2 Way Windermere

On the morning of Wednesday 24th August in poor weather conditions we loaded the car and headed cross country toward the Langdale Chase Hotel where Thomas Noblett had reserved rooms in the fabulous Lake House for KGB and I, Sarah Tunnicliffe, Andy, Ruth Williams and Angela his crew. Arriving around 3pm we were delighted with the very plush room and its beautiful surroundings...I was however less pleased with the rain as it lashed down outside.

Before too long the others arrived and checked in, without delay we headed into Bowness in order to secure the Electric Boats required for the swim, the actual marina would be closed at our estimated start time, however the staff at Shepherds were very helpful, supplying us with the gate access codes so that we could take the boats as soon as daylight appeared.

After this it was off to the shops for some last minute supplies (some alcohol for the girls) then back to the hotel where we met up with the extremely hungover Thomas, his boss Claire and of course his right hand man Andrew. The weather had now started to clear as we prepared to sit down for our evening meal. I scoffed my standard two main meals...(pasta followed by steak) and generally relaxed around the table with all involved except for Mark Pashby, my pilot, who was due to arrive very early next morning.

We retired to our room, together with Sarah, where I made up my maxim, and discussed the feeding pattern with the girls, all sorted and off to bed (Sarah went back to her own room!) I slept OK til about 2:30am. After which I was tossing and turning until I finally got up to make coffee around 4:30 and attempt to force down some breakfast at this crazy hour. Thomas had kindly offered to take us to Bowness at 5:15, despite my doubts he arrived bang on time. We loaded his car and headed to Shepherds a year to the day from my first one way Windermere swim (and 136 years to the day since Capt. Matthew Webb first swam the English Channel)

Thankfully no issues with the codes, we were on the jetty and loading our boat named 'Kate' in no time at all, Andy and his crew arrived moments later and set about their own pre swim routine (Andy was swimming one way starting from the South) Capt Pash arrived and was introduced to everyone and that was it...'Team Robson' was reunited, Pash took to the controls and we were off..a brief trip across to the west side of the lake and our start point of Ferry Nab...it was a beautiful morning, not a breath of wind, not a ripple on the lake but for the disturbance we created ourselves, a few scattered clouds but it looked set to be the perfect day..we had clearly been blessed..

The concrete ramp for the Ferry soon came into view, the team were aware of the plan to grease up on the slipway clear of the water. Pash manoeuvred the boat then accidentally crashed into the brick wall, almost putting KGB through the windscreen in the process! I jumped across onto dry land. Now... I forget why, but KGB decided to do the same, however, with one foot still in the boat and the other on the slipway, we were soon hysterically laughing as she just about did the splits...it was so funny. Sorry Kell..

Once we stopped the giggles I covered the usual body locations with Vaseline, (all those that rub and some extra today any areas which might be exposed to the wind), I wasn't sure if it would make a blind bit of difference, but I did so anyway.

It was time... I gave KGB  a kiss and pointed out that I had suddenly began to experience some doubts, I was quickly reprimanded by the whole crew and told to start on the Captains signal...At 0615 Pash gave the shout and I eased into the glassy water to begin my attempt as the boat was positioned to head south aiming directly for Fell Foot, I breast stroked out from land getting control of my breathing, until I was alongside the boat.

The clock had already started but this was not a race, a few final words of encouragement from the crew and I was ready..."OK lets go" I said.. and we were off..gently settling into front crawl, trying to be as economical as possible, my mind was racing but we were doing it at long last. This was exactly what I had spent the last year or so training for and the conditions couldn't have been better.

The feeding plan was to be fluids after the first hour switching 45 minute intervals more or less straight away, I was still experimenting and wanted to try maxim on alternate feeds, having tea, coffee, hot chocolate or similar left to the discretion of the crew and each other feed.

Sarah had updated Facebook and The Channel Swimmers Google Group, as a result of which messages of support soon began to filter through, either through the wonders of the Internet or text message and phone calls..modern technology seemed to working a treat, with the exception of the spot tracker which did not want to play game.

In what felt like no time, the white board made its first appearance with the message "Storrs Temple already" a mile south of the start point, this was nice to know. I am quite familiar with many of the lakeside features so my progress was easy to gauge (at this stage).

As we approached Blake Holme

My mind had started to settle down albeit I was still doing the maths regarding distances and times, I figured if we reached the turn at 3 hours, we would be ahead of schedule by around 30 minutes (I had predicted 3and a half hours per leg, the swim being split into 4 legs in my head)

My stroke rate was being recorded at 60-64spm, and was holding steady as we approached the yachts moored close to Fell Foot, I told the boat to speed ahead so that the girls could use the toilets, by the time I reached the last jetty, the girls were out of sight, Pash handed me Feed 3; Maxim and Juice with a welcome piece of sandwich. I requested Pash to drop the feeds to 45 minutes from now on. Some stretching in the water, then I headed off breastroking through the yachts so as to keep warm and not get too far ahead, moments later the boat was with me again and I was back into front crawl.

