Dover Day - 30th September 2010

No swimming today; but was still soaking wet!!

Last night I took a call from Fiona to say that someone she vaguely knows has been given his 24 hr call to swim the channel; it’s his last chance before the season ends today and if he doesn’t take it then he misses it for another year. As it was such short notice and because it was about the third time he’s been given notice, only 1 out of his 7 crew were available, even his wife couldn’t go as their children were unwell! So he called Fiona to see if she could be a crew member and if she had anyone she could bring – so there we were driving to Dover last night at 10pm with bag packed full of very warm clothes and waterproofs, ham & cheese sandwiches, penguin biscuits and flasks of sweet tea; rather unexpected as I was planning an early night!

We got to Dover, after a 90 minute drive through torrential rain, and met them on the docks. Really nice chap, being supported by his best friend and only crew. The Pilot boat (not a CSA registered boat!) were just pulling in and were expecting us sharply so they could get going. Even though it was raining hard and sea conditions were sounding tough, the decision to go was taken and after loading the boat, introducing ourselves and waiting a short while we were off; it was 1.45am. The boat was basically a medium sized fishing boat, manned by the Pilot, his co-pilot and an “unofficial” official – I am so pleased I am going with an official CSA pilot! They didn’t even help him (us) carry all his provisions to the boat! It was almost amusing when the official came to complete his paperwork and not only kept calling Fiona “Jo”, but didn’t even check any bags in case there were untoward drugs in there or anything; really not encouraging.

We sailed out of the calmness of Dover Harbour and within seconds the boat was being thrown around like a rag doll in a washing machines; boxes literally sliding everywhere, his best friend throwing up and Fiona and I simply hanging on to the sides. After about half an hour we stopped moving right near the beach and Fiona applied the lanolin and grease to his body (I couldn’t see in the dark if she was enjoying that or not!) and then off the side he went and swam to shore. Watching him swim to shore in the dark we couldn’t really see how rough it was, but he must have felt it. As soon as he reach shore the Pilot honked the hooter and the game was on. He ran back into the sea; now it was about 2.45am I guess, and it was him verses a very troubled sea. With his friend still throwing up it was down to Fiona and Me to keep a very watchful eye out on him, with Fiona shouting for the first 20 minutes at him to watch out for the boat! After about another 20 minutes, with the conditions now absolutely dreadful, the boat being thrown everywhere, his friend sill throwing up and the Pilot getting concerned for both his boat and the swimmer the decision was made to call it off. So an hour into the swim he was back on the boat feeling really upset and we were heading back to Dover with every other wave lifting us up and simply dropping us back down. I have to say, and I say this as someone without previous experience, that letting the swim go ahead in those conditions was perhaps not the correct thing to do; even if was the last chance of the year!

The plus point to all this was that he came back safely; OK so he never managed to make it due to the weather, but in those conditions just getting back onto the boat safely was a miracle. For me I learnt a lot; I experienced the highs and lows of a channel swimmer (albeit second hand), I got to see the process from Dover to boat and back again and I got to see the channel in complete darkness and in a storm. Oh and not forgetting, I got to understand the importance swimming under the official CSA banner.

Having got home at around 5am, I grabbed about 2 hours sleep and then headed to work; where I currently am and on my third coffee already.
An unusual but very interesting unexpected evening!

Swim4Smiles Interview - Rob and Fiona.mov

Day 106 - 29th September 2010

It’s getting darker in the mornings; even the Pier was still all lit up when I hit the seafront this morning.

Did another beach to beach to beach (twice around the pier) today; so that’s three in a row which is good. It was still very clear in the sea; in fact I saw literally thousands of tiny silver fish swimming in formation all around me for most of the swim today; really stunning. The air temperature wasn’t too bad, but the sea continues to get colder. Bob and I were joined by Simon this morning and on the way around we bumped into crazy Leo, Graham, Kevin and David and then in the Arches afterwards there were the usual suspects; Fiona, Midgie, Angus etc. Another jolly friendly start to the day.

The swim itself was about 49 minutes, which in this temperature was good going; although still trying to warm up now. Off to the Gym after work for an hour and then that is another day done!

