Visit the home page to follow the live blog during the swim.


!!  You will find Angus' last blog entry under the map on the home page !!


From Sunday 10th July this blog will move to the 'Home page' where you can follow Angus' progress on the live map,under which are Dan's brilliant blog updates - live from the support boat - Use the link above.



9th July 2011. Brighton.

"Friends keep on asking me 'how are you feeling, now that you're so close to the swim Angus?"  I can honestly say that I feel calm, focused,full of pasta. I feel a little numb...waiting for that call from Ray who tells me 'it's on'! I feel like I'm in a bubble, suspended over all that's Channel related, and on Monday, that bubble will burst, I'll drop into the ocean far bellow and swim further and harder than ever before.
90% likely, with a 09:00 start on Monday which means a later finish...No one to sleep till I've finished the swim!!!
Strong current in the sea today, joined my friends down at Brighton Swimming Club for a dip, not swimming, just play. This afternoon just sitting watching films, all about conserving energy for the big day."



8th July 2011. Brighton.

"Today I have been eating large amounts, it would be inappropriate to list just how much, given the D.E.C. Appeal that we've just been seeing/reading - fundraising for the Horn of Africa - including Southern Sudan, a country that I've visited enough times to have wanted to use this project to raise funds for fresh water! Needless to say I am using the last few days to stock up on carb's, this slow release food type will be the fuel that helps me to make it... I'm beginning to feel like a slug :(... a sea slug ;)
Tonight I will meet my Brighton Swimming Club mate Alex for a night swim around the pier, just to get my head around the feeling of swimming at night; plenty of people I've mentioned this to, have expressed their own personal discomfort at the idea, it's actually a lovely time to swim, sound and a little light carries across the water, it's calm.
I'm packed and ready to go and thanks to the continuing support, and hard work of Jan at 'My Identity Ltd' the 'Home page' on this site, is now set up for everyone wanting to follow my swim!"


You can see more of Jan's more then excellent work at -     http://www.myidentityltd.co.uk/





7th July 2011. Brighton.

" Mostly a filming day today - young film maker Alana, and her trusted friend Holly filming the various aspects of preparation, for the more than likely early morning start this Monday 11th!
Spoke with Ray Cooper (Pilot) this afternoon by phone, he's optimistic that the weather will at last permit my departure, from the beach at Dover, to France from around 06:00 local time.
I have been eating more pasta today, and plenty more to come as I stock up on Carbohydrate. Fiona very kindly took me to the cash and carry for the final shop - for water, plastic boxes, food and guacamole...plenty of it! - Boxes of kit for the boat packed and ready for our early start.  I am excited, but also feel quite alone as I hunker down to the business of preparation for the swim, just three days away - only I can do this."


6th July 2011. Brighton.

"A meeting planned with my crew this evening - Fiona Southwell, Eileen Remedious, Dan Sullivan and the small documentary unit Alana and Shell.  Firstly a 'group bonding' swim around the Palace Pier, then off to our brilliant local Japanese restaurant Pompoko for supper and the brief; this takes us to the beginning of the end - this is the start of the finish of four years work. Having not been in the sea for two weeks, I can't wait, I hear the gulls are out in force...calling me!"


4th July 2011. London.    -  BIG NEWS.

" Passed my medical this morning at the Dr's, all looking good. I've not dared to look at the long range forecast for next week, but if the weather remains stable I'll be off early next week."



3rd July 2011 London.        -  BIG NEWS.

" I have never set out on a swim over the past four years that I've not finished - from the wretched hours spent in the pool that drove me to want to scream, as I suffered the intense loneliness of my mind for ever increasing lengths of time - to the hours in a frothing rough sea, throwing up, the bile burning the back of my throat as I bobbed like a cork in the angry cold.  Every single swim, hundreds of hours all pointing in one direction, to finish this, fight to the end, make it happen in a day...climb out of the water and stand with both feet, firmly on French soil.



2nd July 2011. London.

"End at Wimbledon in sight, most time to head back to Brighton, for the final week before the swim (weather permitting). Had a good time here with the BBC lot, plenty of people I know pretty well by now, some great tennis, great camera work too!
Getting to know my cousin Lucy and her family a little better; with huge thanks to them and Brian and Ann Andrews )friends of my Mum and Dad) I've not had to commute far each day, basing myself close to the lido and work - what a huge relief - it saved me from the melt down that surely would have resulted, when added to training and work.  Still managed to pick up a slight cold and cough though, which I very much hope fresh sea air will put to rest.
Over the next few days I'll give you a better idea what lays ahead, in the final week, how it will all come together - the when's, who's, how's and the best way to follow it all!


1st July 2011. London.

"Yesterday a two hour swim down at Tooting Bec lido, all went well, raced by, a little on the warm side! I've still a mild cold so another day off swimming today, long day at Wimbledon ahead, another two hours tomorrow morning."


30th June 2011. London.

"Off to the Lido for a couple of hours swim this morning before work at Wimbledon, lovely to see the sun shining. I have been dreaming about my swim each and every night this week, all the dreams have been positive."


29th June 2011. London.

" All well, cold appears to have gone, a short swim today at the Lido in Tooting Bec, before work. Great conversation with my pilot Ray Cooper, who sounded very optimistic about the season ahead; although couldn't resist a mention of the swimmers who attempted to make it to France last weekend - six left, only one make it - congratulations Marcy! Ray's happy the sea's gently warming, I've a good run of tides in the early part of my week, therefore all being well I could be off around 04:00 on Monday the 11th July, so long as the forecast is good."




27th June 2011. London.  AM.

"All's well at Wimbledon, enjoying filming the tennis, seen some great matches and I had a lovely time staying with my cousin Lucy and her brilliant family. Training on hold at the moment as woke up this morning with a cold, something going down in my chest. Off to the chemist to try and blitz it!!

!! JUST TWO WEEKS TO GO !!

PM. 

"Good, hot day filming on Court 2 today. Having trained my body to cope with the cold, days like today aren't easy, BUT the sea will be warming up, so suffer I will!
Some good tennis today Thomas Berdych (last years winner) beaten by the American Mardy Fish and the slightly more exciting game between Sharapova and Peng - Sharapova won convincingly and with plenty of loud shreeks!
I've a cold, on my chest, no training for a few days, very happy with all the preparation I've done since January and now look forward to swimming in a few weeks, weather permitting."




24th June 2011. London.   - BIG NEWS -

"All's going well at Wimbledon. Had a lovely long sleep last night, at the expense of a two hour swim today, can't be helped, the filming hours are very long. Tomorrow a four hour swim.

I have two concerns as we head towards the final straight:  Firstly the sea temperature - the sea is slow to warm this year, I think it would be suicide for me to set off, if the mid-channel temperature is bellow 14 degrees, I will therefore delay my swim if the water is excessively cold.

Secondly it looks as though I'll not reach the fundraising target of £25,000, this is very disappointing. I need someone to buy a whole well.  "Only £7,500 to you sir/madam, and worth every penny!" Of course it's worth every penny - people will have for the first time in there lives, access to fresh water, on their door step, without the fear of disease from contaminated shitty water. I need your help!! Can you think of anyone who'd like to help?  It would give me something extra to swim for, to know that we'd really succeeded.

The cost of one well, fully operational is £7,500  -  that supplies over 2,000 people with fresh water for over ten years."





22nd June 2011. London.

" I've been working on Wimbledon for just two days now and already beginning to feel some strain. I must keep on top of my feeding, which isn't easy fitting around training and the work. I've a cold sore on my lip, always the first sign I'm a bit run down. I swam for four hours yesterday in Tooting Bec lido, which felt cold at 17 degrees, always fresh water feels colder than salt...something to do with conductivity. The swim was fine, just the long hours at work that followed that almost finished me off!
06:00 - 23:00 each day will be too much, so I have to cut my cloth, today I'm not training, tomorrow a one hour swim, with some core training at some point, a two hour on Thursday, and another 4 on Saturday. I will get through this, and I'll not worry too much!"



19th June 2011. London.

" Arrived at my cousin Lucy's home in Tooting, following a relaxing day in Kent. I didn't swim on Saturday as planned down at Dover, the sea was deemed too rough by Freda Streeter herself!  A shame not to get the second half of my back to back done, but given the success of the previous weekend, I'm happy that I'm as close as I can be, to being prepared; if I'm not ready now, I never will be.
I'll train here at Tooting Bec Lido, before each day's filming at Wimbledon (first day tomorrow), begin to wind down training the week after next...and hope that the weather warms up, that the wind calms...and off I'll go.


17th June 2011. Brighton.

" Just finished the first part of this 'back-to-back' training session - 7 Hours, the sea conditions were not good all the way through; red flags flying by the time I got out, heavy rain - joined by Alex towards the end for a couple of hours, brilliant to have company, and as always Fiona so supportive, changing my feeds. Further six hours tomorrow in the harbor at Dover. Feeling tired right now, but contented with my achievement. Heading to Kent to prep for tomorrows session in Dover, then a day off Sunday. I'll be eating like mad to get the calories back in for the swimming tomorrow."


16th June 2011. Brighton.

"Taken a few days for the muscles in my arms/shoulder to settle again, following the deep tissue massage on Monday, just goes to show that any invasive pressure work requires time to bed down. Rest day today...the calm before the storm, forecast terrible for tomorrows 7Hr, and Saturdays 6Hr swims. I will be taking sea sickness tablets to keep any illness at bay...BRING IT ON!  Felt very bored at training yesterday, just wish the day would come, all being well, I'll be off in under one month.
Meeting young film maker Alana McVerry today; here to start making her film charting my channel swim."