Soon as we got beyond the shelter of the trees at Fell Foot I starting having issues with the clear lens goggles I had chosen, I was getting lots of glare as the Sun was shining directly into my eyes every time  took a breath to the right (which is the only side I breathe) whilst I do swim a lot of time with my eyes closed this was getting very frustrating, between breathes and with a word or two per head turn I asked for some tinted lenses at the next feed. It was only 45 minutes but it seemed to take forever.

Feed 4 eventually arrived I changed to some yellow lenses and took the nutrition, which on this occasion was hot chocolate and maxim, chocolate roll and medication. I swam on as quick as possible after the food and the delays of the goggle change, however in no time I was feeling sick, I made a note to not have any more hot chocolate or those type of jaffa cake rolls, the goggles didn't help a great deal but they were a slight improvement...I was wishing I had my mirrored aqua sphere goggles but had to just get on with it.

At 1045 it was time for Feed 5, I was pleased by now that the sun had risen high enough to not be in my eye line and I was able to settle back down with no squinting or head ache worries (I have an intolerance to white light) Feed 5 was Coffee and banana, I told the crew about the chocolate issues and swam on, I could see the mid section of the lake ahead, by the next feed (Feed 6 Maxim and Juice plus jelly babies) we were back at Rawlinsons Nab, my stroke rate was holding at 64spm and I felt great, one more feed and we should be back to the start point.

6 hours into the swim and we were more or less at the start point where the Ferry crosses the lake, I took Feed 7(1215h) hot tea and milky way and asked for my clear goggles to be returned.

It seemed to take an age to get through the midsection behind Belle Isle, through The Lillies and the shallow areas, my stroke rate was now 60spm, seeing the bottom of the lake and weeds going by kind of messed with my balance or eyes or something as I started getting a little dizzy ?? bit strange but it was soon gone once the water depth improved.

Feed 8 (1300h) was taken at the north end of Belle Isle and consisted of maxim juice and chocolate. I was still feeling good and was aware of my location, the time and what was remaining of the challenge. I remember saying to KGB "OK this is where we go into the unknown" (this was reference to my previous longest swim being 7 hours in Dover Harbour).

By this stage my hip flexors and quads were really giving me trouble, I was trying to stretch them at each feed with little respite from the discomfort. This proved to be the most troublesome body part for the whole swim, my concern had been for the shoulders and some ongoing bicep tendonitis issues, however it seemed that all was well except the legs.

Feeds 9 and 10 are a bit of a blur, albeit I know from the records that I had some electrolytes in the shape of 'Lucozade Sport' at 8 and a quarter hours, we were well into new territory time wise, I recall looking across the lake and noted we had  levelled with Langdale Chase Hotel. In my head it was around two more hours til the final turn. It's kind of weird how some parts of the swim are totally forgotten, yet some moments are crystal clear. I vividly remember making the cross over towards Ambleside, thinking in my head " I am actually going to do this"

Sometime before 3pm I was asking for a savoury feed, Sarah asked if I would like a cup-o-soup and chicken sandwich, it sounded fantastic, I looked forward to it for the whole period before it arrived...and yet, as soon as I took a mouthful it was rejected, it tasted way too strong, I declined waiting for the prep of another and swam on. 

The records show I also rejected Feeds 12 and 13 the latter being at 4pm, I took a little plain juice but that was it. 

Andy had by now finished his one way in around 7hours 20 minutes, he was dressed and changed and back on board his escort boat, when I reached the turn point (About 10 hours in, the notes are too sketchy to be precise) he was standing on deck shouting "Turn, Turn, Turn" I had no idea that his boat and mine had swapped places, I turned to face south and found my crew positioned to take over. 

I plodded on, suffering with the swell from the passing Ferries, my stomach started to play up with what I think was motion sickness? I was unable to take any feeds of great benefit, fatigue was taking hold, clearly evident in my pace. Sarah joined me in the water and offered verbal encouragement as did KGB and Pash from the boat. The thought of having swam for ten hours lifted me a little but I really didn't care about time any more.

I was stopping far too regularly to either stretch, complain and or rest, my neck was very stiff, my legs were in agony, each time I stopped I flipped over and made a feeble attempt to breast stroke kick, I was slowly becoming more and more exhausted, Andy's boat was still alongside to the left, I could hear Ruth and Angela shouting at me, trying every trick in the book to get me moving. 

The further into the swim I try to re live, the more hazy it becomes, I was drifting off in the water, I am not sure if I knew exactly where I was, my mind was in a very strange place, I did not believe anything I was told and the end was in in my opinion no where to be seen. I did however feel there was no way I was getting out without getting the job done, the dozens of white board messages and the knowledge that lots of people were willing me on inspired me to plod on. The embarrassment would have been too much to live with.

After what feels like a life time, the slipway from where we had started almost 14 hours earlier came into view, I struggled to the front crawl until I could see and feel the concrete below me. The video on the previous post shows me for some unknown reason clearing the water and looking like a person under the influence of mind altering substances..

