.002+01:00

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 !!

2008-07-26T19:32:00.000+01:00

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 !!

2008-07-26T19:28:00.000+01:00

TheTruelly Awesome Crew !!

2008-07-26T19:26:00.001+01:00

The last bit !!

2008-07-26T19:21:00.000+01:00

Info

2008-07-26T17:36:00.000+01:00

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

2008-07-26T17:29:00.000+01:00

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

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

2008-07-26T17:22:00.000+01:00

Done! 12hrs 55 min.

Can we all pass out now !! (Ed)

Text 23

2008-07-26T17:17:00.000+01:00

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

Oh no !! (Ed) !!

Text 23

2008-07-26T17:13:00.000+01:00

Headed for beach. Nearly there!

Text 22

2008-07-26T17:07:00.001+01:00

Landing could be tricky!

Text 21

2008-07-26T16:53:00.000+01:00

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

Text 20 - WOW !!

2008-07-26T16:31:00.003+01:00

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 !!

2008-07-26T16:19:00.000+01:00

A very determined look !!

2008-07-26T16:17:00.000+01:00

Text 19

2008-07-26T16:07:00.003+01:00

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

2008-07-26T16:03:00.001+01:00

Water 17.7 degrees. She's still swimming!

Text 17

2008-07-26T15:15:00.003+01:00

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

2008-07-26T14:44:00.002+01:00

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 !!

2008-07-26T14:29:00.000+01:00

Having a feed

2008-07-26T14:27:00.000+01:00

Going well !!

2008-07-26T14:26:00.000+01:00

Text 15

2008-07-26T14:15:00.002+01:00

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

2008-07-26T14:03:00.000+01:00

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

Text from Ian Monk

2008-07-26T14:01:00.000+01:00

Just watching her dogged determination is humbling.

Phone converstaion

2008-07-26T13:51:00.003+01:00

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

2008-07-26T12:24:00.002+01:00

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

Text 12

2008-07-26T11:55:00.001+01:00

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

2008-07-26T11:05:00.001+01:00

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

Morale

2008-07-26T11:04:00.000+01:00

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

Lunch Announcement !!

2008-07-26T11:00:00.000+01:00

Text 11

2008-07-26T10:44:00.002+01:00

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

2008-07-26T10:43:00.001+01:00

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

2008-07-26T09:45:00.001+01:00

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 !!

2008-07-26T09:43:00.000+01:00

Big Brother and Big ship !!

2008-07-26T09:41:00.000+01:00

awesome !!

2008-07-26T09:40:00.000+01:00

One Third done !!

2008-07-26T09:34:00.001+01:00

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

Text 9

2008-07-26T09:17:00.002+01:00

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

2008-07-26T08:50:00.001+01:00

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 !!

2008-07-26T08:44:00.000+01:00

Ian, Dave and Ian with the observer in background

2008-07-26T08:41:00.000+01:00

Looks like a feed !!

2008-07-26T08:40:00.000+01:00

Text 7

2008-07-26T08:32:00.000+01:00

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

Text 6

2008-07-26T08:20:00.002+01:00

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

2008-07-26T07:39:00.002+01:00

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 !!

2008-07-26T06:59:00.000+01:00

Text 4 - 0655

2008-07-26T06:55:00.000+01:00

Nuala feeling a bit sick - so am i !

Text 3

2008-07-26T06:47:00.002+01:00

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

2008-07-26T06:39:00.002+01:00

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

2008-07-26T06:19:00.002+01:00

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 !!

2008-07-26T06:14:00.002+01:00

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 !!

2008-07-26T06:07:00.002+01:00

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 !!!

2008-07-26T05:58:00.002+01:00

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 !!

2008-07-25T19:50:00.002+01:00

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 !!

2008-07-24T19:54:00.002+01:00

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

2008-07-23T21:09:00.003+01:00

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 !!