15th June 2011. Brighton.


!!One month to go!!



13th June 2011. Brighton.   

"AM visit to Kim Wormly, sport physio for much needed pressure massage - Posterior Deltoid, Teres and Upper Trap's particularly needing attention, also forearm - all mostly on the right side. The rest of the day spent relaxing, eating; getting spent calories from the past couple of days, back in for a four hour pool swim tomorrow and beyond.
Enjoyed watching the film 'Stander' about Andre Stander of the 'Stander Gang'. True SA story about the cop, turned most acomplished bank robber criminal, during the time of Apartheid. Slightly disappointed he didn't give a little bit more money away to the poor...but that's life!"




12th June 2011. Brighton.      -  BIG NEWS  -


Oxford English Dictionary: definition of 'Fun'     Noun 1.   Light - hearted pleasure, or something that provides it.


" Could todays training session be described as 'fun'? This is the question I asked myself several times today during my six hours in the sea.

Q.  Was it fun to get up this morning before 5, the second day in a row - eat as much as I could possibly force into myself, head to the sea, and get in for another very long swim? The temp's dropped back to around 13 degrees.      A.  No

Q.  Was it fun that the chafing around my neck was stinging from yesterdays 7 Hr swim, and would continue to for the next six hours?   A.  Course not.

Q. Is the build up of salty mucus, deep down the throat, that causes you to retch so much that your body locks into spasm... fun?      A.   !

Q. The waters colder again, the thermos that contains my warm feed, the life blood of my swim, struggles to contain warmth; by the time I come for my second feed, after three hours the contents were cold... the result of that today, combined with increasing water movement, was for me to be violently sick, and again at the end of the swim. Does that sound like fun?!!!

Q. The cold, increasing tiredness, muscle ache, boredom, loneliness and plenty of other negatives...fun? 

So you may well be asking:  Why the heck am I doing this?!!!! The thought has crossed my mind several times!  
I started this project over four years ago, at the time I could never have imagined just how much it would stretch me - both physically and mentally. Over these years terrific sponsorship for a most excellent water-giving charity has been raised. I have made friends for life, received support (without which little could have been achieved), kindness and love during these years and with every day that has passed I've got deeper and deeper and deeper immersed into everything that is connected with this channel swim.
Days like today I wanted to get out of the water several times;  I was forced by the sea's current to swim so close to the shore, battered by the waves - many a time i could have got out, walked back to the Brighton Swimming Clubs 'Arch' and stood under a lovely hot shower!
Most of the build up to a Channel swim could never be described as fun, but it's at times, thrilling intensity, highs and lows are always there, every single day.  The reward is to finish what I started, in the knowledge that every stoke I make, takes me closer to becoming a Channel swimmer."




11th June 2011. Brighton.

"As I write, I'm laying on my bed. woken by my phone, a message on my from my lovely friend Terri, asking my permission to nominate me to be an Olympic torch bearer; what a sweet idea :) of course my answer was YES! I'd be thrilled to be involved.
I've been sleeping off this mornings swim, which started at 6 and ended at 1. Went to Brightons best Japanese restaurant 'Pompoko' after, ate plenty then headed for home,  could barely keep my eyes open, and feeling very tired right now. My tongue seems to be almost back to normal...you know the crinkled skin on the fingers one's gets when being in the bath too long? Well imagine that, but on your tongue! It feels a bit strange, it looks horrible...no kissing ;)
The swim went well, I found the sea a little cold, my shoulders/arms ached a little...I didn't really want to be in there, but with ever hour passing, a greater feeling of achievement, a greater sense of wanting to finish the job.
Thanks to both Fiona Southwell and Mike Harvey for their visits, and help with my re-fueling, without which the swim would have been tougher still.
Early night tonight, doing it all again tomorrow from 6, just one hour less."



8th June 2011. Brighton.

"Went well in the pool yesterday with a 4 Hr swim, although when compared with the longer sea swims of late, painfully dull; like a wild animal caged, the monotony of it all, pacing up and down...up and down...up and down; time passed slowly. I'm feeling more the channel swimmer these days, more excited about the day of my release.
I'm getting mentally organised for a 7 Hr sea swim this Saturday, which will be followed by a 6Hr on Sunday. The sea couldn't be more calm than last weekend, I'm preparing for a tougher swim!"



7th June 2011. Brighton.

This weeks training at a glance -

Sunday 5th - 5Hr sea swim.
Monday 6th - 1Hr sea swim, 1Hr gym.
Tuesday 7th - 4Hr pool swim/10miles, 1Hr sea swim.
Wednesday 8th - 1Hr sea swim,1Hr gym, 1Hr pool session.
Thursday 19th - DAY OFF.
Friday 20th - 1Hr10min sea swim.
Saturday 21st - 7Hr sea swim.
Sunday 22nd - 6Hr sea swim.



5th June 2011. Brighton.   -  BIG NEWS -  5Hrs. 9miles. 13 degrees - Sea.

"Up at 6, still windy, rain forecast around lunch time, sorted my food out - Maxim (type of swimmers powdered food) + hot water + Ribena, into a thermos, headed down the beach, swimming by 7. Water felt cold for the first hour or so, nothing that building up a rhythm wasn't going to sort out. Usual tangle of swimmer and fisher mans line, as I arrived at the Marina wall, quite friendly about it, as always plenty of questions on where, why and how :) 
In total I swam just shy of 9 miles in 5Hrs at 13 degrees, feeding after the 2nd hour, then every hour from that point. As with last year I fixed the thermos to a marker buoy, just off shore; surreal, feeding mid ocean, pouring the liquid feed into a cup, and drinking whilst treading water!
I feel tired now, will relax the rest of the day, watch a film, eat plenty. Next week, to keep reaching the targets with the last remaining 3 weeks of training, I've much bigger swims planned. I can only hope for continued good weather, continued good health."



4th June 2011. Brighton.

"Woke up a little before 6, wind blowing hard outside, sea looking pretty rough, forecast not looking great, but now feeling guilty. I could be 3 hours into my swim by now! I guess I made the right decision, given my observations, no point killing myself on this, my first decent length sea swim of the year. So today, 1Hr in the sea 1Hr in the gym - Monday or Tuesday the 5 hour swim."


3rd June 2011. Brighton.

"Back from my excellent trip away. Tomorrow I'd planned to get a five hour sea swim under my belt; it's blowing pretty gusty out tonight, hope that dies down, I'll still do it if it's not too rough. Get the five hour done and I'll be on target for a double whammy next weekend."


1st June 2011. Rinsey Cornwall.

"Enjoying my time here immensely :)  Eating plenty, a little time out from training  (just core strength each day for an hour + a swim, two hours planned for tomorrow. The area is lovely, the house comfy, with the brilliant company of Rebecca and her three - never a dull moment!"



30th May 2011. Rinsey Cornwall.

" Arrived here yesterday amongst the mist, following a 6 hour journey with my lovely friend Bex, her two children Taran and Taululah (also lovely), and adorable baby Phoenix; plenty of pee breaks along the way!
I came here for a slight rest from training, a chance to re-coup some lost energy, but with one look at the map last night - the glorious coast line, and for the time being...fair weather, I'm itching to swim! 
Swam point to point this afternoon, the sea noticeably colder than further East, and clearer too. Some core exercise when I got home. Eating like there's no tomorrow! Tomorrow, further to swim."



28th May 2011. Brighton.

" Left for the River Arun, shortly before 8 am, Shoichi driving, Leo in the back. Leo's jokes about finding a way out of this swim, the drip feed of the week, his hilarious hopes to escape this endurance swim! 
Arrived in Arundel's Black Rabbit pub car park, introduced ourselves to various swimmers and support (Canoeists), worked out after much scratching of heads that at least the early part of our swim, would be against the tide.
The air felt cold, I was keen to get started, body temperature dropping from standing around, turned out that Leo, Liz (swimmer training for a September Channel slot) and I were the only ones out of 15 who would be swimming without wet suits! ;)
We set off against the tide, the water around 12-13 degrees, the first stopping point was under a bridge, where we were to meet our support boat 3 km's down stream. Within 20 min's Leo's goggle strap bust, not a good start for a man who was already nervous about the swim ahead.
I've no problem with this temperature now, feel mostly comfortable, I was keen to keep on the move though, not wanting to stop.
Tall reeds grew beside us, people clapped and cheered us on as we passed, the occasional clumps of sea weed tangled with my fingers and the tide all the time was turning. You can see, by watching the river bank, the speed at which you pass. I was always aware of swimmers gaining on me, and swimming on ahead.
We paused after the bridge, where the current had grown to our favor, pushing us, pushing us, with just 8km's to go. All those who passed me earlier were now with me at the bridge, we left and I gained the head start, making use of the current; bigger down the middle. I was over taken by a yellow and red cap, who, for some reason (possibly to escape the wind swept, choppy water - working to my sea swimmers advantage) opted to hug the river bank. I was using the current, making steady progress, I re-took first position pulling up alongside, working hard to get ahead once more. For some time I knew that feeling, that sense of focus for first place, that feeling of leaving others behind, the satisfaction on this first organised Arun swim, to cross the finish line first, would it be mine?! I swam and I swam...and I swam.
The chop disappeared as we turned the bend, the wind eased and the water calmed, yellow cap was alongside me once more, and red cap not far behind! I swam ahead, then dropped back, seeing yellow cap take the lead, a lead which increased over time. I was determined not to let anyone else pass me by, and kept my mind on the task ahead, still three miles to the end.
Of course to return to Littlehampton felt pretty strange, it was here that I had my leg broken in 2006, in the boat yard, in a winching accident. The last time I was here I was taken away in an Ambulance!