I had done it...in no small part due to the fantastic support from everyone involved both my boat and Andy's...

a physical and mental wreck is an understatement....

more to follow and next post..regarding what actually happened next! recovery, lessons learnt and of course multiple thanks and appreciations

3 days and counting

As  a result of the untimely car accident, a new shift pattern at work and the summer holidays for schools, my training took a bit of a battering, however, things are settling down nicely with the aid of physio, massage and medication...I apologise for the lack of updates but to be quite honest, there has either been nothing much to say or I lost the urge to post...

On the training front I have swam as much as the above circumstances have allowed, with a couple of six hour swims, including another one way Windermere, a six hour at Ellerton last weekend and the odd two/three hour efforts here and there. More or less double the amount of swimming I managed last year.

With just three days to go until the planned 2011 target I am feeling rather nervous, excited too, but more nervous than anything else..

The plan is to reunite the team (Capt Pash, Sarah and KGB) at The Langdale Chase Hotel and start the swim the following morning at 6am Thursday 25 August...a year to the day since my first 1 Way Windermere..

I am hoping to have a tracker on the support boat, where if you are so inclined you will be able to follow my progress as I attempt to swim the length of Englands Longest Lake in both directions, 21 miles hopefully in about 14 hours.

Everything after 7 hours will be new territory, hence the nerves and anxiety at the prospect. your support is really appreciatted and any comments are greatly received!

More news soon...I promise

Lake Windermere One Way

Rising at 6am on Wednesday 25th August after a reasonable nights sleep, the weather looked fantastic as I walked the dog, prior to the usual uncomfortable and dreaded forcing down of porridge. This eating first thing on a morning lark never gets easier for me. The car was packed with enough supplies to feed every living relative! Chris Pearson arrived (he was going to swim in his wetsuit and as many other bits of rubber / under garments as he could find) Departing from home at 7am I was surprised by the amount of traffic using the roads as we crossed the A66. Progress was thwarted by the odd heavy goods vehicle, caravan or tractor. Ambleside as always, was a welcome sight, however just as Windermere itself came into sight...so did Chris' breakfast! not what I wanted to see, hear or smell. A brief welfare break and we were once more enroute to Bowness our intended rendezvous point with the rest of 'Team Robson'.

I had reserved an electric boat at Shepherds for a couple of reasons...no physical exertion to be required, some cover from the weather would be afforded to the crew, the noise would be minimal if any and most importantly there would be zero fumes to upset my stomach or head whilst swimming.

The ever jovial Sarah Tunnicliffe had already arrived, closely followed by our skipper for the day Mark 'Pash' Pashby, after introductions, hugs (and hungry parking meters) we off loaded the cars, the girls stowed everything on the boat whilst Pash was briefed by the horizontal laid back staff.

Moments later, slightly behind schedule we left Bowness and motored (at 4mph!) to Fell Foot the official start point of the swim. This was ample time for me to brief Sarah regarding the finer points of my feeding plan and Pash for the best route to Ambleside, as Chris rested his weary head.

Conditions looked near perfect, a slight breeze, breaking clouds, I couldn't have wished for more. The crew were chatting away, picking out landmarks for navigation purposes and becoming slightly nervous at the imminent event, to the extent that we all needed the toilet! With Fell Foot in full view Chris squeezed into his rubber torpedo suit, Pash skillfully moored us at the jetty, it was time to strip, grease up and commence my attempt to swim Englands longest lake.

(Some Windermere Facts: ten and a half miles long and a mile and a quarter across at it's widest point, with a depth of up to 220 feet. The lake is so large that it has a slight but discernable tide. Deeper than the English Channel.)

Chris stood on the Jetty dancing around freeing himself from nervous energy as I applied Vaseline around the arm pits, neck and groin, the crew took their positions, Pash started the clock at 11:14am as I lowered myself into the water and began stroking in as relaxed a manner as possible. Initially we had to manoeuvre around several moored yachts before having much open water ahead. The boat was positioned to my right hand side, so all I had to do was breath, I was completely confident of being piloted the shortest possible route, I didn't want to have to sight ahead which strains my neck, it was great having the boat for company, knowing all my needs were taken care off by a very upbeat, enthusiastic crew.

The arrangement was to feed every 30 minutes taking Maxim and possibly some solids in the shape of jelly babies, chocolate rolls, jaffa cakes, milky ways or similar. I had pre mixed the maxim just before we left home using the guide Nick Adams posted on the Channel group earlier this season. All Sarah needed to do was pour 200mls into the feed bottle, add 200mls of hot water, attach to the 'Cliff Golding reel and line' and dispatch to the swimmer.

The first feed arrived in what seemed like no time at all, I commented to KGB that the water was 62F, drank the maxim as quick as possible together with two jellies, and swam on. At this point my stroke rate was 64spm. I felt great. The next couple of feeds were fairly uneventful, Sarah was keeping notes on what I consumed, Pash logged the location as KGB snapped away with the camera..it was going like clock work.