2008-07-23T20:25:00.000+01:00

The Waiting Game

2008-07-23T09:59:00.002+01:00

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

2008-07-23T09:59:00.000+01:00

On Hold for A Day.

2008-07-22T22:11:00.002+01:00

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

2008-07-22T18:43:00.002+01:00

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

2008-07-20T10:32:00.003+01:00

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

2008-07-18T17:04:00.002+01:00

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 !!

2008-07-17T16:20:00.002+01:00

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

2008-07-14T16:58:00.003+01:00

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 !

2008-07-12T20:47:00.002+01:00

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

2008-07-06T19:12:00.003+01:00

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 !!!!!!

Three week taper !

2008-06-30T08:53:00.003+01:00

The joy of swimming in calm waters indoors this morning was hard to put into words . This week I am swimming gently just easing my muscles , so a short session this morning was perfect . I just wish that my sun burn would calm down I look like Rudolph - what will they say at the conference today !!! I also discoverd to my dismay that I did infact get got at by the jellies , just didnt feel them until last night when the itching started - all round my tum the little critters must have got inside my cozzie ....Arghhhhh

Back to Back weekend of FUN in the waves - NOT !!!

2008-06-30T08:33:00.002+01:00

Saturday was the start of a long long weekend . A steady drive down to Dover , sun shinning all looking good so far ! The plan was a 7 hour swim today and I was mentally ready for it . Arrived at Dover and there was a stiff breeze whipping up the sea - well it wasn't flat calm !!!!

My only worry today was how my ankle would be , but after about an hour I was able to kick as normal. The swim was tough due to the washing machine sensation at one end of the harbour . My first feed at 2 hours was warmly received , mentally after that first two hours each hour is easier just counting down until I feed again . We had a variety of foods , banana, milky way and chocolate roll , and of course warm blackcurrant with maxim ......Yummy !!!!

Towards the end of my swim I really could feel the sun burning my face shoulders and back - great strap makes !!

4pm and I am finished , delighted that I made it and no jellies ...Hurrah. I headed up to my hotel and soaked in the bath watching the tennis for over an hour ! I had a very lazy evening , in fact I felt deadbeat so TV and an early night .

After 9 hours sleep I didn't feel too sore but mentally today was going to be tough . There was still too many waves for my liking and 6 hours wasn't going to be easy. The first two hours were the hardest , the washing machine cycle was tossing me all over - I thought at one point I wasn't actually moving forward !! The cold really got to my little finger and my toes during the first two hours and I had to dig deep and push my self to swim faster in order to get the blood pumping round to my extremities , thank goodness it worked. The last few hours I avoided the washing machine and swam at the other end of the harbour , much calmer .

3pm and I am all done , my back to back swims completed, mentally that test was just what I needed ....just need to keep awake as I drive back to London .

Day two of a BIG weekend

2008-06-17T14:13:00.002+01:00

Up bright and early after a great meal last night and a lovely sleep. The harbour was looking nice and calm and a high tide - that means no jellies so the regulars have told me. Freda was giving out instructions for todays swim , five hours for you and stay clear of any jellies ........she was looking at my stings and has a new nick name for me ' Jelly Fish Magnet ' Hum. Five hour swim yes I am happy with that and off I go . My body did ache after yesterdays racing , I intended to swim gently in the races but the competitive beast that I am I really couldn't help myself . Today however my shoulders were feeling sore after 10 Min's .......will I manage the full five hours . Once again we were fed after 2 hours then after each hour until completion . The first hour is always the hardest then after that I just get into a rhythm and let my mind wander , looking up at the sun when I breath , looking at the sailing school , keeping out of the way of the rowers .....it all helps keep you going and hey presto its four hours done and I only have an hour left , easy eh .

Next week I am unable to get to Dover so have passed on my apologies to Freda - wasn't too impressed and informed me that in two weeks time I have a HUGE weekend of swimming , Saturday 8 hours and Sunday 7 hours ooh lucky me ......easy swimming for me until then I think .