The current is strong now, the water stinks of shit and diesel, a smell so intense that it would make most people retch. I salute the boat yard, as I float past, thinking thoughts of younger days - I look into the battered, bare remains, remembering good times and bad... Head down, to the end.
Finish my swim easy second, warmly greeted by the lifeboat man, given a large towel and a hot mug of sugary tea. There's even a shower, and who's in it?... Leo!!! He caught a lift back with the support boat at 9km, a far crack. Shoichi manages the whole swim, both very pleased and satisfied.

With major thanks to all who arranged, particularly Steve White - the 'Swimming Gardener' his friends and of course the RNLI. A really fun swim :)

Off to Cornwall tonight!"




26th May 2011 Brighton.

" Been re charging the last couple of days. The higher than usual chlorine levels at my local pool left me feeling unwell, coughing, generally low. Today's been about cream eggs and sleep, early night tonight, sea swim + gym tomorrow, swim down the River Arun on Saturday, off to Cornwall with friends on Sunday for five days. Can't wait for the change of scene and an opportunity to cut my training for a few days before the final big push, when I get back. Not long to go now."


24th May 2011. Brighton.

"Six hour swim in the King Alfred baths, Hove yesterday, all went well, time passed quickly; only difficulty with the increased levels of chlorine, which makes me cough and wheese for a few days. I've been told that the chlorine levels are 'well bellow recommended safety levels', I just can't help wondering what effect it's having on my lungs over this hugely increased time!"



22nd May 2011. Brighton.

The weeks training at a glance   -

Sunday 15th - 30min sea swim.
Monday 16th - 1Hr sea swim, 1Hr gym.
Tuesday 17th - 5Hr pool swim/10miles.
Wednesday 18th - 1Hr sea swim,1Hr gym, 1Hr pool session.
Thursday 19th - DAY OFF.
Friday 20th - 1Hr10min sea swim, 1Hr gym.
Saturday 21st - 3Hr20min sea swim.
Sunday 22nd - 30min sea swim.



21st May 2011. Brighton.   3Hrs20mins, 6.02 miles. 12 degr's - Sea.


" The sea is WARMING UP!!! :-) 

Had a lovely swim this morning; caught a lift East, a few miles up coast with Tom Hudson (channel swimmer) and a few other friends from Brighton Swimming Club (all of us naked, bar our swim trunks!).
Started off feeling a little cold; the sun shone brilliantly as we waded out to deeper water, but soon disappeared behind cloud!  Headed further out to sea, making the most of the incoming current (the further out one is, here off the coast of Brighton, the more one is carried by the tide) naturally the water is colder further from shore. With so few land marks and misty goggles, navigation was a little trying at the start, but eventually found good rhythm, felt strong; lovely not to be slapped in the face by waves, as has been the case these past few days.

Arriving at the most Easterly point, I got chatting with a few of the fishermen, their rods hanging over the Marina wall, one asked me to smile as he took a photo - never a great look, cap and goggles and worn expression :-(
The return was tougher, against the tide, but manageable, I could see that I was making progress, not swimming on the spot, and the extra degree in warmth made all the difference!

Very pleased with todays experience, all heading in one confidence building direction, that this year, without illness...WITHOUT ACCIDENT, I will finally set out to finish this journey.

By the way, lovely to see that this site is being so well supported both home and abroad, in Europe, as far out as Australia and the USA. Greetings to you all, great to know you're out there!"




20th May 2011. Brighton.

"Training's going well, gained half a stone, running up some good distance in the pool, feeling strong and confident about the way ahead. Just watched a brilliant interview with Charles 'Tuna' Chapman - the first man of colour to swim the English Channel some 30 years ago. Brilliant to watch such a charismatic man re-living such awesome memories! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLMLGH7Bc3M&feature=related


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYiNYLED6Eo&feature=related

Tomorrow hope to push my sea swim time up above the three hour mark, perhaps even catch a glimpse of one of the much reported dolphins, seen off the coast here in Brighton :-) "



17th May 2011. Brighton.     6Hrs, 12 Miles  - Pool.



14th May 2011. Brighton.  - BIG NEWS  -  2Hrs 40. 5Miles. 11.5 degr's - Sea.

07:30  -   " Really looking to push myself today, for those that know Brighton, I want to swim from the Palace Pier to the Marina, back via the P'P' to the West Pier, turn round and head from home. It's not the distance I'm cautious about, it's the prolonged exposure to cold water; this swim surpasses any I've made so far this season. It will really be a test, taking me to another level, of endurance for both my body and my mind."

13:20  -    " I managed this swim, took a long time to adjust to the temperature! I got into a pretty calm sea just before nine (heading out with the tide to the West Pier, against the tide to the Marina, for the tide back to the end)  then realised I'd not greased up. Grease is used to lubricate areas prone to salt water chafing (no use for its warming properties, there are none, that's something of a myth)  I got out, greased up, got back in and swam, about five miles, with little opportunity to stop - the cold water always a draw on ones energy and comfort. The very fact that taking a piss, the warmth seeping through the material of my swim shorts, giving me momentary warming pleasure, is testament to the stresses one is up against. Thoughts of not making it and having to bale out, never too far from my mind.

Now warm, and fed, I feel a real sense of achievement."




12th May 2011. Brighton.

" Managed a 1Hr 50 Minute sea swim yesterday, up twenty minutes on the last!  Eating plenty, resting, putting on weight and the sea temperature up by 0.5 of a degree all helps!  One hour in the gym straight after, followed by an hours pool session, with Brighton swimming club OTS (also supporting my project) all lent itself to good, sound sleep :-) "



11th May 2011. Brighton.    1Hr 50, 3.5 Miles. 11 Degrees  -  Sea.

"Sea swim today - trying to go furthest distance so far this year  +  gym - 1Hr  +  pool swim - 1Hr club session. Chlorine cough, almost gone. "



10th May 2011. Brighton.

"Wake up coughing this morning, no doubt the effects of yesterdays chlorine at the pool. I'm irritated by that and wonder why (this isn't the first pool) leisure centers can't keep their chlorine use, and the effect that vapors have on swimmers, under control?! I am hugely appreciative of the support I get with my training, but it's neither good for business, nor the swimmer to breathe in excessive levels of gasses whilst swimming!! 

Sea swim today."



9th May 2011. Brighton.   6Hrs, 12Miles  -  Pool

"Excellent six hour swim today, flew by, very pleased. My mind was in a good place from the start, no room for negativity, making sure that any thoughts of time were kept well to the back of my mind!  Managed my feeds well; 1st feed at 2Hrs, then feeding on every hour, only felt hungry towards the end. Always fantastic support from the life guards :-)
The only problem, was coughing from the fifth hour, never been a problem in the past. I spoke with staff at the end of the swim and was told the extractor unit for the pool had been switched off, the resulting effect being, chlorine levels building up in the pool, on the waters surface."


8th May 2011. Brighton.

"This weekend I have mostly been... doing a mixture of swimming (made it to 1Hr 30Mins in the Sea on Friday) and gym, eating down at Pompoko, my favorite restaurant in Brighton http://www.pompoko.co.uk/  where I am invited to eat as much as I like over the last remaining two months of training, FANTASTIC!  Making lovely spag bol creations in the kitchen. And buying vast quantities of cream eggs! All part of the get fat quick diet."


6th May 2011. Brighton.   1Hr 30. 3Miles. 11.4 Degrees  -  Sea.



5th May 2011. Brighton.

"Rest day today :-)

I was completely surprised last night, during a weekly visit to Pompoko - the tasty local Japanese restaurant, when I was handed a VIP pass by the owner Kohei, to free food, as much as I need, till the big swim in July! What a sweet gesture, very generous. Kohei's has been following my progress over the last year, hearing that I was underweight, wanted to get involved and help out... Thank you Kohei!"



4th May 2011. Brighton.   - BIG NEWS -

"Yesterdays five hour swim went well, time passed quickly, a surprise when my mind was so against me from the outset, so very negative! When I talk about negativity, I mean that just about everything I could be down about, I was thinking about - low weight/cold water intolerance and the effect that's having on my recent return to the sea, massively reduced rise in fund raising = how will we reach the £25,000 target?! RSI in my right wrist, tennis elbow/ left side - ever since the paster came off, relationship problems...missing people. . . loosing work, cash flow.    .    .     how can I be ready in time?!!  A time when the water will be colder than I had trained for last year.          .          .          why do I have to go through all this again!!!!!

...So you see, my head was in a very negative place, there was more but I'll not go into it. 

Yesterdays five hour swim, seems to have helped with the RSI in the right wrist, it was also another mile stone, yet another example of how I can chance the course of my mind's thought - turn the negative into positive, reward myself as I swim for the ease with which time passes; rather that is, than focusing on the negative thoughts that so plagued me at the start.  Last nights lovely evening spent with my good friends Fiona and Midgie sorted my head out too! I'm feeling more confident today, with plans to increase my sea swim distance today, with added pool swimming and gym session. Then after a day off tomorrow, to again increase my distance on Friday. The key to the next two months is to put on weight...without the fat, this Channel swim's way out of my reach.