According to Pashs' log:
Feed 2 @ 12:15 Blake Holme Nab..Plain Maxim 400mls
Feed 3 @ 12:45 Dog Nab.. Maxim and Coffee 400 mls. Stroke Rate 68 spm.
Update @ 12:54 passing Beech Hill Hotel
Feed 4 @ 13:15 Rawlinsons Nab..Maxim 400mls

So.. two hours had now passed, Pash recorded that I was in good spirits, was joking about the water temperature and splashing the crew mid stroke, I remember splashing both Pash through his open window and Sarah (she was quick to tell me off). I was happy enough, but was developing a bit of a headache which I put down to the Cressi goggles I opted for at the start (they have yellow lenses and make any day look bright and cheerful). As a result I flipped over mid stroke and spoke with Sarah requesting some clear Aquasphere Goggles at the next feed.

Feed 5 @ 13:45 Black Coffee

Feed 6 @ 14:15 Maiden Home..Maxim 400mls

Update @ 14:32 Passing The Lillies (adjacent to Belle Isle)
I recall this point in the swim, I knew this meant we had now crossed to the West side of the Lake where we would remain until the last couple of kilometres, I was also aware this was the half way point, all of this knowledge lifted my spirits I remember upping the pace somewhat as we travelled through the shallows.

Feed 7 @ 14:45 Thompsons Holme..Maxim plus 2 Jelly babies, Pash also entered the water here (he must have needed to take a leak!) he would swim somewhere near the boat upto, but no further than it was time to return to the East side of the Lake (plan was to cross somewhere near Wray Castle). KGB was now piloting the boat after instruction from the skipper.

Feed 8 @ 15:15 Bass Rock to the left side..Plain Water..I was starting to feel a little full on maxim and felt the need to flush out my system before I over loaded, Pash approached me in the water and asked if I was OK, I responded saying "I'm having a bit of a blip but I'm OK"

I swam on once more knowing the next hurdle was the cross over, somewhere around this stretch the water again became a little more difficult to the extent that I was adjusting my recovery to combat the waves, it soon became apparent this was due to speed boats and water skiers, I was amazed to see this as the lake has a 10mph speed limit..Is it possible to water ski at such a speed? Whatever the answer is to that, the boats as well as the passenger ferries all gave me something else to think about and broke up the boredom of the ideal conditions with which I had been blessed for most of the swim.

Feed 9   @ 15:45 Maxim

Feed 10 @ 16:15 Wray Castle..Plain Water..Pash now tried to leave the water, he was struggling to get into the boat so much so that I decided to swim on alone as this was clearly going to take some time. I could see a large green buoy in the distance and tried to make progress in that direction until such times as the boat caught up. I also used this time to backstroke for a couple of minutes resting my shoulders as well as seeing if the boat was on its way. 

With Pash back on board and wrapped up warm, onwards we continued, I asked if we were about to cross the Lake and was pleased to be told we were already doing so, by this stage the days Maxim was feeling like it no longer wanted to stay in my stomach, it wasn't due to the swell, it was something else, I was becoming increasing agitated by the nauseous feeling, it was forcing to stop, face away from the boat and let out an almighty belch each time, I was not actually vomiting though it was on its way for certain. 

Feed 11 @ 16:45  Offered a feed of choice.. maxim / water, I declined everything at this point due to the stomach issues and decided to continue without hoping it would settle down, a Rennie tablet had no effect so I plodded on recognising Low wood Hotel and knowing full well  I was inside the final mile.

Throughout the next half an hour or so the sickly feeling continued, I stop several times to address this, took a breather before swimming on, Sarah was then entering the water for the final leg through the small boats moored near the Ambleside Youth Hostel, an area I know very well, the end was literally in sight. KGB was now seated on the front of the boat cheering us all on as we slowly closed in on The Ambleside Waterhead Pier.

After 5 hours 58 minutes and 58 seconds Chris, Sarah and I all swam across the finish line..to much cheers and congratulations...Job Done!

I was delighted to have finished, to have completed the swim and hit the target I set some time ago at the start of the season. I struggled to dry land, and proceeded to be violently sick, my hips were very sore and my stomach felt like it had been turned inside out.

Eventually we all dressed, returned to the boat and motored off South to Bowness, I was presented with bottle of Champagne by Chris (thankyou Chris) and a toy medallion from Sarah! The journey back to Shepherds was lovely and peaceful, the sun was shining allowing me to fully take in the days events.

The sickness continued preventing me from enjoying a post swim meal but that wasn't important. The day was a complete success...My Crew whom I cannot thank enough were absolutely awesome, everything went exactly according to plan and I learnt a lot. Not least of which is the strength at which I can handle maxim.!

Thankyou all so very much...it was a great day. I will be calling on your services again of that you can be sure. Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou

Capt Pash Pilot extraordinaire

The end in sight...

another feed

Dover4

High and (S)Lows...

