This last weekend I was down in Dover to put a line under all this Channel Swimming stuff for this year. We went down on The Saturday and had a dinner at Cullins yard on the Saturday evening follwed by a trip to the White Horse pub where it is traditional for successful Channel swimmers to sign their names on the pub walls. If you are ever in the area I would recommend going and having a look at the pub as it is quite amazing to see and entire pub with writing on most of the walls and ceilings of past channel swimmers.
This was followed on Sunday by a Swim for the brave in the sea, I must admit I wimped out on this one as the weather was foul and I was sporting a bit of a cold.
Below is a summary of the years events as a wrap up to this summer.
I beleive that I was the about the 1015th person to ever swim across the Channel
I am in the top 25% of fastest times to cross the channel
I am the 3rd Zimbabwean to successfully swim the Channel. (Don't know How many have attempted it though)
I am the Fastest Zimbabwean to Swim across the Channel
From a fundraising perspective, When all is counted in, here is a breakdown of what we achieved
£3750 raised by the justgiving site
£868 Gift Aid on all of that
£1000 raised from a garden Party
£400 Donation from my company
All in all that is about £6000 raised from someones silly idea to swim the English Channel.
Well you may ask "what now?". Well I am still thinking about doing the Channel again and probably both ways this time but that will be at least 3 years down the line. My immediate future is uncertain as I will most likely leave my job shortly. This will give me the opportunity to take some time offf and figure out where too from Now.
With regards to small challenges that I am planning, next year may be a big one as A friend and I are contemplating a marathon in Africa, I am probably the worlds worst runner and have never run a marathon or even come close before but a year ago I had never swum the channel either. Kayak across the channel, cycle down Britain and 4 rounds of golf in a day. So it may turn out that you will be hearing from me again either doing all of the above of or at least some of them.
I will carry on my swimming as that seems to be the one thing that I am not bad at and there are a few people that I would like to help get across the English Channel next season but I feel that to keep me motivated I need a goal.
Well it has been the most amazing summer and I have learnt a lot about myself and my friends, family and people in general. Everyone wants to do their bit for charity and if I can become a vessel that lets people do thier bit I am glad to be of assistance. The response from people that I know and have met this year has been a truly amazing insight into the Human race.
For now that is all I can think of to say apart from
THANK YOU ALL,
WITHOUT YOU I AM NOTHING!
WITHOUT YOU THERE WOULD BE MORE PEOPLE IN ZIMBABWE GOING HUNGY THIS XMAS
FONDEST REGARDS
THE ZIMHIPPO
Instructions from the general
I'm the confused one scratching my chin
Butterfly training
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Monday, 29 September 2008
Zimhippo Challenged the Channel and Won 11 Hrs 45 min
Hi all
Finally, after many months of training in Dover and the pool and Heron lake my date arrived on the 28th September 2008. I went down to Dover on the Saturday for my last training swim with the General in the Harbour, there were about 5 of us on the beach and I went in for a 2 hour swim. After that we met up with some friends and I went off to get some sleep as I was to meet my Pilot at her boat at 0900Hrs on Sunday. This was a futile attempt as I could not sleep.
Some friends Started to arrive to see me off on Sunday so went to Dinner with them and then early bed
Woke at 5.30 Sunday morning after a very restless night, went onto the promenade to gaze over my goal for the day and watch the sun Rise. During the next couple of Hours some more friends arrived to see me off. I boarded the boat with my parents, Mama and Papa Hippo, Pygmy hippo and A friend, Greg Woods who swam the channel 2 weeks earlier and has been a training partner for me whilst in Dover. We waved goodbye to all my supporters and they made their way to Samphire Hoe beach where I was to start my swim from.
We arrived there, I jumped off the boat and went to shore to where my friends were and then off I went followed shortly by A friend, who stripped down to his smalls follwed me for a few metres shouting don't worry Graeme I will save you but gave up when he realised that it was actually quite cold and he couldn't keep up with me.
Well the swim went well, weather was good and my pace was blinding for the first two hours with my stroke rate up at about 75 strokes per minute.this slowed to about 66 after two hours and stayed like this all the way across
11 hours and 45 minutes later, in the dark I approached Cap Gris Nez and ended up having to clamber over some rocks at the base of the cliff under the lighthouse in the pitch Dark.
All in all very satifying, my body now aches all over and I am sure it will be like this for a couple of days but I will keep the pain to remind me not to do something so silly again----------at least for a while.
There will soon be photos galore and a more in detail write up.
For now I would like to Thanks all my Friends, Family, colleagues and channel swimmers who helped with this attempt without them none of what I am feeling now would be possible, I didn't swim the Channel, We all did in our own seperate ways.
Till I get my life sorted out
Zimhippo signing off
Finally, after many months of training in Dover and the pool and Heron lake my date arrived on the 28th September 2008. I went down to Dover on the Saturday for my last training swim with the General in the Harbour, there were about 5 of us on the beach and I went in for a 2 hour swim. After that we met up with some friends and I went off to get some sleep as I was to meet my Pilot at her boat at 0900Hrs on Sunday. This was a futile attempt as I could not sleep.
Some friends Started to arrive to see me off on Sunday so went to Dinner with them and then early bed
Woke at 5.30 Sunday morning after a very restless night, went onto the promenade to gaze over my goal for the day and watch the sun Rise. During the next couple of Hours some more friends arrived to see me off. I boarded the boat with my parents, Mama and Papa Hippo, Pygmy hippo and A friend, Greg Woods who swam the channel 2 weeks earlier and has been a training partner for me whilst in Dover. We waved goodbye to all my supporters and they made their way to Samphire Hoe beach where I was to start my swim from.
We arrived there, I jumped off the boat and went to shore to where my friends were and then off I went followed shortly by A friend, who stripped down to his smalls follwed me for a few metres shouting don't worry Graeme I will save you but gave up when he realised that it was actually quite cold and he couldn't keep up with me.
Well the swim went well, weather was good and my pace was blinding for the first two hours with my stroke rate up at about 75 strokes per minute.this slowed to about 66 after two hours and stayed like this all the way across
11 hours and 45 minutes later, in the dark I approached Cap Gris Nez and ended up having to clamber over some rocks at the base of the cliff under the lighthouse in the pitch Dark.
All in all very satifying, my body now aches all over and I am sure it will be like this for a couple of days but I will keep the pain to remind me not to do something so silly again----------at least for a while.
There will soon be photos galore and a more in detail write up.
For now I would like to Thanks all my Friends, Family, colleagues and channel swimmers who helped with this attempt without them none of what I am feeling now would be possible, I didn't swim the Channel, We all did in our own seperate ways.
Till I get my life sorted out
Zimhippo signing off
Thursday, 25 September 2008
All happening this Sunday
Hi all
Thank you for all your support over this venture but the Zimhippo has now had a conversation with his pilot and it now looks as if I will be swimming to France this Sunday 27th of September starting at about 8 am.