3rd May 2011. Brighton.   5Hr, 10 Miles - Pool.

" Had to turn away 5 weeks paid work, filming a tour of The Arctic Circle yesterday, for the sake of uninterrupted training, during my last two months run to this swim in the Summer. To be frank, I'm gutted.

Five hour pool swim today."



2nd May 2011. Brighton.

"Yesterdays swim out to the West Pier was to be longer than the previous day, by tagging on the extra going round the Palace Pier. By the time I was two thirds of the way into my swim, it was clear to me that my body was finding the water cold. My mind was magnifying the length of the swim, increasingly aware of my slow gain on distance. I made the decision to head back early; although as it turned out my swim was 15 minutes longer than the last - 1Hr 10. It took some time to recover from the shakes, the area around my kidneys appeared sore. Today's swim just around the pier was more manageable. Tomorrow a 5 hour pool swim is planned."



1st May 2011. Brighton.  1Hr 10. 2.2Miles. 11 Degrees  -  Sea.

"Swam to the West Pier yesterday, from the Palace Pier and back - 53 minutes at 11 degrees, felt fine, although pretty shivery after for a few minutes once I'd got out! I'll add a bit more distance today, by next weekend I need to swim double the distance. I Need to gain at least a stone in weight before the big swim in July, much against my wishes; I like the shape and weight I am, it goes against the grain, but I know the need is absolute. "



30th April 2011. Brighton.

"Spent the day 190ft - 60meters above the Mall, on a crane, filming the royal comings and goings yesterday. Fortunately no rain and not too much wind to make my shots too wobbly!! What a magnificently huge day to have been involved in :-)
Good to be back in Brighton, with no more distractions from my aim, just over two months away. I've kept swimming up whilst in London, training with my old coach Dave Wilmott - he put's me through my paces. I've a five hour pool swim planned for Tuesday, six hours the following week. Sea swimming starts again today, hope for an hour in, that needs to double by the end of next week. I've a long journey to make in a fairly short time, but I have a good level of fitness to work from and feel confident that I will be ready to swim the Channel by the middle of July."



13th April 2011. London.   4Hr, 8Miles  -  Pool.

"Four hour pool swim yesterday felt harder work than I remember before heading off to Uganda...with just three months to go!"


11th April 2011. Brighton.

"Gasped my way through my Sunday eight mile run yesterday, body and mind just not wanting to play! Having said that shaved a few minutes off and feel much less achy than I've been in the aftermath of the last runs; muscles beginning to adapt...it's not going to go away, this Sunday running business!! Post run, dumped myself into the sea, a shock at first, but after five minutes or so I shrugged off the African warmed blood, got my arms and hands onside, and headed off round the Palace Pier; first of those for some months, a sense of achievement. The long road ahead started, now an urgent need to up my game. Four hour pool swim tomorrow, then to London for the week - training with Greenwich Swimming Club, then Tonbridge next week for Easter, pool wherever possible, then, just shy of three months to knuckle down!"



6th April 2011. London.

"Back safe and well, lovely relaxing day today, brilliant shower when I got up :-)  Training starts tomorrow, when I join my old swimming club G.S.C for my first swim in three weeks, can't wait! Bigger pool swims start again next week, first short sea swim this Sunday, gradually picking it up again from next week; certainly hope to be doing sea distance by the end of the month."



4th April 2011. Kampala - Uganda.    - BIG NEWS -

"Arrived back in Kampala, lush green, fresh air, a more organised world, a world away from all that has happened over the past two weeks. Believe me when I tell you how happy I am to be back, unusual for me, having always had such a love of traveling, this trip has really stretched us all...

The way of our minds...time's the great healer...and we move on, from all that is past (those of us fortunate to be able) to embrace the future, leaving behind the darkness, all that caused pain in that time. For we are the fortunate few who are able to move on, those that we left behind fend for themselves in a way that most cannot imagine.

The Karimajong tribe struggle to make ends meet, they are truly on the bread line,(some might say addicted to relief) their crops have failed these past SEVEN years, this pushes them closer to being a people foreign to us all. The last time I came across people so in need of assistance just to survive, was in southern Sudan in the 90's. Wondering where your food will come from each day, is what it takes to become tougher than we could possibly know. We left these people today, cutting into the parched soil, to scatter their seed in the vein hope of some food, for their future, to store, for whatever lays ahead.

The environment we were making Annie's film was hot, thirst drivingly dry, dusty arid land. It was infested with flies, food scarce, many looking for an opportunity better than that path way destined to be theirs. Often one would step in human excrement, the land stank of it. The rains, one would think, if they came, would wash it all away... the little rain we saw, made not a jot of difference.

A couple of days ago our director Annie Gibbs, our towering inferno of a director - a force to be reckoned with - passion, vision - a great film maker, locked horns with the tribal elders of the Karimajong under the tree. Thirty or so, mostly men, angry about our presence. It transpired that we had upset their gods; my camera was seen as a machine capable of trapping the spirits of their ancestors, giving rise to a great anger amongst the gods. This in turn apparently resulting in the late onset of the wet season, life blood to us all. It was suggested, that 'I' should kill a black bull, to appease these gods!! Given that most people carry spears, bows and arrows and some the gun, there was tension. Annie bought us the extra day we so vitally needed to finish the job.  There were plenty of other acts of god stories, apparently one of the elders picked up our foot prints from the sand and made a curse on us all, to make our legs swell and ruin our opportunities to work the land. There was rarely a dull moment on this picture!

The times that Karimajong came up to us and gave us some sign of interest, support, were moments that gave us strength. The children who were involved in this film will never forget it, they were brilliant and we hope they will be very happy with the end result. Of course we couldn't have done it without the help of our two young fixer/translators Moses and Thomas, nor our trusty dependable U.N driver James, who despite the fear from tribal words; even a moment when close to being stoned!... was always there for us.

Training continued through this three week trip in Uganda, less, but targeting my core, that will continue alongside swimming once home in 48 hours. I'll be building training over the coming weeks, with a transfer to the chilly sea. Have to say how lovely it was to smell my arms today, finding the stench of chlorine has at last vanished! So, tomorrow home, the next day a swim and so it goes for some time... not long...


...just three or so months to go!"



28th March 2011. Moroto - Uganda.

"The temperature reaches over 100 degrees each day, putting us all under greater stresses than the usual! The Karamojong - local tribe - are warming to us, interested in all we do, all our quirky, weird ways!! They are preparing the land for the expected (hoped and prayed for) rain; due to fall in the wet season, just weeks away. They dig over the land, and sow crop. There has been no decent rain fall for over seven years now, putting them under increased pressure. 
I've managed to continue my training at a skeleton level - one hour of core/resistance work out in my room, when we get back from our filming, each evening.
I felt great strain at the beginning of this shoot, but gradually we are all getting used to our surroundings and little by little forging a strong working relationship."



24th March 2011. Moroto - Uganda.

"We arrived here in the place Moroto. It has the feeling of scenes from the wild west! About 100km's out on our way from Kampala we were met with a military escort, given flak jackets and helmets for protection; in the unlikely event of being caught in cross fire from the gun wielding cattle rustlers, that engage in that act, and drive up to 200km's out, with the local tribes peoples cattle (numbers of cattle are the sign of traditional wealth status).
We've spent much of our time working on preparation for our shoot; filming starts tomorrow. The weather is hot, the landscape - given 7 years of relative draught - dry and dusty. Horse flies the only menace, although scorpion and snake never far away. 
I've been training 1hour each evening after work - resistance, core and skipping to keep something alive in me, I expect this to become much more of an effort as the weeks pass.
All the Ugandan's that we have met so far have been very helpful, friendly people, despite a tough existence.



21st March 2011. Kampala - Uganda.

"Heading North East at dawn tomorrow, bound for Moroto, ten hours by road. The city folk here in Kampala give us funny looks when we mention that place...it's remote. We will be given flak jackets as we pass through areas prone to gun wielding cattle rustlers, in the unlikely case we're caught in cross fire. We are also to be accompanied by a military escort. Once we arrive, work will start, to prepare for a very busy filming schedule. Less contact from me for a while... don't be alarmed!
I visited a good gym here in the city this morning, also picked up some 5kg free weights; here on in it'll be cold showers and land based training in the heat, no water near by!"


20th March 2011. Kampala - Uganda.

"A good breakfast followed a good nights sleep, needed after the 20 or so hours of travel yesterday - Brighton to Kampala.
We soon head out to town by foot, to see something of this city. The bright sun shines on the bustling, polluted, ramshackle houses, that give way to the concrete and high rise, all surrounded by lush green - the rains have arrived in good time this year. Kampalans are friendly, happy to help, welcoming as I walk around in a sleepy daze.
The afternoon is spent as Director Annie Gibbs, sound recordist Nigel Batting and I, head to the waters edge to see great lake Victoria, the largest fresh water lake in Africa, I'm persuaded not to swim in the water...until our return in a few weeks. We settle for a half hour boat trip, sighting Weaver birds with their distinct yellow plumage, hurriedly building their nests (females of this species are apparently most attracted to the males with the best building technique!). King Fisher in great number, hovered over their prey, swooping with a plummeting dive, Cormorant speed fly ever so low over the water...some excellent distraction from thoughts of diving in for a refreshing dip! Although an abundance of water Hyacinth in the water suggests plentiful pollution...perhaps my dip wouldn't be such a great idea after all! Tomorrow a trip out to buy some dumb bells for training once we leave the city - Tuesday."