Day 105 – 28th September 2010

Last night had about 3 hours sleep in total; been like that for about 2 weeks now, which is annoying. I only ever do around 4-5 hours a night on average anyway, which is all I’ve ever done, but 3 hours is a pain as it makes the night time so long and boring and it does make you a tad tired when you get up at 5.30am ish. Oh well never mind!

The sea was amazingly clear again today; you could actually see every single stone at the bottom, even as far out as the end of the pier. The air temperature was slightly warmer today, but the sea temperature continues to drop.

As it’s getting darker in the mornings now I decided to go at 7.15 instead of 7am and as such the Arches were busier; it was nice to see some faces again in the morning. Bob wasn’t there today, but Young Mike joined me. We swam twice around the pier, beach to beach to beach; it was Mikes first time doing that and you could see that the cold got to him; it was cold out there. We did a fantastic pace the whole way around; a great swim and an amazing way to start the day. Oh god am I dreading not being able to do this distance in the sea soon due to the temperature, which will mean the dreaded pool swims!

Day 104 – 27th September 2010

Monday morning and so much to say! A little numbering may help me focus and stop this being a jumbled mess of thoughts:

1) Would have been Dad’s 65th birthday today. Everyday I think of Dad, so today is no different and needs to feel no different; but I guess his birthday just focuses the mind a little more and makes me remember how lucky I was to have him as my Dad.

2) Walking was not easy today as my rheumatism was playing up, so it was a case of limping down the stones. However, the sea does wonders for it and even though it hurt walking out of the sea, the actual swim was completely pain free. Hopefully it’ll be gone by tomorrow; usually it only lasts a couple of days at a time. The sea was so clear that you could actually see all the way to the ocean floor, even out at the end of the pier. Swimming back around the pier we went over an old wreck, which was fantastic as you could see every little nodule on it. Now, around an hour since we came out, I am still cold in the hands and feet. I guess from now on each morning is likely to get colder and darker; something to look forward to!

3) Where were the Buoys! I didn’t realise but at the end of September they remove the bouys from the sea. Apparently it’s a safety thing as the sea can start to really rough up and they do not expect swimmers and boats to be stupid enough to be out there needing the buoys! Mmmm, will we be stupid enough to swim; yes I think we will! Shame though as the buoys give you the ability to spot distance and give you something to aim around.

4) This coming Friday we are planning a night swim around the pier. Pitch black at 7.30pm, so will be exciting and possibly somewhat spooky. Personally I’m really looking forward to it, however, some of the others I am trying to tempt to come with me are not so sure!

I am sure that there was more to say, but it’s now 9am and I think time for some work!

Day 103 - 25th September 2010 Saturday

Saturday we went to Dorset for the day; 14 of us from Brighton Swimming Club. It was organised by Big Mike; who hired a mini us and drove us there and back; he made the day so fantastic.

We swam around Lulworth cove to some amazing caves, then back to the beach and dressed for a pub lunch, then a 2 miles walk around the hillside to Durdle Door and another fantastic swim. What an incredible place. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, the water was a decent temperature, and the views were stunning. You really could have been anywhere in the Mediterranean. The day was made even better by being with such a fun and happy crowd of people; all there just to enjoy the swimming and the scenery.

It shows how beautiful England is. I am not saying I am all of a sudden going to be setting up camp in the coves around England, but I am certainly starting to appreciate what we have in our Country and who knows, maybe (just maybe) I might even be tempted one day to go camping and to stop being so precious about home comforts!!

Day 102 – 24th September 2010

After a day of shopping yesterday in Bluewater for Sharon’s birthday it was so nice to be back in the real Blue Water this morning (well kind of blueish!).

Bob and I swam at 7am to the West Pier and back and then onto the buoys and back; a decent strong swim of 80 minutes without rest to start the day. It took a whopping 46 minutes of constant swimming to reach the West Pier (previous longest to the WP was 30 minutes) and then a staggering 12 minutes back! Once again showing the power of the tides. Gotta hope that I have tides in my favour when I take on the channel next year! The temperature definitely has fallen again. We were warmish for about 40 minutes, but then the cold definitely set in; the hot shower at the arches afterwards was most welcome!

Tomorrow we are heading to Dorset for a day swimming in the lakes and coves; very exciting stuff.

Day 101 – 22nd September 2010

So now over a 100 days as a swimmer; does that make me a professional yet!