Foar anyone who would like to come and see me off on the day, we will most likely be leaving from Shakespeare beach, you can get to this by heading out of dover towards London on the A20 and then at the last roundabout before you get onto the motorway, leaving dover, turn Right and then travel alosn that road and you will come to a busstop where you can park and then there will be a walkway under the highway to the beach.
PLEASE IF YOU ARE COMING DOWN PHONE ME OR ONE OF MY TEAM TO CONFIRM THIS ON 07957 107 153
Thank you once again
Regards
Zimhippo
Thank you for all your support over this venture but the Zimhippo has now had a conversation with his pilot and it now looks as if I will be swimming to France this Sunday 27th of September starting at about 8 am.
Foar anyone who would like to come and see me off on the day, we will most likely be leaving from Shakespeare beach, you can get to this by heading out of dover towards London on the A20 and then at the last roundabout before you get onto the motorway, leaving dover, turn Right and then travel alosn that road and you will come to a busstop where you can park and then there will be a walkway under the highway to the beach.
PLEASE IF YOU ARE COMING DOWN PHONE ME OR ONE OF MY TEAM TO CONFIRM THIS ON 07957 107 153
Thank you once again
Regards
Zimhippo
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Still Waiting
Hi there all
Just a quick update to let you know ow things are going. Well the week of my scheduled swim has arrived and I am now sitting around the house driving my parents crazy waiting for the weather to be good enough to head out for a swim. I spoke to my pilot yesterday and she was saying there was not much hope befroe about midweek and that there was still a relay team to get out before me so it looks like I will be on Friday or Saturday or Sunday.
I am quite glad actually as I went training in the lakes 2 weeks ago and ended up getting a cold which I am glad to say I am now over but still holding on to a erksome cough so hopefully that will go before I swim.
I am still doing some light training and will be up until I swim across.
For all those who wanted to be part of this swim, there may be an chance as I may end up going on the weekend.
Stay well and I will try and update this as soon as I know more. I sadly do not have internet at home as my router died so I have to make use of anyones wireless that I can get hold of.
For now, Zimhippo signing off
Just a quick update to let you know ow things are going. Well the week of my scheduled swim has arrived and I am now sitting around the house driving my parents crazy waiting for the weather to be good enough to head out for a swim. I spoke to my pilot yesterday and she was saying there was not much hope befroe about midweek and that there was still a relay team to get out before me so it looks like I will be on Friday or Saturday or Sunday.
I am quite glad actually as I went training in the lakes 2 weeks ago and ended up getting a cold which I am glad to say I am now over but still holding on to a erksome cough so hopefully that will go before I swim.
I am still doing some light training and will be up until I swim across.
For all those who wanted to be part of this swim, there may be an chance as I may end up going on the weekend.
Stay well and I will try and update this as soon as I know more. I sadly do not have internet at home as my router died so I have to make use of anyones wireless that I can get hold of.
For now, Zimhippo signing off
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
Fnal Dover Training and A Big Shock
Well time is closing in to when I finally get to swim across to France. I would lke to thank all of you for your continued support in this mad adventure of mine.
This last weekend I was down in Dover for what will possibly be my last big training session of the summer before I swim. My parents arrive tomorros and i will be sending some time with them. I am off to Italy for a few days with the family, Got to start the carbo loading and where better to do it than in the Pasta country of the world. Sadly my wife will be unable to join me, someone has to work to pay for this insane challenge and I love her for all her support that she has given me over the last couple of months. The bank manager might think otherwise but hey, you only live once.
Whilst training over the weekend, I did a pretty intense 4 hour session on the Saturday and it was by far the worst weather I have ever swum in, a great learning experience but ploughing through pretty big swell, trying not to swallow half the harbour is not the best way I can think of to spend a wet windy Saturday. Sunday I went in for another 4 hours and when i came out after about 2 hours for a feed there was my pilot with my shoes saying -
"okay, get out now, you up for swimming the channel tomorrow?"
I was temporarily rendered speechless as I now had to make acritical decision of whether to swim now or wait until my scheduled slot. After a quick reality check, I decided to wait for my Slot, the reasons for my decision are below:-
1 - I will have to drive back to London to fetch a whole load of stuff that I needed
2 - I would have to make phone calls and send emails to get my crew together and let you all
know that I was off.
3 - My Shoulders were in agony thanks to the heavy session the day before, as it was only 4
hours I had really pushed it in pretty horrendous weather.
4 - Having trained so hard and spent so much time and money on this venture, I did not want
to swim knowing that I was not 100% mentally, physically and emotionally prepared.
5 - I wanted to swim on my terms, giving myself the best chance of success.
The outcome - Another 2 hours of training with my mind in Limbo asking, HAVE I MADE THE RIGHT DECISION? it was 2 hours of mental torture.
I will now be swimming sometime in the week of the 21st of September, probably early in the week as Alison (my pilot) will try and push people through. All my family will be with me, My parents, brother and wife will be ready to support me on the boat along wth one of My swimming coaches and some others. Well they will be on the boat at least, whether they are supporting me or throwing up over the side is yet to be seen, if they are throwing up they better make sure it is on the other side of the boat to where I am swimming. I should be alright as I will be in the water.
there is a link on this website where you can follow my progress via GPS, click on the link on this page and then select Roco (Alison) this will take you to another website where you can see where the boat is in the channel. If all is going according to plan, I hopefully will be not to far away from the boat.
All that remains now is for all of us to PRAY that there is no wind on that day and the tides are not too strong and the sun is out. I probably have more chance of winning the euromillions but hey miracles do happen!!
Till next time, Zimhippo signing off
Sunday, 31 August 2008
Racing Triathletes
Back again. Apologies for not posting for the last two weeks but life has been a bit hectic this last couple of weeks.
First I would like to clear up a few queries. I have not yet swum the Channel yet as some of you might have thought. This is due to my event on facebook that I was unable to extend for more than a month so it ran out recently. Some thought I had already Swum. I wish I had though
My training is going well, over the bank holidy weekend I was down in Dover and I did a 6 hour swim on Saturday and then a 4 hour on Sunday before the weather turned horrible and the heavens opened. The PygmyHippo joined me for the last hour or so on Sunday.I was very pleased to see some of my mates that had decided that it would be a good idea to come camping in the area and spend some time with me, Thanks to all who came down, it was great to see you and spend some time with you all.
The week was spent doing a few 1 -2 hour swims in the pool and, Saturday I was up at 5 o'clock in the morning to head off for Heron lake where they were having a 3.8 km race in the lake, I thought it might be good to go and pit my swimming skills against all these triathletes who need flotation aids to swim. Well I only managed to get a third place out of about 30 people who started but I could have pushed it a lot harder as I did not really want to kill myself at the beginning and my time was pretty slow, 3.8 km in 1 hour and 8 minutes, I would expect to do that distance in less than an hour in those sort of conditions. The PygmyHippo (Spencer) did it in a time of 1 hour and 24 minutes.All in all a good swim.
Saturday I was fundraising again and managed to get some money but was lucky enough to get my cause out to loads of poeple so hopefully it will have been a worthwhile weekend.