19th March 2011. Kampala - Uganda.

"As the doors open on the tarmac - that dry, moist, sweet African scent floods in for the first time in a long time, a reminder of times in the past and the adventures to come.

WELCOME TO UGANDA!

An hour to our hotel, along the busy road running North from Entebbe to Kampala passing the worlds second largest fresh-water lake - Victoria (first discovered by European, John Hanning Speke in 1858 who was convinced it was the source of the white Nile - later confirmed by Henry Morton Stanley).
We hurry past occasional lone strings of lights, that flash in time with the music pumped out from speakers - beacons to watering holes in the otherwise dark streets; it's Saturday night and plenty are out drinking into the wee hours in the humid warmth.
We check in... frogs croak in the lush green outside, they are the last sound I hear as I flop into bed... drift into a deep sleep."



17th March 2011. Brighton.

"Been preparing for a filming trip to Uganda over the past few weeks, yesterday was spent getting the camera kit prepped in London - 14 silver flight cases, with the value of around £80,000! It's going to be a tough gig at times, the heat, and inevitable difficulties with filming in Uganda. The work couldn't have come soon enough though! Land based training for the 3 weeks whilst out there, just packed my 4kg medicine ball along with limited clothes, sun screen, anti materials, mosquito killer, a plentiful supply of sweets and dried fruit and...my speedo's just in case I get lucky!!"


15th March 2011. Brighton.   (Pool swim: Dist 12.1 Miles/6Hrs/790 Lengths)

"A great swim, a swim that was to leave be sniffing and coughing for the next couple of days! All that chlorine!!!!  It was fairly straight forward - the 4th and 5th hours dragged a bit, but all in all, for the biggest swim I've done in 6 months, all went well. Another mile stone, another step in the right direction"


10th March 2011. London.

"Excellent training session with Greenwich Swimming Club last night, Con really put me through my paces, I'm feeling ever stronger in the water, it's clear that the core exercise work I'm doing is paying off."


9th March 2011. London.

" Training well. Been preparing for my filming trip to Uganda,  just a week away; all went well at the High Commission getting my visa. Been planning with my director just how much training kit I'll be taking... free weights, medicine ball, I'll travel light with my clothes! Got to keep basic fitness up whilst I'm out there, no water to train in, switch to 'land based'. Also gearing up for a six hour pool swim next Tuesday, not worried about that, good to get it done before I head to Africa." 


6th March 2011. Brighton.

"Day off today. I'm Feeling strong, training is going well. I'm on top of my feeding, both in and out of the pool, getting good rest and feeling happy, stress free. Is it because I've been here before? That last years hard work has paid off? That I know what to expect and how it feels? All that must be making the difference, I'm just four months away now, from the biggest swim of my life, with one interruption - a filming trip to Unganda from the 19th March to 5th April - just land based training whilst I'm out there for the three weeks, then back to the UK, into the sea (re-aclimitize) and upping my training by as much as 50% on what I'm doing right now. But that's just for three months, I can cope with that."


5th March 2011. London/Brighton.

Training at a glance...

Sunday 27th Feb   - 1Hr 20Mins Run - 8 miles.
Monday 28th Feb   - 20 Mins core exercise/12miles cycle.
Tuesday 1st March - 20 Mins core exercise/1Hr club swim.
Wednesday 2nd March - 1Hr club swim.
Thursday 3rd March - 20 Mile cycle.
Friday 4th March     - 4Hr pool swim = 522 lengths, 8.2 miles.
Saturday 5th March - 10 minute sea swim 4 degrees/1Hr gym.
Sunday 6th March  - DAY OFF!


3rd March 2011. London.

" Training going well, happy and strong."


1st March 2011. London.

"Working at the BBC today, did my core exercises in the studio before lunch, much to the amusement of the crew!
Problems with my taste at the moment; most likely caused by Pinus Armandii - Pine nuts from China that I bought from Tesco a few days ago and put into my pasta last night. This particular variety is known to make everything you eat taste like metal... a metal after taste...all my FAVORITE foods now taste like an oily metal...quite fowl. Training going well, to the pool tonight."



28th February 2011. London.  

"Said goodbye to Fernando today; he's been a huge support in my life, with plenty of patience as I trained and trained AND TRAINED all through last year! He was my bedrock throughout the setting up of the art competition, so much of what came before...and after - through good and bad times, highs and lows. He's gone back to Spain for a better life,  I know that I'll not be the only person to miss him, the very lovely man Fernando."


27th February 2011. Brighton.    (Run: Dist 8Miles/1Hr20).

"Eight mile run yesterday with the 'Jog shop' running group, 1Hour 20Mins - last time I did this, I could barely walk for days :-( "


25th February 2011. Brighton.  

"Pool + gym today - sea swim tomorrow."


24th February 2011. Brighton.    (Pool swim: Dist 7.8Miles/4Hours/501 lengths)

"All well back in Brighton - Training yesterday at the King Alfred, in Hove - four hours - 501 lengths, 7.8 Miles -
flew by! I don't think I've known a time where a four hour swim, has been so mentally on side :-)  This must be the result of my time
away in Devon and getting on top of my feeding whilst I swim. Chlorine sensitivity seems to be getting worse, plenty of sneezing!!"



21st February 2011. Halwell, Devon.

"Cold, well and truly vanished, feeling fit and ready to continue training; lesson learnt from the previous years, one must listen to the body, no good flogging a dead horse.
Excellent ten minutes or so spent in the sea at Blackpool Sands, just down the road yesterday. Calm, cold and lovely. Terrific to be spending time with my good friends here, great fun party on Saturday night, Michelle's birthday, Charlotte's fine cuisine, building me up  - Change is as good as a rest."


19th February 2011. Brighton.

"Conflict is never too far to be found, in the mind of those training for a Channel swim. All too easy to cuss oneself for the days missed in the pool, sea, or gym. Last year I missed opportunities to see my best friends, some with brands new babies to show off!! Although I still feel the effects of a cold that started on Thursday, I'm more than happy to get to Devon today, have a few drinks at Michelle's Birthday party and not beat myself up for taking a third day off. Gradually I chip away at the old block, ever closer to that deadline of mid July, with the knowledge that given all my training of the past years, I have a good grounding from which to build. By the end of this Summer, I will have become, a Channel swimmer."



18th February 2011. Brighton.

"Second day of a cold, second day off - heading to Devon for the weekend, the rest will do me good."



17th February 2011. London.    BIG NEWS - Last 7 days at a glance.

Wednesday 9th    -  Brief sea swim AM.  1Hour Pilates/1Hour gym/1Hour
                              pool fast session.
Thursday 10th      -   Day off.
Friday 11th           -  1Hour Gym session.
Saturday 12th       -  Half hour abdominal work out.
Sunday 13th         -  1Hour pool fast session/ 1Hour continuous pool swim.
Monday 14th        -  1Hour under water hockey.
Tuesday 15th        -  5Hour (9.5 mile) continuous pool swim.
Wednesday16th   -  1Hour Pilates/1Hour gym/1Hour pool, fast session.



15th February 2011. Brighton.       BIG NEWS - 5Hrs - 9.5 Miles Approx Pool swim.

"Excellent 5 hour at the King Alfred swimming baths today - started at 10:30 and finished by 15:40 - Always bizarre coming out from the pool to a string of messages left on the phone during a long swim; a reminder of just how much times has passed, as you've slipped along the path of perpetual swimming, length after length after length.


11th February 2011. Brighton.

"Feeling strong, as training gathers momentum.
Delicious steak with home made pepper corn sauce last night...with oven chips. This is just the start of a year for exploring in the kitchen (never cooked steak or chips before!)  Dad's diet over the years had a bearing on what we all ate, growing up in our house, red meat was strictly off the menu. Variety's what I'm after this year, whether throwing on a different t-shirt each morning, exploring a varied diet, or getting out to visit a new place; this includes my training too, trying to keep it mixed where ever possible, to prevent this third year of training from getting too dull. "


10th February 2011. Brighton.

"Excellent day yesterday - 1Hr Pilates, 1Hr Gym, 1Hr swim session - ENERGY LEVELS ARE GOOD!"


8th February 2011. Brighton.

"Seemed to have turned a corner, feeling much more with it today, stronger, fitter. Great session of under water hockey last night; much more in the zone, tackling, using the advantage of playing L forward and SCORING 2 GOALS!! Really getting the feel, making progress and understanding some of the why's and hows.

Two hour pool swim this morning at the King Alfred swimming baths in Hove - felt good in the water, happy to have my strength back; I'll be careful not to over do it, gradually picking up my game over the coming week - I plan to swim 5 hours next Tuesday, the longest swim of at least six months.

Whilst coming out of the cinema a few days ago, a young voice said "Hello Angus!" I looked around reacting too late, missed the opportunity to find out how this young stranger could possibly have known my name; and casually, as if it was an every day experience, for a young random stranger to acknowledge me, I said...'Hi' - I wish I'd turned around and stopped to talk!! My guess is he's from Blatchington school, they've been hugely supportive of my fresh water project!

 7th February 2011. Brighton. 

"Still feeling a run down, less than the last couple of weeks though, and the pain has gone from my head... Hooray!!  So tonight, back to under water hockey, tomorrow a reduced long pool swim, bit by bit I'll increase my training.