Highs:1. Excellent accommodation, I would highly recommend to future swimmers Wellingtons Lodge in the very pretty town of Deal just 8 miles from Dover.
2. Saturday swam as requested for 6 hours at 16C unaccompanied except for 20 minutes when I was joined briefly by Loraine Verghese..delighted with this 5 days after last six hour swim.
3. Had a good chat with my pilot who sounds on top form just hours before his season started with Kaise Stefan.
4. It didn’t rain.
Lows:
1. The drive to Dover took almost 8 hours due to weather and roadworks.
2. My arms were aching terribly in the triceps and elbows from start to finish on Saturday, getting progressively stiffer as the day went on. Probably not recovered in full from the swim last Sunday in not the best conditions.
3. Woke Sunday encountered difficulty dressing due to almost unbearable pain in the right arm.
Freda gave me 5 hours I was glad it wasn’t 6! agreed to go for it, wanted to be out at 1 hour (pain and getting cold due to inability to swim as the normal pace).
Ended up getting out after just short of 2 hours, much to the annoyance of several, including Freda, received offers of help from Jane but could not do it, feel severely gutted at yet another injury, and embarrassed at my failure to make the time, and for what I may or may not have said to the beach crew and Kelly. I wasn’t rude or impolite but was very stubborn. For what a number of people must think of me for refusing point blank to get back in.
My arm/right shoulder is still causing me a great deal pain today after the drive home and a day at work. I have treatment arranged for this week but to be honest I don’t expect to be back in Dover anytime soon.

Public apologies to Kelly, Freda and Jane. Sorry

Dover3

Our weekend training trips to Dover are basically a race from start to finish. The contest normal begins with parental planning, the school run, try to finish work early, load the car and head southbound for a minimum of 6 hours, as you can imagine, by the time we arrive on the south coast we are shattered, this week was no different. We managed a quick meal, followed by a broken nights sleep, waking with a body full of aches and pains as a result of sleeping in a strange small bed .

“700 miles? In a weekend? I take it you fly to Dover” was the comment from a workmate … “Oh no we just drive” the look on his face said it all…one questioning my sanity!

I had (or at least I thought I had) prepared my self mentally this week for a six hour swim on Saturday in order to qualify before the waters reached anything above a balmy 16 degrees, so it was no surprise when I reported in, to be handed my red cap and be asked to do 6. Yep I knew she was going to say that.

It was a busy time on the beach this weekend with a lot of new faces in attendance, many of whom I had spoken to online, we met with Kaise Stephan, Vasanti and later Stanley Paris, all of whom were really nice, caring and enthusiastic.
After some intros I was greased by the ever present Barrie and headed into the very low water together with Kaise and his support swimmer Ryan, he was just swimming for an hour before meeting his pilot we also planned to see our skipper this week at some point but unfortunately never got chance. Into the water, we walked until in a reasonable depth and headed off to the eastern dock wall, basically swam a lap of the harbour before going our separate ways. It was great swimming with someone of a similar pace, the benefits of gently moving along side by side are enormous, the mind has far more things with which to be occupied, the first hour seemed to fly by.
I continued on alone, the sun was in and out and the water felt ok at just short of 16C, by the time I was due to come in for a feed a 2 hours my right shoulder/arm was playing up and all manner of negatives had started to invade my mental plan. Issues I hadn’t considered for the first hour would not leave my head and I didn’t do a very good job of thinking positive, cold, bored, hurting, hungry, choppy water, tired…I had let all these things get a hold of me. I swam in and told Barrie my shoulder was playing up, I was gutted… he gave me a warm maxim drink, some pain killers and instructed me to swim to out to the Western wall and see how it felt afterwards. At that point I had decided I was getting out, and so I did at 2 hours and 20 minutes, I dragged my sorry butt up the beach and had to face Freda, I was embarrassed at my performance and went away to sulk, I was too stubborn to see the error of my ways and sat on the stones thinking it was all over.

KGB arrived back at the beach a short time later (she wasn’t expecting me to be out this early) and was not a happy bunny, What was I playing at? What had Freda said? She sat with me for a while, I could almost hear the cogs turning in her head as she disappeared… before much longer, Freda was approaching with that knowing smile beckoning me to sit with her on one of the concrete groins. We had a heart to heart, I was told a number of things about both my training and my character, she then said something that really hit the spot (am not letting you into it though)…and no matter what my body was saying I was getting back in, “Just two hours, good boy and Jane (Murphy) will do the second one with you”

The variety of guises Freda Streeter can take on amaze me, she can be scary, motivating, hard but above all she is also one of the most selfless and compassionate people I know. Kelly was not allowed to speak to me before I re entered the water, I was in and swimming without time to consider other options, it was rougher than earlier, when Jane joined me I felt like she had been sent to kick my a**e, I was fighting tooth and nail to keep up. When we left the water, it was in a much better place emotionally. Thanks Jane for joining me. Saturday 2 swims, 4 hours 20 minutes 15.9C.
Whilst I was doing my second swim a plan had been hatched between KGB, Freda and Jane and some of the other beach crew. After a relaxed chat and we had the remainder of the day to our selves, subsequently had a lovely evening meal at Dunkerleys in Deal. The setting was beautiful and the back ground music encouraged me to think about a number of issues some of which brought on a bout of tears. Sunday, I had decided was now or never.