With regards to my swim date I am assuming that I will be swimming in my booked slot which is somewhere between the 21st and the 27th of September. I am however on standby in the meantime so if the weather is good and a slot becomes available I will swim earlier. Thank you to all the peole who have expressed an interest in coming down and seeing me off and also driving over to france to be there when I hopefully set foot on France, I will endeavor to let everyone know when I swim as soon as I know a more definite date.
Till next time
Zimhippo off training
First I would like to clear up a few queries. I have not yet swum the Channel yet as some of you might have thought. This is due to my event on facebook that I was unable to extend for more than a month so it ran out recently. Some thought I had already Swum. I wish I had though
My training is going well, over the bank holidy weekend I was down in Dover and I did a 6 hour swim on Saturday and then a 4 hour on Sunday before the weather turned horrible and the heavens opened. The PygmyHippo joined me for the last hour or so on Sunday.I was very pleased to see some of my mates that had decided that it would be a good idea to come camping in the area and spend some time with me, Thanks to all who came down, it was great to see you and spend some time with you all.
The week was spent doing a few 1 -2 hour swims in the pool and, Saturday I was up at 5 o'clock in the morning to head off for Heron lake where they were having a 3.8 km race in the lake, I thought it might be good to go and pit my swimming skills against all these triathletes who need flotation aids to swim. Well I only managed to get a third place out of about 30 people who started but I could have pushed it a lot harder as I did not really want to kill myself at the beginning and my time was pretty slow, 3.8 km in 1 hour and 8 minutes, I would expect to do that distance in less than an hour in those sort of conditions. The PygmyHippo (Spencer) did it in a time of 1 hour and 24 minutes.All in all a good swim.
Saturday I was fundraising again and managed to get some money but was lucky enough to get my cause out to loads of poeple so hopefully it will have been a worthwhile weekend.
With regards to my swim date I am assuming that I will be swimming in my booked slot which is somewhere between the 21st and the 27th of September. I am however on standby in the meantime so if the weather is good and a slot becomes available I will swim earlier. Thank you to all the peole who have expressed an interest in coming down and seeing me off and also driving over to france to be there when I hopefully set foot on France, I will endeavor to let everyone know when I swim as soon as I know a more definite date.
Till next time
Zimhippo off training
Monday, 18 August 2008
A English Tea Party
This weekend the training was put on hold on Sunday to recover from Saturdays Garden Party that was hosted in my honour. I did 2 hours on Saturday morning I woke at 5 am packed a few things, went by my brothers place to pick him up then off to Heron lake, 2 hours chewing up the triathletes and spitting them out in my wake. I averaged a good time, as I was not doing a long swim, I decided to sprint for two hours. I felt great afterwards and my shoulders were not too bad. I find that cold water numbs the pain but it was only two hours so I didn't expect much problems as it is usually only after about 4 - 5 hours that my shoulders start to show signs of damage.
After that I headed for The Jacaranda and goat, - a pub in a mates house to help with preparations for the aforementioned garden party (www.thejacarandaandgoat.com) We spent a fair time wrestling with a 14m x 9m tarpaulin to keep the rain off before we tore that and moved to plan B- lots of Gazebos. the party started to kick off at about 2 pm,watching the Boks get their butts kicked by New Zealand.
The theme was English garden party, the dress code was, for men, Smart with a tie and jacket above the waist, anything you want below the waist. For Ladies it was smart dress and a hat.
After the rugby The jazz pianist and soloist kicked the party off, they were brilliant. The guests entertained themselves with croquet, boules and general chit chat , accompanied by loads of pimms cocktail.
The fundraising was in the form of a raffle where you got my skills as a labourer for the day, the bidding went off very well and the person who won me, a good friend, was not convinced that I would make a great labourer so offered me up for raffle again. it all went off very well and we raised a fair sum of money. After the raffle the afrodizzyaxe band kicked off for the night. I finally stumbled home at about 2 o'clock in the morning feeling a bit weary.
All in all a great day was had by all and the Lovely british weather held off for us, no costs were incurred as, the venue, the band, the jazz pianist and soloist were all offered up by close friends of mine or friends of friends. all food and drinks were donated and brought by the guests. I am so privileged to have such great mates.
Well this week I need to get back into training as I am still on standby but I hear the Weather in the Channel is not playing nicely for us and there were a few swimmers pulled out last week as they started in very fine weather but it turned very ugly after a couple of hours. Well done to all who attempted their swims last week, my admiration for you is immense.
Till Next time Zimhippo signing off
After that I headed for The Jacaranda and goat, - a pub in a mates house to help with preparations for the aforementioned garden party (www.thejacarandaandgoat.com) We spent a fair time wrestling with a 14m x 9m tarpaulin to keep the rain off before we tore that and moved to plan B- lots of Gazebos. the party started to kick off at about 2 pm,watching the Boks get their butts kicked by New Zealand.
The theme was English garden party, the dress code was, for men, Smart with a tie and jacket above the waist, anything you want below the waist. For Ladies it was smart dress and a hat.
After the rugby The jazz pianist and soloist kicked the party off, they were brilliant. The guests entertained themselves with croquet, boules and general chit chat , accompanied by loads of pimms cocktail.
The fundraising was in the form of a raffle where you got my skills as a labourer for the day, the bidding went off very well and the person who won me, a good friend, was not convinced that I would make a great labourer so offered me up for raffle again. it all went off very well and we raised a fair sum of money. After the raffle the afrodizzyaxe band kicked off for the night. I finally stumbled home at about 2 o'clock in the morning feeling a bit weary.
All in all a great day was had by all and the Lovely british weather held off for us, no costs were incurred as, the venue, the band, the jazz pianist and soloist were all offered up by close friends of mine or friends of friends. all food and drinks were donated and brought by the guests. I am so privileged to have such great mates.
Well this week I need to get back into training as I am still on standby but I hear the Weather in the Channel is not playing nicely for us and there were a few swimmers pulled out last week as they started in very fine weather but it turned very ugly after a couple of hours. Well done to all who attempted their swims last week, my admiration for you is immense.
Till Next time Zimhippo signing off
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
The joys of Open water swimming in the Channel
Hi all
It has been a while since I updated this blog but I felt the need to fill you in on how it is all going.
I label this blog "the joys of open water swimming in the channel" as recently I have come against a few hick ups. You may remember that after my two weekends of mammoth swims that there may be a chance for my swim to be brought forward to end of August, a full 4 weeks ahead of schedule. This might still happen as I am now on standby, that means, IF AND WHEN the weather in the Channel decides to play ball and my pilot manages a few other swimmers across then I will move up. Alas, the weather is not playing ball and this last tide, which we are currently in is a bit of a blow out and I believe that on one of the longest tides of the year, very few swimmers if any have got across due to uncertain weather. What! In this country, who would have believed it!!!