After yesterday's excitement I thought I would have an easy one today. So around the buoys and once around the pier in the lovely company of Bob and Midgie. The temperature in the sea was bloomin cold when we got in, but warmed up near the first buoy. The swim around the pier was easy enough, until we started to come through and then the tide fought back a little, but only a little. So all in all a nice easy swim.

Tomorrow I’m not swimming as it’s Sharon’s birthday and we are heading for a whole day at Bluewater shopping mall with the credit card. I anticipate tomorrow being a harder training session than I am used to!!!!

This Saturday I am of to Dorset with the swimming club for a fun swim around the coves, which will be my first “fun” swim, so very excited about that. As for the rest of today; off to London in a moment on business and then “maybe” will head to the gym afterwards. I think this week will be a bit of a rest week in terms of training; just 5 swims and one gym I think; then next week back to full steam again.

On an entirely different note, I started writing a new play last night. I feel I need a release from work, children and training and writing is the best tonic for me. Hopefully it’ll be easy to write and we can stage it next year as a Trust fundraiser. Naturally in my current mind set it will be a “swimming” story of sorts, but we shall see – watch this space!

Day 100 - 21st September 2010

A milestone – my hundredth day. Interestingly enough today is Official Peace Day (set up by my friend Jeremy Gilly from Peace One Day). So it’s kind of fitting that my day 100 should fall today of all days.

To recognise this day Leo, Bob, Fiona, Young Mike, Evo and I jogged to the Peace Statue and swam back to the Arches. The day started out very foggy, you could almost not see more than 50 yards ahead of you. It must have been interesting to see six of us jogging towards you through the fog in nothing but our swimming gear and goggles!!

When we got to the Peace Statue we took some pictures and then headed into a very calm and quite warm ocean. It was a fantastic swim because as we swam back towards the Palace Pier the fog was lifting, eventually completely clearing.

A lovely way to celebrate a day of Peace.

Day 99 – 20th September 2010

Monday once again upon us, another weekend over and the excitement of another unknown week ahead. Excitement or trepidation; who knows!

I was rather achy this morning when I got up at 6.am; the after effects of a 14.5k run on Saturday afternoon.

Looking out the window at a very gloomy, wet and windy morning was enough to send me back to bed, but the thought of starting the week with a swim in the biggest bath in the world was just too much of a pull! It was definitely a choppy one out there, but still it was a nice swim. Bob not around today so I had the pleasure of Midge until the buoys and then I carried on around the pier with Janet; a lovely lady who travels from Burgess Hill for a morning swim. We basically just plodded around the pier, battling through the waves and then sailed into shore. The tide was so strong that we decided to land on the “girls” beach the other side rather than swim back to ours; I actually ended up two beaches down and had to walk all the way back to our beach across the pebbles to retrieve my flip flops! I did enjoy it though, I’m definitely hooked on it.

Afterwards I headed down to Withdean Stadium for an hour with my physioterrorist Kim. Having not seen her to two weeks and having been battered by a lot of swimming, running and gym work in that time she decided to give me a full over beating! Absolutely no chance of me using the pool or gym tonight after that! God knows what state my body would be in if not for her!

Now back at work and guess what – the sun is out, the sky is blue and it’s getting warmer by the minute! Funny old climate we live in!

Tomorrow is my day 100 and the Peace Statue swim. Can’t wait.

Day 98 – 17th September 2010

A very strong swim today as the tides were fierce. The sea itself was calm, very little wave movement, but the tide was pulling hard to the West; so of course we swam to the East! Bob, Midge & I swam under the Pier to the two buoys towards the Marina and then diagonally across back to the Pier, all the way around, back to the buoys and around the far buoys and back in. The swim under the pier at the beginning was really hard, a case of head down and swim as hard as you possibly can and just force your way through the tide. I really think that if the tide was just 10% stronger we could not have gone through. Coming back around the pier with the tide we must have looked like bullets the speed we were going.

The Arches were once again alive with atmosphere, Fiona, Soweichi, Simon, Leo, David, Evo and others all regaling stories of sea swims of the past; poor Soweichi sporting a black eye having collided with another swimmer around the pier this morning. It all happens down at the arches in Brighton whilst the rest of the City sleeps!!

Must have been cold today as typing this my hands are struggling to get the blood flowing back into them; time for coffee me thinks!!