BLDSA Champion of Champions 08

2008-06-17T14:00:00.002+01:00

We - that is Susan a member of my support crew and I had an early start from London down to Dover What a beautiful day , you could see the coast of France - very scary looks oh so close

This Saturday I was at Dover not for my usual training swim but today was RACE day . The annual Champion of Champions is held in Dover harbour , three races with times added together. Five miles , three miles and one sprint mile , with ample rest between each race . The five miles went well except for some idiot who insisted on swimming on my feet and hitting then nearly every stroke, it made me cross . Before the three mile I swapped the colour of my hat so the guys in the previous race wouldn't realise it was me , the plan worked I had a good swim no one on my toes . All going well until the jellies found me again , stings all down my legs my left arm again and the side of my body ......not a happy swimmer . The final race the one mile sprint was good and I managed a good finish too . The results showed that I came 3rd female , some fast young pups beat me , hey ho . One ocean creature I did enjoy seeing again was the return of the seal just to see what was going on in his patch, maybe I could strike up a deal and he'll help me get over to France .

Jelly fish stings .......any suggestions

2008-06-09T14:48:00.000+01:00

Monday , I have jelly stings all over my left arm some stings also on my thigh, the back of my knee, my neck and my right hand and they ITCH like mad .Help...................

Jellyfish in the harbour.....

2008-06-09T09:22:00.003+01:00

The lovely sunshine disappeared as I left the M25 and headed down towards Dover , sorry Dull Dover .....with rain and clouds . Freda greeted us with the comment .......make sure you get an all day ticket for your car, oh dear I think a long swim ahead. At 9am sharp we set off for my swim - 6 hrs today. I had no one to swim with as Pim - the Dutchman had to have his appendix out earlier this week - how inconsiderate eh

So 6 hours on my own , no one to chat to except the seagulls . It was hard for the first hour and then you count down till your feed times . We were fed after 2 hours then every hour until we finish. The warm maxim is just about bearable but at 3 hours we also got a mini milky way...yippee. After about 90 Min's I felt a slight sting on my arms , was that a jelly , then again maybe 10 Min's later yes I have been got at by those jellies .....Ouch .

During six hours swimming up and down the harbour my mind tends to wander and all sorts of thoughts have passed through my head , chores that I need to do round the house , what I am having for tea tonight, whats happening at work next week etc etc

At last 3pm was nearing and time to exit the sea , phew I made it covering about 19.5k not bad I think to myself. On reflection the hardest thing was the boredom to be honest , the water temp was OK about 13 degrees , and not choppy at all just a slight swell.

I think Sunday will be a rest day and next week in the pool a steady week as next weekend I have two days , one racing and one training ........cant wait

Heron Lake

2008-06-01T11:15:00.003+01:00

Sunday at 5.15am I was collecting Chris and heading to Heron Lake - just near to Heathrow - yes you can see the planes as they que up to land. 6.15am in we got I was very very muscle sore - cant think why !!!!!! Chris did 4 laps and I managed 7 - each lap is 1,000m approx.

As we were swimming it was great to pass with ease the triathletes in their state of the art tri suits ...hee hee hee. I used the swim as a gentle swim after yesterday however my shoulders were starting to cry out to me , hence just 7k this morning.

Back to the pool till next weekends trip to Dover ,Humm will it be 5 hrs or 6 hrs lets hope the weather is good

The calm sea at Dover

2008-06-01T11:04:00.003+01:00

Saturday saw the return of calm seas. The early start at 9am meant a very early start for the drive down - alas no driver this weekend had to drive myself !!!!

The swim was to be 4 hrs as far as you can - oooo a race I think !!!! After ample vaseline and sun block I was ready . This week no partner to swim with - Pim was away for the weekend . Off I went at Nuala pace the water was about 12/13 degrees and was fine , the sun was up ....great conditions I wish I could have headed straight out over to France. Four hours swimming on your own no chat really was hard for me , after each length (1200m) I looked to see if there was anyone to chat to ...but no ! We had two feeds one after 2 hrs 15mins and then after 3 hrs 15 mins . Warm Maxim isnt really doing it for me ....Yuk !