This now leaves me in a dilemma as to what to do, keep my training distances long as it could be a while before I swim or alternatively start winding them down as I really don't want to be swimming really long swims 2 or 3 days before I do my final swim across the channel. Decisions decisions. This is really playing havoc with my mental preparedness. The best I can hope for is that I am ready anyway no matter what.
Another inconvenience that I have come across is the dreaded tendonitis in both shoulders so I have had to curb my training anyway, I am still not taking any smarties (ibuprofen for the uninitiated) but fear that this may not last all that much longer, I was hoping to get through this without any sort of painkillers or anti-inflamatories.
I did a 4 hour swim in the harbour last weekend and I might as well just have jumped into my washing machine at home and swum as it was so rough, I don't know how there was any water left in the harbour, I thought I had swallowed it all or rather my mouth and stomach believed I had.
Well the training continues albeit slowly and not doing the long distances, I will try a long swim in the lakes this weekend as I find the cold water helps numb the pain in my shoulders, swimming in heated pools is a real pain and I get lethargic very quickly and my shoulders feel like they are on fire after relatively short distances.
Well stay well and look after yourselves.
Remember,
"A dream is all you need, your body and mind will work towards achieving it"
It has been a while since I updated this blog but I felt the need to fill you in on how it is all going.
I label this blog "the joys of open water swimming in the channel" as recently I have come against a few hick ups. You may remember that after my two weekends of mammoth swims that there may be a chance for my swim to be brought forward to end of August, a full 4 weeks ahead of schedule. This might still happen as I am now on standby, that means, IF AND WHEN the weather in the Channel decides to play ball and my pilot manages a few other swimmers across then I will move up. Alas, the weather is not playing ball and this last tide, which we are currently in is a bit of a blow out and I believe that on one of the longest tides of the year, very few swimmers if any have got across due to uncertain weather. What! In this country, who would have believed it!!!
This now leaves me in a dilemma as to what to do, keep my training distances long as it could be a while before I swim or alternatively start winding them down as I really don't want to be swimming really long swims 2 or 3 days before I do my final swim across the channel. Decisions decisions. This is really playing havoc with my mental preparedness. The best I can hope for is that I am ready anyway no matter what.
Another inconvenience that I have come across is the dreaded tendonitis in both shoulders so I have had to curb my training anyway, I am still not taking any smarties (ibuprofen for the uninitiated) but fear that this may not last all that much longer, I was hoping to get through this without any sort of painkillers or anti-inflamatories.
I did a 4 hour swim in the harbour last weekend and I might as well just have jumped into my washing machine at home and swum as it was so rough, I don't know how there was any water left in the harbour, I thought I had swallowed it all or rather my mouth and stomach believed I had.
Well the training continues albeit slowly and not doing the long distances, I will try a long swim in the lakes this weekend as I find the cold water helps numb the pain in my shoulders, swimming in heated pools is a real pain and I get lethargic very quickly and my shoulders feel like they are on fire after relatively short distances.
Well stay well and look after yourselves.
Remember,
"A dream is all you need, your body and mind will work towards achieving it"
Monday, 28 July 2008
2nd Mammoth weekend in Dover
ZimHippo again
back at work after another mammoth weekend. Same story - arrived at Dover, except this time my brother,Spencer (He soon adopted the nickname Pygmy Hippo) had come down with me as he is going to Buddy swim with me for some of my trip across to France. After Introductions it was suggested that I do a 7 hour paddle as they may bring my swim forward. The conditions were perfect and not to sunny.
Pygmy Hippo swam for the first two hours (good on him, he has never done a 2 hour swim before) then hopped out whilst I carried on Ploughing the lengths of the Harbour and then on my 7th hour I had slowed down enough so Pygmy Hippo joined me for the last hour. I congratulate him on doing three hours in the harbour. My shoulders were a bit sore but not as bad as last week. Yes, I did again swear I would not be doing that again.
By now the Wives and Kid had arrived so it was off up the cliffs for a piknik and just relax, contemplating my goal. Finally headed out for a long walk and then back to the Hotels for the night.
Sunday Arrived and Guess where I went------------------------to the beach at 0830 slapped on loads of suncream and vaseline and then off for another 6 hour swim with Pygmy hippo in for 2. Today I was swimming with Greg Wood, another Aspiring Channel swimmer. This time I managed to keep up with him for the first 4 hours, he then suggested that in our 5th hour we sprint for a length. Having done loads of Pool training this is a fairly common request by coaches up and down the land, the only difference is, the pool, in most cases is only 25m long, not 1175m long. Well Greg pulled away from me in the beginning but I hauled him back in and we managed to shave about 4 minutes off our time to do one length and most proabably a couple of years off my life as well.
We arrived for our final feed on the beach and Gregs' brother Alex joined us as well as the Pygmy hippo. The Wood Brothers left me and my brother to take it really easy as my shoulders were seizing up The Pygmy hippo suggested that we swim to the wall then go in and was shouted at by me, complaining, I am not spending any more time than I absolutely have to in the harbour.
Then, according to my wife, Rachelle, at precisely 1500 Hrs, about 18 swimmers from all over the harbour arrive on the beach in unison not wanting to spend a minute more then they have to in the water.
By now a good Friend Audra had joined the wives so we all went for a late lunch then a nice 2 hour hike along the cliffs of Dover, A really amazing way to finish off an absolutely mindblowing weekend.
A HUGE thank you to all the shore team, I even managed to stay on the right side of Freda this week, there is a first for everything.
Zimhippo Signing off until next time
back at work after another mammoth weekend. Same story - arrived at Dover, except this time my brother,Spencer (He soon adopted the nickname Pygmy Hippo) had come down with me as he is going to Buddy swim with me for some of my trip across to France. After Introductions it was suggested that I do a 7 hour paddle as they may bring my swim forward. The conditions were perfect and not to sunny.
Pygmy Hippo swam for the first two hours (good on him, he has never done a 2 hour swim before) then hopped out whilst I carried on Ploughing the lengths of the Harbour and then on my 7th hour I had slowed down enough so Pygmy Hippo joined me for the last hour. I congratulate him on doing three hours in the harbour. My shoulders were a bit sore but not as bad as last week. Yes, I did again swear I would not be doing that again.
By now the Wives and Kid had arrived so it was off up the cliffs for a piknik and just relax, contemplating my goal. Finally headed out for a long walk and then back to the Hotels for the night.
Sunday Arrived and Guess where I went------------------------to the beach at 0830 slapped on loads of suncream and vaseline and then off for another 6 hour swim with Pygmy hippo in for 2. Today I was swimming with Greg Wood, another Aspiring Channel swimmer. This time I managed to keep up with him for the first 4 hours, he then suggested that in our 5th hour we sprint for a length. Having done loads of Pool training this is a fairly common request by coaches up and down the land, the only difference is, the pool, in most cases is only 25m long, not 1175m long. Well Greg pulled away from me in the beginning but I hauled him back in and we managed to shave about 4 minutes off our time to do one length and most proabably a couple of years off my life as well.