Day 97 – 16th September 2010

Cold, Wet, Windy and Choppy. That was the start to my day; so what about your’s?

I got to the Arches at 6.45am, later than usual, and almost (only almost) didn’t go in. Just feeling tired I think. Anyhow, of course, I did go in and we headed around the buoys and the pier as usual. However, for some reason my coordination was way off! There were four of us today. Actually there were those three and then me! Every time I looked up I was over here or over there, everywhere except where they were. Now of course it could have been my internal sat nav messing up, or it could have been the sea playing games, but the other theory is that they just didn’t want to hang out with me; surely not!!!

Next Tuesday will be my 100th day as a sea swimmer and also it happens to be the 21st September, which is national Peace Day. So in celebration of a Peaceful Day around the world we are going to go to the Peace Statue and swim back. That’ll be nice!

Day 96– 15th September 2010

Last night I managed my 2 hour swim at Falmer without much difficulty, which was good. I was going for 3 hours, but didn’t get there until 3pm, so time just ran out. But 2 hrs was a good swim. I took a Maxim gel after an hour and even though I didn’t feel particularly any stronger, I also didn’t find it offensive at all.

This morning I woke up a little later than usual 6.00am, which was annoying and I was really tired. Also my stomach really hurt, which was definitely the Crohns; after 22 years you really get to recognise it. I almost rolled over shut my eyes and went back to sleep, but the pain, mixed with the guilt of not swimming, made that thought last about 60 seconds!

The sea was not rough like yesterday, but it was really choppy, which made it a good workout. Fiona joined us this morning, which was lovely as I don’t get to swim with her much. We swam all the buoys, around the pier to the next buoy and traced back again. Going around the pier felt like we were in a washing machine; just seemed to spend an age going in circles without moving, but when we got passed that nonsense the rest of the swi was great. The temperature definitely has dropped, but it’s still comfortable; not looking forward to the single digits though!

Chrohns disease is a funny thing; although funny I guess isn’t the right word! My point is that whilst one can certainly take a lot of medication to try to control the pain, in reality the medication can end up causing so many other complications (in my case it caused my osteoporosis, gave me eye problems, hand & feet problems, joint problems etc etc); hence why about 5 years ago I flushed all my medication away and now take nothing for any of my conditions. If only I had realised the effect that swimming, especially sea swimming, could have. When I went into the sea today I was in a fair bit of pain (probably 6/10 on the pain scale), however, 10 minutes into the swim (and since finishing the swim) I was/am pain free. No pills, no tears, no whinging; just a decent swim in the sea and all is well. Maybe others should try it!!

Day 95 – 14th September 2010

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside, oh I do like to be beside the sea..........

And what a sea it was today. Probably force 6 or 7; large rolling waves and very powerful. The Arches were alive with excitement; which they always are when the sea is flexing its muscles. Leo and David, crazy fools, went around the Pier and Leo took some cracking videos. Bob, Soweichi and I headed to the West, but you basically can swim hard and still end up closer to the East. I got to the first buoy after about 20 minutes and a lungful of water and then headed back in. The three of us all came in together in a cloud of waves; the final one as I was walking out of the sea simply grabbing me back and pulling me under and just letting me know who’s the boss!

Tomorrow is expected to be even bigger; can’t wait!

Meanwhile off to Falmer this afternoon after my last meeting and going to try to do my first 3 hour pool swim, not sure how that will go!

Day 94 – 13th September 2010

Solo Joe today! I got to the Arches at 6.30am and decided to go straight in rather than wait for the others; sometimes it’s good to swim solo to see how much I can push myself without expecting others to challenge me.

The sea was calmer than a calm thing and completely flat and very little tide. Also whilst the temperature has dropped it was not really that cold; or at least it didn’t feel too bad. I swam Palace Pier, to the red buoy at the end of the West Pier and then back to the Palace Pier and once around. A decent swim, took about an hour and very pleasant experience if truth told. At no time did I see anyone in the water or on the beach which was odd. However, as I came out of the sea and was walking up the beach I saw Bob leaving the sea. He had apparently seen me go in and basically ended up doing the same swim as me but about 5 minutes later; everyone else had already come and gone in that time.

I’m not sure what my routine will be for the rest of the week but I am sure it will involve water each day!

Day 93 – 11th September 2010

Five Men in their Speedos & swimming caps driving along the seafront at 7am Saturday morning – you have just entered the “Twilight Zone”!