Very excited about the job in Uganda confirmed for mid March - will be the last foreign travel work I can take till the swim is done, have to be really committed to the training once I get back." 

5th February 2011. Brighton.

"Moved into a new house on Tuesday. Very happy with my new house mates, my room and being so central to the heart of the city. Still feeling a bit run down, been off training now for close to two weeks; nine mile walk planned for tomorrow, swimming Monday and a long swim planned for Tuesday...see how that goes. I wish I had a better way of getting my body's immune system back on-side - a long rest still doesn't seem to have done the trick, only time will tell; I feel a need to get back into my regular training. Went to swim in the sea today, too stormy." 

28th January 2011. London.

"Another day of rest - enjoying my book!"


27th January 2011. London.

"Laying low, pain in my head - over trained too early?... Listening to my body, time off - all being well out for a run Sunday."


26th January 2011. Brighton.

"Visit to Blatchington Mill School (Hove) this morning, to present the prize to the winning entrant of the Channel Art Competition, of last summer - Robyn Westwell (see her entry on the 'Art Challenge' page).
The school received art materials to the value of £500 - donated by Windsor and Newton, and Reaves, and a framed watercolour of the school. Robyn, for her highly original art work, was bowled over with surprise, as I placed a very heavy cardboard box into her arms, containing the very latest XBox (computer gaming console) - Must be said that I hate the things, but it was a very generous donation from a friend at Microsoft, and to see Robyn's expression, and hear the huge collective gasp from the young audience, made it all worth it! I'm sure Robyn will still find the time to wow everyone she know's, with her creative endeavors.  
Congratulations to the school for encouraging their students, and to the winner...to all the other contributors...AND all those that voted and helped raise the princely sum of £1,000.

Recovering from my swim yesterday, just 4 hours, but enough to have had an effect on my immune system, that often seems to fail me when I push myself all of a sudden - off set by the other high point of the day; the announcement from the Dept Head at Blatchington Mill - the excellent Mr James Russell, that close, to a further £1,000 was raised last year through, their sponsored swim and 'wearing blue day'  HOW BRILLIANT! 



25th January 2011. Brighton.  -  4 Hours/ 500 lengths - 7.8 Miles - Pool swim.



24th January 2011. Brighton.

"Been resting and regaining my energy the last couple of days, some visits to the gym. Missing a chunk of my life - getting round it by keeping busy.  Big swim tomorrow; hope for a better distance over the four hours."


22nd January 2011. London.

"Job done! An excellent, rather cold day at Tooting Bec Lido, started with enrollment at 08:30, then breakfast at my cousin Lucy's, just across the heath. Lovely to catch up with James and Lucy, also to have the company of second cousins Philip and Thomas on the way back, stopping on the way to admire the scent of a Sarcococca srub in some ones front yard AND the most beautiful song coming from a very tame Robin sitting, at eye level, completely unfazed by its audience.

The event was very well organised from start to finish, all the races went to time. For those that don't know, Tooting Bec Lido is the largest of it's kind in the UK and has to be the friendliest too, with a wonderful sense of community spirit.

The endurance event started at 14:30 - two waves - twenty swimmers a-piece, I was to start in the first wave. We set off in groups of four, 1-4, 5-8, 9-12... 20 seconds apart - I was in 15th place. All that was on my mind for the entire swim was to get ahead of the next swimmer in my path, the next and the next; not a bad unconscious mental strategy, for keeping thoughts of the cold out of mind. I felt strong, driven, every muscle working to win, power surging through my body, with the water to cool and lubricate my path. The Thames swim from yesterday undoubtedly helped with the cold, I just loved to be competing, the cold adding to the experience. I finished in third place, happy with that :-)

Many thanks to all who came to support: Philip, Thomas, my brother-in-law Dan, with Oliver my nephew, Mum and Dad, who braved the cold and of course all those who chose not to enter the endurance event!!!...from Brighton Swimming Club, BUT gave super support from the pools edge!! Congratulations to Lindy, who picked up at least one medal."


 

21st January 2011. London.

"Spent last night with my good friends Mitch and Hannah in Sunbury on Thames. Drove to the local sports shop this morning, picked up a couple of swim caps, borrowed Mitch's swim shorts, an old pair of Speedo goggles and took the plunge into the River Thames - just outside their house! I was determined to spend ten minutes in the water, strong current to swim against. I struggle to keep my head down at this temperature (2 degrees approx). I came out unable to
feel much in my legs, couldn't feel the pressure/sensation of the towel as I dried them. De-frosted slowly, over about fifteen minutes, brief attack of shivering; beyond that I was still feeling a little cold a few hours later. 

Tomorrow the UK Cold Water Swimming Championships - I'm not expecting any medals, but hope to finish the 400 meter endurance event, pretty nervous, very excited!!


  
19th January 2011. Brighton.   10minutes/4.9 degrees - Sea swim.

07:00 "Out of bed, put on a few layers; cold outside. Scrape the ice off my bike saddle, down to the beach.  Nine present at the club, none of us particularly enthusiastic. Down across the frozen, fused shingle, drop the towel and straight in, across the grey, flat calm,  parallel to the mirror ball; perched a-top the center of the Palace Pier (100meters out, approx). It takes a while at four degrees to acclimatize, especially the head.  Too quick to get the head down to crawl...there is significant pain. Easier to swim head-up-crawl, cut with a few breast strokes to regulate the breathing (the initial shock, when entering can take your breath away). By the time I'm back at the beach, my feet feel fat with cold, fit to shatter as I walk across the beach, each pebble a shard of broken glass. Shower too hot...throws one into convulsive shivering motions...the shower was too hot!"



18th January 2011. Brighton.    4 Hours/494 lengths/7.7 Miles - Pool swim.

08:00  "Fun at underwater hockey (Octapush) last night, scored another goal :-) Getting a better grasp of when to get down to the pool floor, with enough reserve of breath to be of some use to my team.

Off this morning for a four hour, continuous swim at the King Alfred swimming pool, my longest swim for four months." 

19:00  "Managed the swim, distance in the same time, down from last year, and it didn't feel easy. The left arm and shoulder playing up a bit, tiring more easily than the left. It is clear even to the untrained eye, that the left side lacks the muscle integrity of the right - a result of the accident last summer. That said, great to get back into the pool and do some distance again, it's been months and I coped!"



17th January 2011. Brighton.

"Please click on the link bellow, sign the petition, and help keep our sea a safer place for all!" 

http://www.petitiononline.com/ukcghq/petition.html



16th January 2011. Brighton.

" Leg better by the day. First proper sea swim today, felt ok; the sea pretty rough, one always has to assess the risk, of not getting out again...we got out again!  I continue to work towards acclimatisation for the event at Tooting Bec Lido, next Saturday."


15th January 2011. Brighton.

" Hobbled down to the sea this morning to swim with the gang, too rough for me with the knee injury from yesterday afternoon. This is beginning to REALLY GET ME DOWN!!! Too much injury. How can I train for the cold water event in under a week if I can't get into the sea?! Head to the hospital, assessed and X-Rayed. Given the all clear, must rest it for a few days."


14th January 2011. London.

"Trying to work up more time and distance in cold water, swam in a cold pool today, managed just over 25 meters; after three bouts of getting in and out, in quick succession! I'm preparing for the Tooting Bec Lido 'Endurance Challenge' at the cold water championships - 400meters in what ever temperature we find on the 22nd of this month, under a week away.
This afternoon slipped on new carpeted stairs and twisted my knee, some considerable discomfort at the time, gave way to an uncomfortable stiffness, see how it is in the morning."


13th January 2011. Brighton.

07:00  -  " Up early, heading for a sea swim!"

08:00  -  " Got wet, too rough for swimming today, with the current temperature at approximately 5 degrees.  We all lay down in the water, washed by the cold frothy waves, that tumbled around and turned us about. Lovely to be back with the early Brighton swimming club swimmers, they're a great bunch and I hadn't realised just how much I'd missed them! "


12th January 2011. Brighton.

"Too scared to swim in the sea today. The alarm went, I switched it off, rolled over and went back to sleep; classic avoidance technique! I'll be in the sea by Saturday. Off to the pool for a double session tonight - OTS and Brighton SC."



11th January 2011. Brighton.    3Hours/360 lengths/5.5miles - pool swim. 
.

!! Here we go again !!

"Back to the King Alfred swimming baths today for a longer swim that last week's 2Hour; gradually working the mileage back up - Today three hours (longest swim for four months) absolutely flew, I didn't even look at the clock till two and a half hours had slipped by. I felt relaxed with little Rotator/Deltoid strain. A lovely pizza afterwards with friends Tony (Brighton swimming club member) and Dena (Massage guru) hit the mark. Evening spent looking for a new place to live, saw two nice places, now await news as to whether the occupants would like me to share with them. Excellent to have the support of King Alfred for another year, many thanks to all concerned!"



10th January 2011. Brighton.

"As predicted plenty of aches and pains when I awoke this morning, lasting the day - mid spine, legs, left ankle - all ached like mad, I could barely walk!

Met with a sports physio at lunch time, assessed my strengths and weakness. Given some guidance on core strengthening, and some massage to encourage my Psoas muscle to wake up!