We arrived for our final feed on the beach and Gregs' brother Alex joined us as well as the Pygmy hippo. The Wood Brothers left me and my brother to take it really easy as my shoulders were seizing up The Pygmy hippo suggested that we swim to the wall then go in and was shouted at by me, complaining, I am not spending any more time than I absolutely have to in the harbour.
Then, according to my wife, Rachelle, at precisely 1500 Hrs, about 18 swimmers from all over the harbour arrive on the beach in unison not wanting to spend a minute more then they have to in the water.
By now a good Friend Audra had joined the wives so we all went for a late lunch then a nice 2 hour hike along the cliffs of Dover, A really amazing way to finish off an absolutely mindblowing weekend.
A HUGE thank you to all the shore team, I even managed to stay on the right side of Freda this week, there is a first for everything.
Zimhippo Signing off until next time
Monday, 21 July 2008
A gruelling weekend in Dover
Hello again all
Have just had the most tiring, amazing, emotional weekend in Dover. On Saturday morning at 0700 Hrs I bundled my wife and my kit into the car and headed for Dover for what I thought would be an fairly easy training weekend as My swim is still about 9 weeks away. Upon arrival, the rain had arrived and it was terrible whether so my wife opened her eyes looked at the weather and say good bye to me and fell asleep again.
I headed for the beach and Freda gave me the opportunity to do a 7 hour swim, I was a bit distressed as I hadn't trained for a week but agreed anyway. In the water at 0900 Hrs Swim for 2 hours then in for a feed, the weather getting better all the time, this played on my mind as I had not put any sunscreen on my back. I also got attacked by a seagull as I had a chocolate bar which I carried with me and was snacking on it,holding it above the water whilst treading water with my other hand and feet and this Bloody bird came to try and steal it from me, now there is a way to really piss off and aspiring channel swimmer. The feed interval was every hour until 1500 Hrs then back in for the final hour, I only did another 30 minutes then snuck out of the ocean undetected as the ever watchful eyes of Freda had disappeared for a nature break. She got back to see me on the beach and I got an earful, all in gest. The great thing is I had done my 6 hour qualifying swim - about 22km
I left the beach swearing blind that I would not be swimming the next day, went for a great walk on the cliffs with my lovely wife/bank account damager/taxi driver ( she loves these Dover trips I swim while she shops.) This followed by a dinner with some other Channel swimmers, The king of the channel (Kevin murphy) and his wife included and Rachelle was picking their brains on feeding techniques and the ever present question WHY DO WE DO IT??? In Kevins case WHY 34 times. This was followed by a walk along the beach and then back to the hotel where we bumped into another International Channel swimmer, Stanley Paris, who is due to do his crossing this week, and at 71 will be the oldest person to do it. I SAY GO FOR IT STANLEY.
Sunday and guess what, I trudged off to the beach to go swimming again. Today the weather was greatly improved and it was fairly calm. I was given another 6 hour swim. With the way my shoulders and arms were feeling I thought Freda was being a bit optimistic. She did however state that she wanted me to swim it so that if the opportunity arose to move my swim forward then I would be ready.
Well same story at least this time I put sunscreen on as I was sporting an amazing Tan on my head and burnt back from the day before. Swim for 2 hrs then feed then feed every hour, until you are allowed out, I say allowed because after two hours I was pissed off and wanted to get out but the shore team coaxed me back in every time and then 5 hours and 55 minutes after I set off I decided I had had enough and headed for shore only to be shouted at again and told my 6 hours was not up yet and the shore team were not entertaining any arguement so I headed out to sea for another 2 and a half minutes before turning around and heading in.
All in all a great weekend for me and a milestone in my life so far.For those who know me, who would have ever beleived that I would one day be attempting a Channel swim. For anyone out there who might beleive that they could never accomplish something like this I would say Just make a decision to do something like this, you will be truly amazed at what your body and mind can do once you set the wheels in motion, a year ago I was completely unfit, my body suffering from 10 years of general abuse and now at 33 I am the fittest, and fattest (have you ever seen a slim whale?)I have ever been. The one thing I am really proud of is the fact that I have not touched any supplements, vitamins or pain killers and Long may this continue.
Till next time Zimhippo signing off
Have just had the most tiring, amazing, emotional weekend in Dover. On Saturday morning at 0700 Hrs I bundled my wife and my kit into the car and headed for Dover for what I thought would be an fairly easy training weekend as My swim is still about 9 weeks away. Upon arrival, the rain had arrived and it was terrible whether so my wife opened her eyes looked at the weather and say good bye to me and fell asleep again.
I headed for the beach and Freda gave me the opportunity to do a 7 hour swim, I was a bit distressed as I hadn't trained for a week but agreed anyway. In the water at 0900 Hrs Swim for 2 hours then in for a feed, the weather getting better all the time, this played on my mind as I had not put any sunscreen on my back. I also got attacked by a seagull as I had a chocolate bar which I carried with me and was snacking on it,holding it above the water whilst treading water with my other hand and feet and this Bloody bird came to try and steal it from me, now there is a way to really piss off and aspiring channel swimmer. The feed interval was every hour until 1500 Hrs then back in for the final hour, I only did another 30 minutes then snuck out of the ocean undetected as the ever watchful eyes of Freda had disappeared for a nature break. She got back to see me on the beach and I got an earful, all in gest. The great thing is I had done my 6 hour qualifying swim - about 22km
I left the beach swearing blind that I would not be swimming the next day, went for a great walk on the cliffs with my lovely wife/bank account damager/taxi driver ( she loves these Dover trips I swim while she shops.) This followed by a dinner with some other Channel swimmers, The king of the channel (Kevin murphy) and his wife included and Rachelle was picking their brains on feeding techniques and the ever present question WHY DO WE DO IT??? In Kevins case WHY 34 times. This was followed by a walk along the beach and then back to the hotel where we bumped into another International Channel swimmer, Stanley Paris, who is due to do his crossing this week, and at 71 will be the oldest person to do it. I SAY GO FOR IT STANLEY.
Sunday and guess what, I trudged off to the beach to go swimming again. Today the weather was greatly improved and it was fairly calm. I was given another 6 hour swim. With the way my shoulders and arms were feeling I thought Freda was being a bit optimistic. She did however state that she wanted me to swim it so that if the opportunity arose to move my swim forward then I would be ready.
Well same story at least this time I put sunscreen on as I was sporting an amazing Tan on my head and burnt back from the day before. Swim for 2 hrs then feed then feed every hour, until you are allowed out, I say allowed because after two hours I was pissed off and wanted to get out but the shore team coaxed me back in every time and then 5 hours and 55 minutes after I set off I decided I had had enough and headed for shore only to be shouted at again and told my 6 hours was not up yet and the shore team were not entertaining any arguement so I headed out to sea for another 2 and a half minutes before turning around and heading in.