This morning I joined Tom, Leo, Angus & Graham for a Lagoon to Palace Pier swim. We met at the Arches just before 7am, got changed and then jumped into Tom’s car. He then drove us all to Millionaire Row by just at the edge of Hove/Shoreham, he parked up and then we all jumped out and ran down to the sea. All I could think was please don’t have a car accident as this would not be easy to explain!

The sea was very rough; lots of breaking waves way out, which meant that we were constantly battered. In our favour was the fact that it was the biggest tide of the year and pulling to the East (Marina) so it made it a quick swim. However, the constant battle with the waves meant it was far from easy! Tom, Angus and Graham are superbly fast and went off at a speed, although Angus really kindly hung back at the beginning to make sure I was OK. As soon as Angus sped back off I found Leo was still with me; really good of him as he stayed with me the whole swim. It meant that the swim was more fun having him there as well as me feeling safer; also he took some amazing footage on the camera, both photos and videos (all on YouTube under ramblingwavechaser). A funny moment occurred about 20 minutes into the swim, just as we were near the King Alfred leisure centre. About three or four kite surfers came hurtling by, at incredible speed (luckily they saw us in time!) and as they flew by we all shouted out “good morning” to each other. I bet that doesn’t happen too often in rough seas about a mile out!

The swim took Angus, Tom and Graham 1 hour 6 minutes and it took Leo and I about 1 hour 10 minutes – so to be fair to us we didn’t exactly slack! I am not sure of the distance, but it will be in miles and along with the rough seas it made a very challenging, enjoyable and worthwhile swim; one I am proud of.

Day 92 – 10th September 2010

Quick swim today as need to be in London early. Went to Falmer for 6.15am (just as they opened) and did 1 hour boring pool swim. I could have done the sea, but thought I would try the pool first thing to see how I feel about it; didn’t love it much! Got to stick at it though as winter soon upon us and that will be the only long swim I get.

Day 91 – 9th September 2010

Yesterday I did the West Pier and back on a glass of water; followed by a dash to work and spending 4 hours in the office in various meetings, drinking one cup of coffee and then getting in the pool at Falmer with Mark for a very intense 60 minute swimming sessions (no idea how many lengths we did, but it was well into double numbers!), then back to the office and more meetings until at 4.00pm I had a prawn sandwich. How stupid is that. However on a good note, last night my shoulder was really aching a lot and caused me great concern that I had damaged it again. Why is that a good note?? Well quite simply it proved without a doubt to me that not eating before after intense exercise causes my muscles to ache and ultimately will damage and tear them. So now I have had that lesson confirmed without a doubt I would be a fool to not start taking that seriously. I sincerely hope I am not a fool, but I guess time and my blog will tell!

Anyway, back to today and being more positive. It was a lovely calm sea and a clear and cool air, with blue skies. It was very busy at the Arches today. Mark decided to come and join us for a swim to see if my pool training has paid off in the sea; apparently it has and he was very pleased. We swam with Bob and Midge just once around the Pier and it was glorious. Fiona was also there along with Angus; they were doing a 3 hour swim in preparation for his last chance this year at the Channel swim. Next week is his final shot this year so all fingers crossed for him. Leo, Martine and David were under the Pier taking photos and Kevin was floating around the coast taking photos of those taking photos! Young Mike and the other two Bobs were there as well as a handful of others. At 7.30am on a Thursday morning the Arches was alive and bigging it up!!

Day 90 – 8th September 2010

Today is my “tide” story day!!

An interesting thing about the sea, which may just be Brighton of course, is that when it is raining the sea tends to be calm. I’m not sure why? Maybe it’s a “pressure” thing, but anyhow that’s how it seems to be. This morning it was grey and raining and not pleasant, however, the sea was calm and not too cold; so believe it or not it was nicer in the sea than on the beach.

I got to the beach at about 6.30am and spent 25 minutes on my own just walking the pebbles and thinking about life in general. I always start my day, every day, thinking about all the amazing things in my life; my three beautiful children and all the things they do that simply make me laugh out loud, my Wife who remains my rock, my Mum, my Sister, My two Brother-In-Laws, my In-Laws, my friends, the house we’re building, my Company, the Trust, my Channel swim and of course my Dad who I still miss every single day. It’s really great to start the day and end the day thinking about people and things you love. It’s not a religious thing, as I’m not a religious person, it just sets up your day and ends your day so nicely to think about those people and things you love; it brings positivity to what could easily be a negative day if you let it.