After my second feed with only 45 mins to go I decided to try and catch some of the other swimmers at least that kept my focus - later on the beach I overheard a few saying who was that who passed us - was she lapping us once or twice ???

Felt good after 4 hrs could have done more but will save that for next week.......

Birthday - postponed due to Training

2008-05-28T10:54:00.002+01:00

21 again however celebrations were kept to a minimun - chocolate cake at the office . Have to keep my eye on the job in hand , only one chance to swim to France - plenty of time to have a late birthday party .

I am feeling really tired this week , after effects of last week. I will train but I will also listen to my body and take it steady , really want to have some good swims at the weekend, Dover on Saturday and Heron Lake on Sunday

Rest is the key word this week

54K -Wow what a week

2008-05-26T16:41:00.004+01:00

The end to my week was on Sunday I swam at Heron Lake - near to Heathrow . The water was lovely and I managed a very steady even paced swim 8 laps each lap 15 mins covering 8k. This took my weeks total distance to 54k, I have decided that Monday- tomorrow is going to be day of complete rest and lots of sleep...Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Recovering on the beach

2008-05-26T16:39:00.000+01:00

Style doesn't matter at Dover !!!

2008-05-26T16:35:00.000+01:00

2008-05-26T16:33:00.001+01:00

Collecting my shoes - yes bright pink croc fakes - needed on Dover beach , see all the pebbles !!!

The trials of training in Dover

2008-05-26T16:26:00.003+01:00

Last minute team talk

Another Bank Holiday Weekend

2008-05-26T16:08:00.006+01:00

Saturday at Dover was bright and sunny with a stiff breeze blowing across the harbour. I had the luxury of being driven down this week by Ian - it was a shock to his system to be up so early on a Saturday

My swim started off fairly steady and Pim was too fast for me - he spead off after only about 20 mins .......typical eh . I swam at a steady pace for the rest of my swim . I did seven full lengths plus the two extra bits totally about 9 1/2 kilometres. The wind picked up during my swim till at the end there were white caps .........again I felt as if I had been in a washing machine

We all had to stop after two hours to be fed on the waters edge - interesting trying to stand and drink as the waves are battering you , then swim back out for two more laps .

This week I managed to avoid getting any rub marks - plenty of vaseline at the start did the trick . My old faithful cozzie - black adidas will be the one I'll be wearing to France.

After my swim I was tired and was so happy to just sit in the car back home - Ian you are a star

Swimming with a young Dutchman in a washing machine .....can it get any better !!!

2008-05-18T21:14:00.004+01:00

Another weekend spent at Dover , many positives , many negatives ............

I am now the proud owner of essential items to get me across to France - very posh lights - ones that run on batteries and last for up to 50 hours - hopefully I wont take THAT long !!!!!

Another new item I have purchased is a changing towel / tent , yes the ones children use on the beach - I have an adult one blue with spots on. How joyous was I after emerging from the sea managing to get changed without revealing myself to all......yes the otherswimmers seem happy too

The swimming this weekend was challenging. On Saturday it was raining and dull , the temp was about 11 with none of the hot and cold spots that we had last week - just all cold !!!! I swam just one swim of 90 mins and managed to find myself a new training partner - Pim a young Dutchman with similar pace to myself.

On Sunday there was no rain however there was a stiff wind which meant the harbour was kinda bumpy.......two hours in what felt like a washing machine..Yuk !!!! I swam with Pim again and we managed a fair distance despite the waves - approx 5.3 k but that is approx as at times we were being thrown all over the place so a straight course was out of the question .......

All in all a good weekend of swimming , despite still feeling like I am on a boat ..........really wish my bed would keep still !!!!!!