Another nights broken sleep, breakfast, pack the car, check out of Hubert House and report in to Freda and Irene at the beach, “Morning Mark, red cap number 6 and 6 hours, in every hour to feed, its choppy and it will be getting worse, away you go” A quick reminder of yesterdays conversation followed by a greasing up from Barry.

Saturdays plan had already been put in motion I was going to be swimming with Jane for 2 hours then Kaise for 1 hour then later Jane again for the final hour, as I stripped I couldn’t locate Jane so headed in to start alone. The water felt about the same as previous day, was very choppy to the extent that we were told not to go much further than the sloping groin. A circuit of the harbour and in for feed one, Barrie questioned why I was not with Jane as she was already in to catch up with me..? Around twenty minutes later I was heading back from the eastern end when by pure chance I accidentally grabbed a foot whilst I reached out through the increasing chop, as luck would have it, it was in fact Jane and Kathy, we swam together to the Prince of Wales (PofW) pier then on Jane’s say so completed another lap.

Feed 2 thus arrived I took some Ibuprofen from KGB and noticed Kaise and Ryan standing in their togs waiting to start. Some quick hellos and I was off to the PofW pier again, the boys soon caught up, once by the wall we did some intervals up and down with 30 seconds rest between each repeat. Soon it was time to head in for Midday and Feed 3.
Kaise and Ryan left the water, whilst I took my maxim and chocolate. The next hour was uneventful, I was joined by another unknown swimmer as I did some more repeats. It was as I made progress for Feed 4 that I knew was going to manage the six. Telling myself I had only one more feed seemed a much better prospect than the thought of two more hours, and so Feed 5 came. By now it was raining, the waves were crashing up swimmers beach, the crew there were soaked to the skin, Barrie by now was in full oil skins! the wind was blowing a gale and the sea was getting more and more angry. As I got to the beach I was greeted by cheers and a wall of people shouting praise and encouragement. Freda and Kelly were blowing me kisses and giving me the thumbs up, this hit a nerve and I immediately began to think about my late mum. It was then that I noticed Jane being cuddled as she struggled to keep warm. I told her she didn’t have to join me, true to her word, in she got and battled the waves for another hour. It was a fight to return to shore on completion, though the elated feeling when I did make it in such conditions made it worth while. The girls were waiting with hugs for me as I waded through the wash. A quick all day breakfast with Freda, her Grandson, Jane, Kevin, Matt, and Neil was then followed by phase three of the race, the return 350 miles to home, arriving around midnight I was tired to say the least.

Thankyou very much indeed to everyone who helped the swimmers this weekend in some atrocious conditions, I am happy to be officially qualified and look forward to my split channel swims next time we are in Dover.

Alone at Sea(ton)

Awoke to a sunny day for once, after another night of rainfall, dropped Charlie at school and made my way to Sunny Seaton, (well it was sunny when I left the house) on arrival the wind was blowing again, it was a westerly, which providing it ain't gale force tends to flatten the sea. So conditions were quite good really, just a bit of chop, high water and sunny intervals.

I was alone today as KGB was at work, and Joni has gone to Dover. I needed to get in for another sea swim and being that the conditions were favourable I decided to it was safe to do so. One of the worst things of going to the coast alone is the dilemna of time and equipment. Do I take the dry bag and clothes onto the beach so I am clothed til the last minute and risk it being stolen or blown away or, do I walk almost naked from the car park several hundred metres to the waters edge. I decided just like Monday that I would risk being arrested and walk semi naked across the sand.

Now once I make the decision to leave my clothes, towel and drinks etc in the car I then have to somehow secure the key for the ignition within my trunks. I normally tie it to the waist cord and hope for the best, there is no pocket inside the swimming togs so it's kind of just has to dangle in there, now that may sound OK to you...however as a result of the cold water I kind of lose the feeling of anything inside there so I never really know if I still have the key or if it has gone to Davey Jones' locker! am sure you can imagine my thoughts of exiting the sea only to have no dry kit and be faced with a ten mile walk home almost butt naked!! Not a pleasant prospect.

Into the water... my initial reaction was one of 'brrrr that's cold!' my hands and torso certainly felt the drop in comparison to the lake on Tuesday evening, after about 5 minutes I had relaxed into my swim and my breathing was fine. I swam a slightly longer route than normal, more or less keeping parallel to the shore, I did not want to head out too far without my safety cover and was rarely more than 200 metres from dry land.

Even though I obviously cannot speak with Kelly when she trudges the sand, it is comforting to know she is there, I found it boring today without her (yes Freda I know it it supposed to be boring). But for the occasional visit from a seagull I was in total isolation. Good training I guess. I swam for an hour at a watch reading of 55F, this is almost 10F lower than the lake, so I am really pleased that I made the effort to go today, we (KGB and I) are planning on returning tomorrow for a little longer.

Other news...work are trying to get some TV coverage for the swim so as to raise the profile of the J-A-C-K foundation and the fight against Neuroblastoma, thank you to all who continue to support the swim, be it financially, emotionally or by sacrificing your time. Without you I could not manage this.