Anyhow enough of that drivel, let’s get back to he point of my blog; the swimming!! Bob turned up at just before 7am and we pretty much jumped straight in and got swimming. Leo turned up soon after wearing his Captain Birdseye hat; a great look only he could carry off! The sea was coming in which meant that the tide was heading towards the Marina. So we set off against the tide and swam to the West Pier. It took “exactly 30 minutes” to swim from the Palace Pier to the West Pier. However, the swim back to the Palace Pier took “exactly 15 minutes”. If one considers that we would have less energy coming back as we had already worked very hard on the first leg, it is astonishing to think that it still took exactly half the time to get back. This was not even a fierce tide. Once again it goes to show the power and strength of the sea. I need to really try to learn more about the tides as I am about to do some long solo swims in the sea and knowing the tides will be vital to stop me swimming to stand still! Also, not to sound really really boring, I have just got to start eating! This morning all I had before our swim was a glass of water – how rubbish is that for a long swim!

Day 89 – 7th September 2010

Today was a beautiful day for a swim. The temp was still cold, the waves were still rather choppy, the rain was slightly spitting, however, the sky was blue, the sun was breaking out and there was a fantastic rainbow around the pier. I went in on my own today at 6.40am and swam to the furthest buoy near the groin and then rather than swim I simply let the tide slowly pull me towards the pier. It was about a 30 minute journey and I just lay on my back looking up at the sky and the rainbow and drifted along. One could say it was somewhat spiritual if one was so inclined.

I know it’s all about training, training, training; but actually sometimes for the sake of sanity it also has to be about the moment.

Day 88 – 6th September 2010

Monday morning once again; Monday seems to come around at least once a week and always rather quickly!

After a three day break from exercise I was raring to go (although at 6am on a Monday I guess raring is a bit strong, more like able to go!). The sea was cold at the shore. For the first time in months I found my face complaining at the temperature; however it soon warmed up once the waves started to batter me. Three of us this morning, Birthday boy Bob (55 today and not looking bad!), Young Mike (new boy to join the club) and Me (no longer the new boy – hooray!). Did the usual buoys and around the pier, however, the sea was extremely busy and the tide pushing East, so we swam directly under the pier and came around the head clockwise for a change so that we were with the tide. However, it was like a washing machine out there! It wasn’t so much breaking waves, it was just so up and down. If one ever suffered from sea sickness then today would have been the day. However, it was a good swim, we didn’t stop and when we got back to shore (basically all together) we felt as if we had really done some exercise.

Then 8.30am saw me off to sea Kim my physio; as usual her strong fingers making light work of my groin. Mmmm that sounds a bit x-rated; but it was purely pain rather than pleasure I can assure you.

Then off to Kent for my first meeting at 11am. Then back to Falmer at 1.30pm for 90 minutes in the gym, then dash back to the office for my 3.30pm meeting. Now on my way home to see the kiddies and help with dinner, bath, books and bed, the last job for today is a Trustees meeting for the Starr Trust to give out this quarters donations, which is an 8pm meeting that usually goes on until 10pm. Then hopefully to bed, ready for my 5.45am alarm to get up and start again.

When did life get so busy!

Day 87 – 3rd September 2010

Not a lot to say today as it’s 7.35am and I am at work and dry! I was planning on an early swim this morning as I have a very full work day, but when the alarm went off at 5.30am and I got up I found that hitting the sea today was just not going to happen! I must have slept funny as my neck is very stiff, nothing bad, just a tad uncomfortable, but that was all the excuse I needed! Some days I still have to force myself to go (not every day though!) but today...., well today an excuse kindly presented itself. Of course within the next couple of hours I shall be attacked by guilt and will end up going to the Gym and the Pool for 2 hours and working even harder because of that. However, for now I shall enjoy salt free skin for the day.

Fiona texted me last night to say that Angus had to cancel his swim. Apart from his broken arm, he now has a viral infection and is on antibiotics. He was still planning on swimming, but his body is aching from the virus and his temperature is up; it is just too dangerous in that state. He must have been absolutely gutted to cancel. But cancelling was the right thing to do and a very brave decision to make. You have to feel bad for the guy as he has worked so hard and against so many challenges of late. However, if it’s meant to be then it will be and he’ll get his chance.