All in all a great weekend for me and a milestone in my life so far.For those who know me, who would have ever beleived that I would one day be attempting a Channel swim. For anyone out there who might beleive that they could never accomplish something like this I would say Just make a decision to do something like this, you will be truly amazed at what your body and mind can do once you set the wheels in motion, a year ago I was completely unfit, my body suffering from 10 years of general abuse and now at 33 I am the fittest, and fattest (have you ever seen a slim whale?)I have ever been. The one thing I am really proud of is the fact that I have not touched any supplements, vitamins or pain killers and Long may this continue.
Till next time Zimhippo signing off
Thursday, 17 July 2008
OK Stop being lazy and get back in the pool or ocean
Well after a small 6 km weekend swim at Heron lake as I couldn't go down to Dover (my wife Rachelle has discovered the shops and it is now too expensive) Only kidding!!! I noticed a small growth under my one arm which looked nasty and felt terrible so I stopped training and booked myself into the Doctor.
Well I woke up on the morning I had to go to the doctor and the growth had fallen off and it felt fine. I went anyway as I have a similar growth (subsequently I have learnt they are called skin flaps) under the other arm. I was told it was nothing to worry about and book myself in for minor surgery which I did. Thanks to the NHS I was able to book for the 22nd of November, doesn't really help me as my swim is in September. I will just leave nature to take its course and if it starts chaffing hopefully it will fall off on its own or I go down the DIY route. I think for now I will opt for the former.
On that note, I now have no excuse not to train so I will be back in the pool tonight to do a couple of hundred lengths and then it is either Dover for the weekend or the lakes again.
Apart from these small little growths I am in fine form, have no issues with my Shoulders, wrists, any other parts of my body, people would argue about my sanity though! I am not using any supplements or vitamins yet but that may change soon and my fundraising is going pretty well to date, Long may it last.
I would like to extend a huge congratulations to all the channel swimmers who have already done their swims either successfully or unsucessfully, I admire you all and can't wait to become one of the group.
Till next time
Ciao
Well I woke up on the morning I had to go to the doctor and the growth had fallen off and it felt fine. I went anyway as I have a similar growth (subsequently I have learnt they are called skin flaps) under the other arm. I was told it was nothing to worry about and book myself in for minor surgery which I did. Thanks to the NHS I was able to book for the 22nd of November, doesn't really help me as my swim is in September. I will just leave nature to take its course and if it starts chaffing hopefully it will fall off on its own or I go down the DIY route. I think for now I will opt for the former.
On that note, I now have no excuse not to train so I will be back in the pool tonight to do a couple of hundred lengths and then it is either Dover for the weekend or the lakes again.
Apart from these small little growths I am in fine form, have no issues with my Shoulders, wrists, any other parts of my body, people would argue about my sanity though! I am not using any supplements or vitamins yet but that may change soon and my fundraising is going pretty well to date, Long may it last.
I would like to extend a huge congratulations to all the channel swimmers who have already done their swims either successfully or unsucessfully, I admire you all and can't wait to become one of the group.
Till next time
Ciao
Sunday, 6 July 2008
Back from Dover AGAIN
ZimHippo again
Hi all. Just got back from a fairly tiring weekend in Dover, had two good swims which I managed to finish. Yesterday It was suggested that I went out and did a 5 hour swim so we waded into the Ocean and there was a seal that was mooching about in the harbour, I think it looked at us lot and thought I am getting out of here so it left us to our swims. The weather was fairly good with the wind and the waves being manageable.
I stepped out after 5 hours with my mouth tasting foul, my shoulders feeling like they were on fire and thought there is no way I am doing this tomorrow again.
Anyway after a good nap and then a lovely walk along the white cliffs of dover where you have a great chance to see the Cap Gris Nez (that is the point of France where I will be aiming to set foot after my swim). It looks deceptively close on a clear day but rumour has it that it is about 15 hours of swimming. I then went for a drive and another walk in the country with My ever suffering wife Rachelle, we headed into Dover for the Chinese all you can eat.
Well, you guessed it, Sunday I woke up and ended up at the beach again for another onslaught of swimming. Today i got off lightly as my task for the day was to swim 4 hours. Luckily, I got out just before there was a torrential downpour which I missed as I was stuffing my face at a resturant nearby.
Well, all in all a good weekend, This week back to the Swimming pool to do some set training, Will be there tomorrow with My masters class.
Hi all. Just got back from a fairly tiring weekend in Dover, had two good swims which I managed to finish. Yesterday It was suggested that I went out and did a 5 hour swim so we waded into the Ocean and there was a seal that was mooching about in the harbour, I think it looked at us lot and thought I am getting out of here so it left us to our swims. The weather was fairly good with the wind and the waves being manageable.
I stepped out after 5 hours with my mouth tasting foul, my shoulders feeling like they were on fire and thought there is no way I am doing this tomorrow again.
Anyway after a good nap and then a lovely walk along the white cliffs of dover where you have a great chance to see the Cap Gris Nez (that is the point of France where I will be aiming to set foot after my swim). It looks deceptively close on a clear day but rumour has it that it is about 15 hours of swimming. I then went for a drive and another walk in the country with My ever suffering wife Rachelle, we headed into Dover for the Chinese all you can eat.
Well, you guessed it, Sunday I woke up and ended up at the beach again for another onslaught of swimming. Today i got off lightly as my task for the day was to swim 4 hours. Luckily, I got out just before there was a torrential downpour which I missed as I was stuffing my face at a resturant nearby.
Well, all in all a good weekend, This week back to the Swimming pool to do some set training, Will be there tomorrow with My masters class.
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Time is Ticking away
Hi all
Back again for another installment. Last weekend I was down in Dover and Managed to do a 5 hour swim which I worked out to be about 16 - 17km, I was really pleased with myself as, surprisingly it seems to be getting easier, this time I was clever, I arrived early as there were no accidents on the way down to Dover. this gave me the opportunity to do some very important preparations like, Putting sunscreen on. My wife and work colleagues thought I looked hilarious sporting my new Long distance swimmers tan from last week.
The other major preparation that I was able to do was shave, I made this schoolboys mistake the previous weekend and ended up with a nice hole in my shoulder where my stubble had rubbed away all the skin on my one shoulder when I breathed. I also had some pretty impressive chaffing on my neck, it looked a lot like I had had some blood sucker attahed to the back of my neck and no, it was not my wife! sadly. I also put loads of lube on so I was fortunate to escape the pains of reboring the hole in my shoulder.
Well, I will be down in Dover again this weekend and the whether looks to be a bit overcast and maybe the water will be rough so I will jump into the washing machine again and see how I fair this time.
The season has started and there have already been a few solo crossing but there have been a fair amount of relays and it looks as though Oxford relay team beat Cambridge this time round, well done to both teams.
Back again for another installment. Last weekend I was down in Dover and Managed to do a 5 hour swim which I worked out to be about 16 - 17km, I was really pleased with myself as, surprisingly it seems to be getting easier, this time I was clever, I arrived early as there were no accidents on the way down to Dover. this gave me the opportunity to do some very important preparations like, Putting sunscreen on. My wife and work colleagues thought I looked hilarious sporting my new Long distance swimmers tan from last week.