Lake Windermere ..Bank Holiday Training

Yesterday KGB and I returned from an overnight stay in Ambleside. We left home around 11am on Bank Holiday Monday for the 100 mile skip across country in absolute glorious sunshine. Arriving at the Smallwood House Hotel again where we had initially stayed with Swim Trek and then Loraine. Soon after checking in we headed down to Lake Windermere a matter of minutes away.

Here we spoke with the Aide and Kate at Lake Lander, they are very friendly and supportive whose services I would recommend without hesitation, we sorted out the hire of a sit on Kayak for KGB. Then, as usual I swam out to Seamew Crag a small rocky island that juts up about 1000m (as the crow flies not the route we swim) from shore opposite the YHA building). My records show that last October it had taken 22 minutes to reach the Crag, however today we were there inside seventeen minutes, Kelly was paddling right next to me and it was very comforting to know that she was close by and offering me some protection from the passing steamers and other craft.

My wristwatch was showing 56F, though at times in dropped out to 52F, the lake itself was very patchy in terms of surface temperature, I wasn’t sure if this was due to the amount of recent rainfall or to the amount of vessels churning up deeper/cooler water.

Anyway, I swam for 1hour and 20 minutes during which I could easily notice those cooler patches. My core felt warm enough most of the time, and I was reasonably pleased with my performance. We also took the chance to practice feeding in the deep water, whereby I would have to either lay on my back or tread/kick whilst I took on the hot maxim, we had used all of the drinks by the 60 minute mark, so that was a little annoying…must plan better!
After the swim we had the usual hot chocolate at the Ambleside Pier and headed off to shower and take a well deserved power nap. That evening we had an excellent meal at Lucy4s, followed by too much alcohol and a good nights sleep.

Waking slightly groggy on Tuesday morning I forced down some breakfast before heading back to speak with Aide, I was due to be back home for work at 1445, so decided to just swim for 45 mins, Kelly accompanied me again and we had the feeding off to a tee, we had figured out some basic hand signals for “danger/stop” and for “feed time”. The water it self seemed to be much more even in feel and temperature, my watched signalled a steady 55F, I was delighted with how enjoyable the swim was, in terms of comfort, safety, flat water, sunshine and KGB in the kayak, I thought to myself “conditions don’t get much better than this so make the most of it”.

Overall we had a great time, rather short lived and rushed as is normally the case, but excellent training (I Think?) Am hoping to meet Joni Storer at the Bishopton Lake on Thursday too, so things are progressing nicely, I am finally swimming mostly outdoors…lets hope for a nice long summer!

Every Cloud.......

At the start of the week I decided to allow my shoulder a little respite and made the firm decision to stay away from the pool for a few days, maybe even the full week. Not that it was going to be a complete lay off you understand....I read/heard somewhere that cold temperatures be it cold water or air affect the body in may ways, one of which is the increased blood supply and associated accelerated healing which can result.

So with this in mind and the shoulders more or less feeling OK, I fought the urge to return too quickly to the pool. Instead, Kelly and I took the first window of opportunity to travel to Seaton and re commence the acclimatisation process proper. Now Tuesday was not warm, there was a possibility of snow forecast and the wind was strong and bitter. See below..

When we arrived at the coast it could clearly be seen that the westerly wind and the sea were in battle as a result of which the conditions were far from ideal. I got into the water for the planned dip, with the figure of ten minutes in mind, I had great fun diving under the breakers and swells though I almost lost my goggles a few times and the ice cream head was a killer! I had a reading of 43 degrees (6.1C) on my watch, and exited the water after 12 minutes. My hands were painful as we walked back to the car, but the warming didn't seem to take long at all and soon the hands were fine. A good start...........

Wednesday was Charlies club night at the pool, where all the young ones were doing a sponsored session to raise funds for the club. Charlie swam his first full kilometre, so I was really pleased and proud for him..Well done son x

Today (Thursday the 6th) I managed to get away from work a little early and again we made a visit to Seaton. The conditions were far calmer, though the water was much the same temperature wise, I obviously had the previous twelve minutes in mind, so entered the water hoping to stretch to 15 on this occasion. After twenty minutes I swam to shore feeling great, my body/core was fine though my hands and feet were telling a different story. The warming took a while, probably not helped by the fact that as we returned to the car for some hot sweet tea, the HiFi turned itself on and began to play the 'Foreigner Track' 'You're as Cold as Ice !' now that was funny..I was delighted to have swam for longer and figured out how to fight the brain freeze after advice from Ned Denison last night on the phone ...cheers Ned, it works a treat.

So there we have it, the cloud lying over my head regarding the shoulder that was causing some concern was indeed silver lined, it feels normal again now and two cold swims as an added bonus..more next week as and when other commitments permit..

Thanks again to Kell for watching over me and listening to my moans and groans that you are so quick to point out !!x

Naughty Boy!