PM - headed off to play a game I've never seen let alone played, invited by my swimming friend Eileen, we drove an hour or so to a pool
to meet the team, changed, patiently shown the kit and how to handle it. I've never before really used a snorkel and mask, so diving and blowing out (to clear the water from the pipe), was new to me, it didn't take long to get comfortable. Moving the puck along the pool floor didn't prove to much of a challenge either! Apparently underwater hockey is played internationally but not to Olympic level. It was great fun, although has to be said I spent more time watching from the surface, trying to keep my fins out of the players way than getting down to the bottom to challenge! However I did score a goal and that made me happy - so, underwater hockey, looks to be a regular Monday night fixture from now on :-) "



9th January 2011. Brighton.   - BIG NEWS -  1st Run - 8 miles - 1Hr25mins approx.

"Just back from a run... I've not run any distance other than a mile here or there over the past ten years, mainly thanks to an old ankle injury, it broke the confidence of a man who'd never really attempted to run anywhere. So this mornings eight miles was quite an achievement! I'm still feeling the warm glow an hour or so later. All I had to do was go into my local running shop  - 'The Jog Shop' - a couple of days ago, pick up a flyer and meet the runners (twenty or so) this morning, just above the Marina and head off; they're a nice bunch too. What a brilliant way to start a Sunday...I'm sure some aches will follow!"


8th January 2011. Brighton.


"Happy new year to all who visit this site...and beyond!

Training started up in the Lakes last week with four decent mountain walks with friends, weather pretty cold, enough to freeze the tarns high up in the fells, and the lakes below, we had fun walking on ice. I also had the first of the longer swims for some months at the Langdale Estate just down the road, they were kind enough to let me use their facility by way of supporting this project; I swam for two hours...three hours next week when I make the return to the hugely supportive local swimming baths The King Alfred in Hove; I'll be swimming there every Tuesday till summer.

The date slot that I've been given this year from my swim runs from 11 - 17th July, of course this is dependent on weather! So with my training now begun what does the future hold?

Programme for the month ahead:

                             AM                                  PM

Monday             Short sea swim             Circuit Training
Tuesday            Long pool swim
Wednesday                                             Pool club session (O.T.S Brighton).
Thursday           Day off
Friday               1hr gym + sea swim
Saturday           Sea swim                         Pool/gym
Sunday             Sea swim + cross country run


I will be getting a core strength based exercise programme sorted with Sports Physio Kim Wormly early next week, that will consist of about three/four 30min sessions per week. Added to which I will be gradually easing myself back into the sea, which at present, needless to say is cold!!

My priority this year is to have more fun with this project, to see that I don't bury my head in the water, becoming so immursed that I can do little, sleep little and think little else! There has to be life beyond the swim. I'm on the look out for work and a new place to live at the moment, that will keep me pretty busy.


Went to the sea here at Brighton this morning, Brighton Swimming Club meet every Saturday; having been away for some months I've missed the sea and my swimming friends. We didn't go in, the waves too boisterous, that combined with the cold. About half an hour later news spread over town of police, ambulance and helicopter busy on the beach - down near our club. A man with his family whilst walking lost their dog into the icy water, the husband went in to rescue - both died. My thoughts are with that family and all those who have lost their beloved to the ocean."




29th December 2010. Greenwich, London.    -   BIG NEWS  -

" Heading to Brighton tonight, off the the Lake District tomorrow for the new year! Looking forward to getting trained up again - 2011 I am convinced WILL BE the year for my swim - to finish what I began some three years back. I head to the Lakes to kick start my training with walks on 'the tops' of the mountains and swims in the evening; can't wait for the fresh clean air, great company AND to start re-tuning my winter-sleeping-body!!

This year over £17,000 has been raised through the kindness of supporters to this site; that was enough money to bring fresh water to well over five thousand people, two thousand of which are already enjoying their fresh water pump, installed at St. Louis Primary School Lesotho - 611 Children, 15 Teachers, with 1850 adults and 3,000 children in the wider community, all enjoying fresh water THANKS TO YOU!! The closest place for water up untill now was a dam... also used by the animals...putting all those using it at risk.

In 2011 I hope that with your help, and all those that get to hear about this site, we can raise the extra £5,000 to buy a third well, thus giving fresh water to a potental 9,000 villagers.  I will get training again, giving this project everything I've got, I hope everyone reading this will feel they can keep up the support, get involved and spread the word.

Still plenty to be done!"
 



25th December 2010. Greenwich, London.

"Happy Christmas everybody! No swim today...the ice was too think to break!!!"


24th December 2010. Greenwich, London.

" Just back from a one hour swim in Greenwich swimming baths, 133 lengths - just shy of two miles... that's with the cast finally off my wrist. Physio is on going to get the mobility back into the effected muscles. It's lovely to be swimming free again. I'm admittedly a little apprehensive about the coming year ahead, starting training again, although with the work of this year, despite the three/four month break, I'm sure it'll not take me too long to re-adjust.
Christmas day tomorrow! Looking forward to time with my family, perhaps even breaking the ice on the pool for a quick Christmassy dip!!!!"


3rd December 2010. Tonbridge, Kent.

" Surrounded by snow, the most magnificent landscape all around, managing to keep warm in Brook Cottage (near Tonbridge); more wood to cut for the fire today. Still no swimming at the moment, I will begin to get back to the pool within the next week.
I'm glad to be back from Vietnam, although a successful trip, it was very hard work, so being here to relax with friends is just the right approach to Christmas. Lost about half a stone out there, also possible re-break of my left Scaphoid; slipped in the muddy mountains north of Vietnam - either that or it never healed. Awaiting answers from an MRI Scan - The wrist is back in plaster!
Just received a promotional piece for, young documentary film maker - Pietro Passarelli, this will launch his film in the Summer of 2010, pretty excited about that!"



16th November 2010. Sapa, North Vietnam.

" Just come down the mountain after six days lodging with a hill tribe - the Black H' Mong. Their community is nestled amongst the mountains, north of Sapa in the place Giang Tra. They live very simply, we sleep with the Grand Parents of a large family, they have ten children!
Open fire keeps the airy, wooden house, warmer than it would otherwise be at this time of year. There is no chimney through which the smoke can escape... many of the H'Mong have hacking coughs.
H'Mong wear mostly black, some simple jewelry and the odd splash of coloured material, such as a tartan hat, or bright red scarf.
Paddy fields all about, buffalo, pigs, hens, ducks and geese...plenty of stray dogs all run free in the mist that descended over the mountains this morning, hanging over us, dense and wet.
We eat well each day, up when the Grandmother rises, at 04:00, the single light in the house is switched on and it doesn't take long for the embers of the night before to re-kindle the fire, throwing us all into a thick smokey fog!  
I found a lovely place to wash - although suspect leaches - under the weight of a waterfall, with a pool below. Pretty cold - good to be keeping at least part of my Channel training alive!!!
We started filming three days ago, progress has been slow, thanks to poor translation, major problems with communication. However every where I look there is beauty, wonderfully photogenic location, I'm sure we'll bring back the ingredients of a strong film.
Now some supper, then back up through the mist, to our beds in the mountain."



11th November 2010. Sapa, North Vietnam.

"I couldn't be much further from the sea if I tried. Although my pilot Ray made a guest appearance in dream last night!
Arrived here in Sapa, Northern Vietnam very early yesterday morning following what can only be described as the worst nights sleep of my life...a combination of LOUD noise, a VERY short bed and a driver who was incapable of applying the breaks with the sightest modicum of care, which in ones shallow sleep, leads to wild-train-dreams and being, at times, scared sh*****s!
Beautiful, tree covered mountains all around, head higher today, commence filming in a day or so.
Loosing fitness, and weight; plan to start a simple core exercise programme from tomorrow."



7th November 2010. Brighton.

"Lovely swim around the Palace Pier on Saturday, the took a few minutes to adjust to the 11 degrees, but made it - body red, energized!
Head to Vietnam tomorrow morning for three weeks filming, very little training possible there, although will try to find the time for some core stability training. It'll be thrilling to be up in the mountains North of Hanoi!"



3rd November 2010. Brighton.   -  BIG NEWS -

"The first of our fresh water pumps was installed last week at St. Louis Primary School Lesotho - 611 Children, 15 Teachers, with 1850 adults and 3,000 children in the wider community.  70 households are within 200 meters of the school. The closest place for water up till now was a dam... also used by the animals.

Huge thanks to all of you who've got involved with this project to date. With another year still to go, please help to spread the word, we can raise more!"



2nd November 2010, Brighton

"Back in the UK for just one week, then off to Vietnam for three weeks filming work. Heard today that both DC Leisure (owners of Prince Regent Brighton/Tooting Bec Lido amongst others) and Brighton Council, owners of The King Alfred Swimming Baths, will both be backing me - brilliant news, as free access to their facilities, takes some financial pressure off the coming, employment reduced year of 2011."


24th October 2010. Leh, Ladakh - Northern India.

"To all who come here, please accept my apology for the absence of words of late. I'm writing from Leh, high up in Ladakh, set in a plateau within the Zanskar mountain range. I flew in at over 3,000 meters. The region was effected by HUGE flash flooding just three months ago. This seems to have been largely ignored by the worlds media, only given mention in countries where foreign nationals were lost. The result of this mass land movement was around 200 lost lives and at least 300 displaced families. Winter ever closer, just a month before temperatures plummet to -40. Help is needed.

I have been getting used to the altitude... the brain slows, not so much strength. Very happy here, people very friendly. Excellent food, and extraordinary landscapes all around!