The other major preparation that I was able to do was shave, I made this schoolboys mistake the previous weekend and ended up with a nice hole in my shoulder where my stubble had rubbed away all the skin on my one shoulder when I breathed. I also had some pretty impressive chaffing on my neck, it looked a lot like I had had some blood sucker attahed to the back of my neck and no, it was not my wife! sadly. I also put loads of lube on so I was fortunate to escape the pains of reboring the hole in my shoulder.
Well, I will be down in Dover again this weekend and the whether looks to be a bit overcast and maybe the water will be rough so I will jump into the washing machine again and see how I fair this time.
The season has started and there have already been a few solo crossing but there have been a fair amount of relays and it looks as though Oxford relay team beat Cambridge this time round, well done to both teams.
Monday, 23 June 2008
Another weekend down
Hi again
Went down to Dover this last weekend and it was interesting to say the least, not discounting the 30minutes sitting in traffic a mere 5 miles outside Dover thanks to a lorry fire. Thus I arrived late, got to the beach and was issued my mission for the day, hould I choose to accept it!!! and no Freda did not self distruct 5 seconds thereafter.
Being away for three weeks - my how things have changed, I was issued 5, I thought, that's not too bad, Freda must be feeling generous today!!! The thing that had changed since I was last down there is they no longer get given their tasks in laps of the harbour, IT IS NOW HOURS!!!!!!! So 5 hours it was.
I subsequently applied vaseline to the usual places, sparingly as, I hadn't suffered from chaffing in the last couple of times. I then ventured into the lovely cold water of the harbour. After two and a half hours I came in for my first feed, at this point I was fine, physically, after about another 15 inutes I discovered How this game is 80% mental and 20% physical because the boredom started setting in and from then on I was counting the minutes to the next feed at about 3 hours 30min where I got a choclate as well as turbo juice. I have never had a choclate that tasted so good in my life! AND I DON'T EVEN LIKE THE STUFF. I managed to finish but I need to figure out what to do with my Mind or else I will go mad. Sorry - I already am for doing this.
After this my shoulders were on fire, I now dicovered the reason for a good shave before as my one shoulder was nearly raw from my stubble and breathing. The back of my neck was also slightly chaffed.
Sunday
Arrived early on Sunday and the weather was not great but we swam anyway, I was given another 5 hours stint and as the weather was overcast and a bit drizzly, I applied vaseline and the suncream, sadly not on my face and very sparingly everywhere else. This was a bad mistake!! The clouds went and the sun came out and the wind picked up.
Fancy tan hey!!
Anyway due to this and also the boredom setting in again, I only managed to do about 3 and a half hours and then decided to call it a day as if I had satyed in much longer you wouldn't be able to see my face as it would have blended in with my shirt too well.
All in all it was a good weekend, I learnt a huge amount and yes I haven't pulled out of this yet. I have however been asked to do an Ironman Triathlon next year and I think I may have to give it a pass. Until the next time
Went down to Dover this last weekend and it was interesting to say the least, not discounting the 30minutes sitting in traffic a mere 5 miles outside Dover thanks to a lorry fire. Thus I arrived late, got to the beach and was issued my mission for the day, hould I choose to accept it!!! and no Freda did not self distruct 5 seconds thereafter.
Being away for three weeks - my how things have changed, I was issued 5, I thought, that's not too bad, Freda must be feeling generous today!!! The thing that had changed since I was last down there is they no longer get given their tasks in laps of the harbour, IT IS NOW HOURS!!!!!!! So 5 hours it was.
I subsequently applied vaseline to the usual places, sparingly as, I hadn't suffered from chaffing in the last couple of times. I then ventured into the lovely cold water of the harbour. After two and a half hours I came in for my first feed, at this point I was fine, physically, after about another 15 inutes I discovered How this game is 80% mental and 20% physical because the boredom started setting in and from then on I was counting the minutes to the next feed at about 3 hours 30min where I got a choclate as well as turbo juice. I have never had a choclate that tasted so good in my life! AND I DON'T EVEN LIKE THE STUFF. I managed to finish but I need to figure out what to do with my Mind or else I will go mad. Sorry - I already am for doing this.
After this my shoulders were on fire, I now dicovered the reason for a good shave before as my one shoulder was nearly raw from my stubble and breathing. The back of my neck was also slightly chaffed.
Sunday
Arrived early on Sunday and the weather was not great but we swam anyway, I was given another 5 hours stint and as the weather was overcast and a bit drizzly, I applied vaseline and the suncream, sadly not on my face and very sparingly everywhere else. This was a bad mistake!! The clouds went and the sun came out and the wind picked up.
Fancy tan hey!!
Anyway due to this and also the boredom setting in again, I only managed to do about 3 and a half hours and then decided to call it a day as if I had satyed in much longer you wouldn't be able to see my face as it would have blended in with my shirt too well.
All in all it was a good weekend, I learnt a huge amount and yes I haven't pulled out of this yet. I have however been asked to do an Ironman Triathlon next year and I think I may have to give it a pass. Until the next time
Thursday, 19 June 2008
I am back and I am buggered
Well after 3 weeks in the hinterland of minimal training due to work commitments and then my body finally getting grumpy with me and showing me that it does not really appreciate all this excercise. 2 weeks ago I picked up a wrist injury (Commonly known as RSI and no, for your information it is the wrong hand!!!! for all those with perverse minds) Anyway it has been bothering me for a while and I have been for acupuncture on it, due another course of it soon.
Then last week, when I was looking forward to getting back into my training schedule, I was in the middle of my sets doing sprints and breathed once and managed to pull the muscles in the left of my neck. then had to give up as I could not move my neck. The following day after a massage and some liberal application of Ibuprofen gel, I went training again. I learnt that as long as I slowed my stroke down a fair amount and used my body rotation to breath, instead of my neck, things looked up and I managed to get through my set. My wrist still gives me trouble and I have been training with it strapped up and not really pushing big distances or speeds.
This will all change this weekend when I am back in Dover under the iron grip of Freda and will be looking forward albeit a bit scared as to the training she is going to dish out and if I survive that then I will go for a night swim and see how that goes.
I look forward to updateing after the weekend. Till then .......
Then last week, when I was looking forward to getting back into my training schedule, I was in the middle of my sets doing sprints and breathed once and managed to pull the muscles in the left of my neck. then had to give up as I could not move my neck. The following day after a massage and some liberal application of Ibuprofen gel, I went training again. I learnt that as long as I slowed my stroke down a fair amount and used my body rotation to breath, instead of my neck, things looked up and I managed to get through my set. My wrist still gives me trouble and I have been training with it strapped up and not really pushing big distances or speeds.
This will all change this weekend when I am back in Dover under the iron grip of Freda and will be looking forward albeit a bit scared as to the training she is going to dish out and if I survive that then I will go for a night swim and see how that goes.
I look forward to updateing after the weekend. Till then .......