Tuesday 12th February was a frosty, foggy morning. Kelly had a physio appointment for her spinal problem and I was due to start work yet again at 3pm after a weekend of nights and a quick return on Monday. I was tired out to say the least. Looking out of the window at 7.30am to find the cars frozen solid didn't inspire me to go training, we had arranged to meet at the gym just after ten. I had around 90 minutes to either, go back to sleep, start a session at the pool or just sit and fill my face til she arrived.
Coffee in hand, I had a quick check of my emails and favourite websites to see several pictures and write ups of swimmers braving the cold water. I decided to make use of the spare time and headed to Seaton. It was really thick fog and took much longer to travel the ten miles or so due to the conditions, however, on arrival at the beech, there was not a breath of wind and the Sea was pan flat! it looked so inviting....but I was alone...I could just imagine the reaction of KGB if she knew what I was contemplating, the beech was deserted so I wasnt going to alarm any dog walkers. I 'toe tested' the water through my crocs..Yep it was about the same as expected.. COLD!
Jogging up the sand for 50 metres to generate a little 'inner fire' and get my head together, I returned to my dry bag stripped and walked into the 43degree F water (around 6.5 degrees C) getting to chest height I dipped under to completely submerge, the worst was now over, initially breast stroke followed by regular freestyle, my breathing took slighty longer than normal to control but settled eventually..around the same time as the arrival of my brain freeze! I then spent the remainder of the dip switching between breast stroke and freestyle to save the ice headache. Just ten minutes today after what seems like ages away from the open water, I am completey delighted I made the return and my paranoid guilt has left me once more.
I returned to the gym met KGB and told her where I had been, got the expected reprimand and headed for a pool set, it was worth the telling off, though I would not do it if it was rough. It was just too nice to resist.
Almost forgot, Kelly then had a freestyle lesson and made massive improvements, she will be making waves in the fast lane before we know it!

JACK OF ALL TRADES, PARTNER OF ONE

Hello all. I am seizing this opportunity to introduce myself; Mark’s blog being somewhat quiet of late and me being completely out of action due to back injury. I am the proverbial ’kick up the backside’ when Mark’s head, body or both are tired; I am the ear which gets a battering when there’s no one left to take another ’SWIM’ word; I am the parent who makes him sit there and eat his greens, I am the taxi who picks up his son, I am the nag, the unsympathetic coach but more importantly, his second conscience when he doesn‘t listen to his own! I am not a swimmer (for those of you who are part of the ‘group’ I am one of those annoying breaststrokers (though lane etiquette is well and truly drummed in!)) I am not a life coach, nutritionist, physio, childminder, masseur, photographer, life guard or kayaker! Well, what I mean is if I tried to pass myself off as any of those officially, I’d be either locked up as a con artist or certified! Some of you who are acquainted with the blog may know me as KGB.

Andy King, Me and Mark

When Mark, first sewed the seed of doing a channel swim I thought I’d admiringly watch from the side lines, freely spectating at will, armed with popcorn and programme. Oh nooo! I may not have got on the top deck but I boarded the bus! Call me ignorant, but I never envisaged just how involved I would become. Some would call me mad or silly to put so much of my own time and effort into someone else’s dream; I disagree on the grounds I too get something out of it, claims my support is truly unconditional would be slightly misleading. I’ve had the pleasure to meet some inspiring people, visit idyllic locations, and experience new activities and, are yet to encounter many more. I also ENJOY being there for Mark despite being cold and wet when I could be indoors sipping tea; despite doing the dreaded school run when I could be at the gym; despite cooking a mountainous meal when I’m not hungry myself. Believe it or not, I’m having fun too.

To all the partners out there who feel like swimming widows, there are simply two options to be considered, either allow your partner to full fill their dream by taking the Active Support role by the horns or pass the responsibility wholeheartedly to another, without harbouring any guilt (on either part).
For all those who are thinking of attempting a Channel swim, I wish you two things; luck in achieving your task (a mere gesture since there is no correlation between the task and luck whatsoever) and a kick up the backside, nag, unsympathetic ear, …! In other words, I truly wish you a second conscience too! There are always going to be many people around who’ll wish you well, offer a hand out of the water, a lift when you’re stuck or a warm hug when you’re too cold and tired to go on; however how many of these good folk are willing to refuse to pull you out when you think you have had enough? Decline to take you home just because you forgot your trunks? Offer little sympathy to your shivering and chattering after being in 11 degree sea water for a few hours? Not many; chose your support well and understand your partner/best friend/parent may not want to/be able to turn a cheek. We all can’t be Freda Streeter!
As a teenager I had an excellent relationship with both of my parents until it was time to learn to drive! It seemed (though I loved them dearly) they weren’t best suited to being my instructors nor me, their ideal pupil. I am happy to say , a third party was employed and our relationship healed.

I commend everyone who has achieved, attempted and will attempt the massive task of not only the Channel, but dedicating both mental and physical energy, time and commitment to achieving a dream. I too take this opportunity to applaud the families, friends and partners who have hopped on their journey too whether giving their love and understanding or simply combing a beach for several hours in the rain!!
I look forward to meeting some of you in the spring of 2008 where I hope to gain feeding tips, massage techniques and share flasks of coffee; you never know…..I might even get in the water myself and learn front crawl…...NO SPLASHING PLEASE!!!!!!! KGB