My new training haunt.......A calm Dover harbour

2008-05-12T09:31:00.003+01:00

Saturday 10th May - No seals this week

2008-05-12T09:10:00.003+01:00

Once again the weather was brilliant for my latest trip to Dover , we swam at 10am for 45mins - 3K approx then the second swim was at 12:15 this time we did a 90 min swim -just under 6K .

The temperature was around 11 degrees with some nice warmer patches and as the tide was coming in there were some very cold patches - when swimming through those bits it certainly woke you up and made you get a move on ........

All in all the training seems to be going to plan , I have been recovering quickly once out of the water must be all the extra pounds keeping me toasty warm.

Next weekend I am down in Dover Saturday and Sunday so lets all pray for good weather and that I can cope with the next gradual increases Freda AKA The General places upon us !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Training in Loughborough !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-08T07:59:00.002+01:00

I find myself in Loughborough -work related and can't get any swimming done , the pool was full of the Olympic swimmers - how frustrating .........didn't think I could keep up so I had a bath at my hotel instead - I did make it a cool bath ..............

Can't wait to get back to my lido later today .........

Bank Holiday Monday

2008-05-06T11:50:00.002+01:00

Returned to the Lido for a steady 60 min swim - lengths !!!!!!

The chlorinated water felt really heavy today and always looking for rougue width swimmers made my swim feel harder than in Dover.

A few concerns are now spinning in my head - my supplier of goggles cant source that particular type anymore - I will have to do some seacrhing for new make . I do have spares but I need spare spares really just in case .

The pool will be my haunt for the next few days , Friday the Lido I think then Dover again next Saturday - hope the sun keeps shinning

4th May 08 Dover - Training

2008-05-06T11:43:00.003+01:00

Sunday training at Dover again so so lucky blue skies and gentle wind with the sun shinning down on us . The swims today went well we did a 45 min swim then about an hour later we did a 4 K swim - well I did a slight detour and Chris was too cold to argue with me ..........All good stuff , Chris swam next to me and we had a really steady pace extablished .

After two days of driving down to Dover swimming two swims per day and then driving home I became very weary - afternoon nap was required .

We both recovered well and only lasting complaints was slight rub marks and furry tongues

Wldlife at Dover - a good Omen ?

2008-05-03T22:11:00.003+01:00

Just about the start my first swim at Dover inner harbour , a very nosey seal came to have a look at us all as we were about to enter his domain - you can just see his head !!! Regular swimmers today said that they have NEVER seen a seal in the harbour ....a good omen perhaps

The two swims were great with the temperature about 11/12 degrees and the sun was shinning brightly.

The training in the Lido has been great as the sea felt rather warm and I found it fairly easy to get into my stroke - nuala pace !!!

Back again tomorrow for more training , managed to catch the sun on my face and also had a slight cozzie rub - so a few things I need to get sorted for tomorrow ....note to self sun block and vaseline

The Lido

2008-05-01T09:22:00.000+01:00

This morning a break from routine I went to Hampstead Lido - usually its my weekend haunt ......11 degrees and I did 45 mins ...wow very happy . However I realised what a commotion there is brewing up there 60m x 27m open air unheated Lido beautiful except no lane ropes. Some swim widths some swim lengths, this hasn't been a problem during the winter months when the numbers are very low .....this morn one of the regulars tells me that the Lido ' Forum ' have decided that 7-7.30am you MUST swim widths .........such hassle so early in the morning.......there will be trouble ahead

Training at Dover - Only three days away

2008-04-30T21:03:00.000+01:00

My nerves are getting the better of me today . I have been thinking about all the stuff I need to get ready for my first Channel Swimming Training at Dover this weekend . There are two swims on Saturday and Sunday and one swim on Monday ....the length of time depends on how long I can stand the cold sea .

I have large towels , a giant rug , I'm still looking for an old sleeping bag that will keep me warm between swims but wont ruin if I get grease on it !!!!

I have spare cozzies , spare goggles , spare this and spare that ..........

Food - thats a story for another day ...I need to shop.....I need to sleep too