Wednesday, 28 May 2008
3rd week down in Dover Sun 25th May
Well sadly I was only able to go down for the Sunday as I was working on Saturday and Monday. As I was absent the day before I was given extra laps and I had to do 8 laps, a total swim of 10 km with a feed break after 2 hours, my first taste of the Famous maxim, it was served up with a dash of apple juice and there were no ill effects felt for the rest of the swim.My final swim time was about 2 hours and 40 minutes.
All in all it was a good swim, did not have any stiffness and my shoulders felt fine, had a bit of a sore wrist but that seems to be getting better.
Fortuneately I had my long suffering wife down as my driver and boy was I glad as I crashed out in the car on the way back, stopping to visit a few friends and the man of the house is a triathlete so I joined him for his swimming training so just to end the days training I swam another 3km with some triathletes. That was my warm down for the day.
I will now be out of action for a weekand or so thanks kindly to work which is funding this escapade so can't grumble too much. The sad thing is I would love to be out training but may have to do gym work instead but I don not really like that.
Will hopefully be back in Dover mid June and I hope to sneak off to Heron Lake for a few sneaky Km in the lake.
All in all it was a good swim, did not have any stiffness and my shoulders felt fine, had a bit of a sore wrist but that seems to be getting better.
Fortuneately I had my long suffering wife down as my driver and boy was I glad as I crashed out in the car on the way back, stopping to visit a few friends and the man of the house is a triathlete so I joined him for his swimming training so just to end the days training I swam another 3km with some triathletes. That was my warm down for the day.
I will now be out of action for a weekand or so thanks kindly to work which is funding this escapade so can't grumble too much. The sad thing is I would love to be out training but may have to do gym work instead but I don not really like that.
Will hopefully be back in Dover mid June and I hope to sneak off to Heron Lake for a few sneaky Km in the lake.
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Sunday Dover training
Went to Dover on Sunday and when I left London, the weather was great so I tried to convince my wife that it would be a good trip down, this was to no avail as she opted to stay at home and i think that it was a wise decision as the weather in Dover was very windy, the waves were a lot bigger than the weekend before and the Tide was in.
As I am Glad to report, swimming in cold water does not bother me and neither does the salt, considering it is kept out of my mouth and lungs and Stomach. I did However get a few pretty big mouthfulls leaving me dry wretching in the water, not fun!!! The other thing that I experienced was my cap nearly disappeared a couple of times by riding up my head so I had to stop and rearrange it in the harbour and with waves, this is interesting accomplishment. I did it anyway as I did not want to feel the wrath of the General if I appeared out of the water without my cap. I must admit I do hate the things but I am told they are essential.
One thing that I did learn was, how IMPORTANT IT IS TO TRAIN IN THE CONDITIONS THAT YOU MAY END UP SWIMMING IN. It was a tough session and I think we swam about 6 km. I swam a similar distance the day before in a lake and it was so easy compared to swiming in rough seas.
As I am Glad to report, swimming in cold water does not bother me and neither does the salt, considering it is kept out of my mouth and lungs and Stomach. I did However get a few pretty big mouthfulls leaving me dry wretching in the water, not fun!!! The other thing that I experienced was my cap nearly disappeared a couple of times by riding up my head so I had to stop and rearrange it in the harbour and with waves, this is interesting accomplishment. I did it anyway as I did not want to feel the wrath of the General if I appeared out of the water without my cap. I must admit I do hate the things but I am told they are essential.
One thing that I did learn was, how IMPORTANT IT IS TO TRAIN IN THE CONDITIONS THAT YOU MAY END UP SWIMMING IN. It was a tough session and I think we swam about 6 km. I swam a similar distance the day before in a lake and it was so easy compared to swiming in rough seas.
Saturday, 17 May 2008
Heron Lake training
Just got back from 4km in Heron lake and it was great apart from all the triathletes passing weird looks at me and my brother swimming in just our costumes. Some of them could have been swimming the arctic the way they were dressed.
This week was a bad week training wise as I did not have time to put into my pool work and took it as an off week but still managed to put in just over 10km swimming. Well, will get back into it this week.Depending on how I am feeling tomorrow, I might head for Dover again to see what the general has to dish out, I am aware that it will only be one swim so I suspect it will be long one.
This week was a bad week training wise as I did not have time to put into my pool work and took it as an off week but still managed to put in just over 10km swimming. Well, will get back into it this week.Depending on how I am feeling tomorrow, I might head for Dover again to see what the general has to dish out, I am aware that it will only be one swim so I suspect it will be long one.
Monday, 12 May 2008
First training in Dover
This last weekend I ventured down To Dover and arrived at the beach on Saturday for my first tentative training under the watchful eyes of the General and company.
I was issued with a cap and sent on my way with some other Newcomers, not having the faintest idea how I would react to the cold or the salt water.
Prior to wading into the sea I watched most people applying grease and or suncream to various parts of their body, I opted to go greaseless and see how it all went.
After the initial wade into the sea, various parts of my anatomy disappearing wherever they disappeared too as I made contact with the 11-12 degree water, I ventured in the direction of one of the harbour walls. Surprisingly, after about 3 minutes I had settled into my stroke and was zigzagging my way in the general direction of a harbour wall. I think the zigzagging added about another 300m to my swim as my direction was REALLY terrible
The second swim of the day was about 4Km and I managed that in 56 minutes feeling surprisingly comfortable, my direction had improved and I only had about 5 mouthfulls of the tantalizing Dover harbour water.
By the end of Saturday I was feeling positively refreshed, no chaffing had occured to any parts of my anatomy and we headed for town to buy some clothes apropriate to being in the sun.
All in all a Really great weekend, Met some really great people, the atmosphere is extremely supportive and The Generals Bark is a lot worse than her bite.
I look forward to the next installment.
I was issued with a cap and sent on my way with some other Newcomers, not having the faintest idea how I would react to the cold or the salt water.
Prior to wading into the sea I watched most people applying grease and or suncream to various parts of their body, I opted to go greaseless and see how it all went.
After the initial wade into the sea, various parts of my anatomy disappearing wherever they disappeared too as I made contact with the 11-12 degree water, I ventured in the direction of one of the harbour walls. Surprisingly, after about 3 minutes I had settled into my stroke and was zigzagging my way in the general direction of a harbour wall. I think the zigzagging added about another 300m to my swim as my direction was REALLY terrible
The second swim of the day was about 4Km and I managed that in 56 minutes feeling surprisingly comfortable, my direction had improved and I only had about 5 mouthfulls of the tantalizing Dover harbour water.
By the end of Saturday I was feeling positively refreshed, no chaffing had occured to any parts of my anatomy and we headed for town to buy some clothes apropriate to being in the sun.
Sunday
Kick off at 10 am and the General sent us on a 6 km swim and I got into my rythym very quickly and there was another Budding solo Swimmer that paced with me so we swan the 6km together and I even managed to walk out without falling over.All in all a Really great weekend, Met some really great people, the atmosphere is extremely supportive and The Generals Bark is a lot worse than her bite.
I look forward to the next installment.
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