Despite my not swimming, I am feeling positive and happy today; the sun is shining, the air feels warm, Asher absolutely loved his first day of school and was so excited about going back today and tomorrow is the start of the weekend. What could be better than all that xxx

Day 86 – 2nd September 2010

After yesterdays epic journey I decided a small swim would be good today. Bob was feeling a little tired as well so he was happy to go along with that.

The sea and temperature were the same as yesterday, however I was feeling less cold personally. I still couldn’t eat a bowl of cereal, which was annoying as I need to stay in that habit now, but I did eat a whole banana. We swam at 7am, just us (although Leo and others were also going in) and we did our favourite 4 buoys, around the pier and in. However, the stamina was certainly there as we motored the whole way around. I felt particularly strong and quick today and was pleased that I felt I swam really well; using the techniques Mark has been drumming into me. Even my legs seemed to be playing along today.

Then a quick shower and dash home as it was Asher’s first day ever of school and I wanted to go with Sharon and take him. Boy was that hard! Sharon shed a tear and I had butterflies but Asher was beautifully calm and composed. He looked absolutely gorgeous in his new uniform. He is such a special little boy and just seeing him walk into his new classroom filled me with pride. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve such wonderful children, but boy oh boy am I grateful.

Day 85 – 1st September 2010

Maxim is the feed I will be using when doing all distance training and also when I swim the channel. It’s basically a loaded carb supplement that comes in powder and gel form; I will be using the gel today. A lot of people say it makes them feel very sick as it contains a lot of electrolytes and can upset the gut, however most marathon swimmers and long distance athletes of various disciplines use it. So if they can then so can I!

A 7am start for a 2 hr + swim with Fiona. I was awake basically all night thinking and worrying about the swim, which was really frustrating. It’s funny because I have done a number of long swims, 3 hr and 4 ½ hours ones included, therefore to be worrying about a 2 hr swim was nuts! The problem I think was that since my shoulder & groin injury I have not done any swims over an hour and whilst my swimming technique is way better and my my fitness much improved, I have had doubts creeping in to my mind on my ability. The mind can be a very disturbing thing to have in your head sometime! Due to sleep and worry, my stomach played up this morning and that of course affected my crohns; giving me fairly bad pains and toilet issues (nice!). So breakfast was a no go, but I did manage half a banana (Fiona will not be happy!). Also I was a little achy in my shoulders as last night I spent 90 minutes in the gym and then did an hour of pool swimming.

We went in dead on 7am and the sea was 95% calm and the tide not too strong. The air temp was low at around 13 degrees and the water felt the coldest it had for some time; my lack of food this morning and lack of sleep probably contributed to me feeling cold. There were 4 of us to begin with; Fiona, Bob, Leo and Me; Leo brought along the camera and took some fab photos along the way. We swam at a very decent pace from the Brighton Pier to the West Pier, tying up the maxim ad Fiona’s lucozade to a buoy on the way. We reached the Red Buoy at the end of the West Pier in amazing time, stopped for a couple of photos (Leo being my photographer bless his heart) and then we motored back to the Brighton Pier, heading once around it and back to our buoy. At this point Bob and Leo headed in to the beach as they had had enough and I settled down to my gourmet maxim whilst Fiona had her fill of lucozade. At this point I would happily have swum in with Bob, but Fiona of course would not allow that! She was still angry with me for not eating breakfast, so no way she was going to let me off the hook now – she even threatened to tell Kim and Mark!! So off we went back to the West Pier. My arm stroke was flagging a little for about 10 minutes, but then all of a sudden I was back to full speed. The maxim, which to be honest was easy to take and tasted fine, must have kicked in. We motored back to the West Pier, then straight around the red buoy and back to the Brighton Pier, taking in the furthest buoy by the Pier and then back to my feeding buoy and then back in. Total swim around 2hr 20 mins, feeling cold but very pleased to have dealt with my demons and the maxim and feeling like I could have gone again.

Darren, my brother-in-law, was waiting for us when we got back and he chatted to Fiona and did a taped interview for my website.

A great day all in all once my mind settled in of course.