Managed a few swims in the Arabian Sea, before I headed North - I return to the UK without my wrist cast! Removed in a hospital in Goa - a weeks wait for the one surgeon to visit with the right circular saw to take it off!  The wrist appears to be healed, although still pain. They say that there has been good union of the two halves of Scaphoid, but over a period of months, with poor blood supply that the body can reject the bone. I hope that it is all over now, and that after my work trip to Vietnam over November, I will resume my training...all seems so far away."



4th October 2010. Delhi, India.

"Greetings from Delhi! All well at the Commonwealth Games (opening last night, amongst the first to travel on the newly opened branch of the metro, all the walk ways adorned with garlands of Marigold) Everyone very friendly all about, pretty well organized... given the processes that one has to go through to get most things done in India, this involves jumping through plenty of hoops...some things never change.
Play stopped on the tennis courts last night, as the players could stand the moths and other flying insects no longer...moths in the mouth stopped play.
Very little swimming going on, despite having a rather lovely swimming pool at the hotel, climate and dust induced bad-hacking-cough, otherwise well and looking forward to a break down South in a few days. Day time temp 35/ 90 percent humidity; as someone pointed out %100's cloud!"




28th September 2010. Brighton.

" Off to India tomorrow, filming trip for the BBC - tennis at the Commonwealth games, then holiday. Very little swimming at the moment; been enjoying time away from the pool, gym...training.
Members of our swim club visited Durdle Door last weekend. I was reminded of trips there as a teenager, very happy memories. The sun shone and we all enjoyed pre and post lunch sea swims, which included swimming under the arch; it's curious eddies making us want to swim beneath it over and over. Later unable to get out, like a child I lay flat, motionless on the surface of the water, drawn into the beach and out...into the beach and out...
A big thanks to Mike for a terrific trip, I hope for more of them next year. Note to self - must try to make training next year more fun, more trips away, more races, to be more sociable. Brave Fernando swam in the sea too, he's been suffering a cold ever since!

India here I come!!"



20th September 2010. Brighton.   -  BIG NEWS   -

13:00  " It's all over for me for this year. I've just put the phone down to my pilot Ray, who believes that the air temperature over the next 48hours will be too cold to swim. I have to take his word for it - he has well over 20 years experience and a reputation for being a cut above the rest, a decent man who cares for both the swimmer, and for his clean track record of success.
I am sorry for all those who have been following my progress, every twist and turn over the past months.  I hope that you can cast your eye on this site from time to time, and come back to see it all happen in nine months or so - don't you worry it'll fly by!
I feel numb with the pain of it all, but resigned to the though of returning to this place in under one year from now to succeed, to finish what I started three years ago, almost to the day.  I will swim the across the English Channel...just not today...this week, or the next, even in a month or two...but next year, next Summer, when I will come back with even greater strength and resolve
This is the low, the low I prayed would never come. I will take two months away from training, catch up with friends...I've not seen for years, and head to India for work on the Commonwealth Games in one week, for some much needed money to the bank and a brief break. Training will recommence in early January.

I would like to thank everyone who has ever given me support; my family, friends and business - the strength to keep going, you all know who you are, without your help I would never have made it this far."


09:00  "Today is the day the decision will be made, will I swim the Channel this year? I'm expecting a call from my pilot Ray around lunchtime. I am feeling more relaxed today than I have in months, whatever the decision, I'll go with it."



19th September 2010. Brighton.

"Woke up this morning, decided to make a trip to Beachy Head; saw the film quadrophenia last night at the Duke of Yorks cinema, great film...came out wanting to break a few windows! Excellent to see Mark Wingett too, having worked with him, all those years on 'The Bill'. 
Fernando and I walked for miles along the coast, picnicking along the way, even managed a short swim in warm waters, the tide running slack, a beautiful day, most relaxing. The lesson learnt? Being free of the bonds of training opens another world of opportunity."


18th September 2010. Brighton.

"Gorgeous swim around the Palace Pier this morning; the sea fat calm, not a breath of wind. The sea temperature at 12:00 midday - 14/15 degrees, the temperature this morning mid Channel - 13 degrees. I would have hoped at this time of the year for the mid Channel temperature to be around 15 degrees. To swim for seven hours from sea temp 14 into 13 will be tough for anyone.
I'm weighing up the situation, still hope for the weather to improve over the next couple of days, BUT fully aware that this journey might well not end, at the start of this next and final week of my season.
I am preparing for another year, another year in which I can refine my training and prepare for an even better swim in the Summer of 2011."



17th September 2010. Brighton.

"There is no opportunity to swim this week. Positively the last chance will be the early part of next week, after which I head to India on a filming trip.
The tides are bigger next week, and the temperature this week, in particular tonight, has to be watched, when it will drop to around 5 degrees. This significant fall, will result in a drop in sea temperature too; swimming in cold air will make for a more challenging swim, added to which my new wrist cast doesn't fit so well, it's looser and has sharper edges to it.
Having said all this the forecast for next week is looking quite positive, air temp back up, both day and night, wind dropping from Monday.
I've decided that if the sea temperature drops bellow 14 degrees mid Channel, then for me, for this year, my chance to swim the English Channel is over. I will drop back my training to give my body rest, but pick training back up in the new year for another attempt in the Summer of 2011. I now await the call from my pilot, as to whether there is an opportunity to go next week.
The experience of waiting for the chance, the opportunity to go, is unlike so many sports in which one has a specific date to train, to aim for a particular event. This is an infuriating element, alas, thanks to the poor Summer we've had, all too many swimmers have had to suffer this agony. It will, should it come to it, only set to harden our resolve, build to ultimate success next year. " 
 


16th September 2010. Brighton.

" Loosing my grip, black hole beneath me... it's a long way down. "



!Total raised to date - £16,493.79!

Once again huge thanks to all who've been supporting this project. I understand, that this is just as much a roller coaster of a ride for you, as is it is for me. The highs and lows, the reserve of Channel swimming, are at times immense! To keep myself on standby for weeks at a time is really very tough. So to see this level of support from you, knowing that money has now been raised to give fresh water to over 4,000 people, lifts my spirits no end.

Thank you all.



14th September 2010. Brighton.

" A slim slither of a chance to swim this week; still eating pasta, still waiting for favorable weather, with one swimmer ahead of me in line."



13th September 2010. London.

" A visit to Lewisham hospital today; the consultant gives me the good news...at a price. The Scaphoid bone in my left hand IS healing!!! Plenty of medics made it clear from the outset, that this was such a troublesome bone, might well not heal, poor blood supply, in many cases the bone dies. Not in this case, good level of fitness and the swimming most probably the root to rapid healing; no need for an opperation. The bad news? I've been fitted with a new cast...the new cast doesn't fit so well, on for the next month, some adjustment needed if I am to swim with it.
I spoke with pilot Ray yesterday, who sounded so glum about the weather for this week, that I've pretty much written off my chances of swimming this year. I went to the pub this evening, and for the first time in almost a year, drowned my sorrows...doesn't take much!"



11th September 2010. Brighton.

"Swim from Hove Lagoon, down to the Palace Pier this morning at 07:00; racing down on the biggest tide of the year, 6.4 meters approx'. Fast, a lovely early morning swim with Tom, Leo and Rob, friends from Brighton Swimming Club. Of course these 'spring' tides have been too big to swim the Channel; physically too much water on the move at one time. The next chance I will have is next week, on the 'Neap' tides, weather dependent. After next week, we're back to spring tides, after which I head to India, for my first proper work in months. Please, every one out there think positive thoughts for the break that I need...just 24 hours where the wind doesn't blow!! I AM READY TO GO."



9th September 2010. Brighton.

"Success in the sea today, with my biggest swim for over a week! Four hours swimming between the piers. Spring tides are strong; slow there, fast back - 50minutes one way... fifteen back!!  Felt good in the water and now await the opportunity to swim the swim."



8th September 2010. Brighton.

"Sorry to all who read here, for my absence of words of late. I have been concentrating my energy on recovering from the infection that laid to waste my first and only opportunity to swim this year, last week. I am now, it would appear, fully recovered; although still await the results of a urine test, due this Friday.
No one is swimming this week, we have a run of spring tides - around 7 meters, 7meters too much water on the move for anyone to take on a Channel swim!  Next week will be my final chance to swim this year, we now must wait for a window of 24hours in which the wind is not churning the sea, if we get that, I go.

Two hours in the sea today - four hour sea training swim for me tomorrow."



3rd September 2010. Brighton.

" I'll not be writing for a few days; needless to say, I will recover from this infection, get back into the water...train and swim the swim. To swim the Channel this year, is still very much in my sights."



2nd September 2010. Brighton.    -  BIG NEWS  -

19:15 -   " I picked up an infection last weekend, whilst training here in Brighton; ones fighting fit for over a year, and then struck down in the very week of opportunity...you can guess how I'm feeling - devastated.

I thought this morning, that the whole energy involved with preparation today, for tomorrow, would be enough to kick the infection into touch. But I stood in the kitchen at lunch time, thinking "I'm not there, I'm not feeling that buzz" - that thrilling feeling, that one would associate with the very eye of my adventure, hurtling towards me!" I went to bed, to get my night sleep, at three o'clock, woke up for yet another call of nature and felt cold...in my summer-warmed-room, temperature was back up.
With a temperature and feeling stripped of energy, thanks to the antibiotic, it would have been foolish to waste everybody's time; dash all our hopes against the rocks. I took the decision to cancel tomorrows swim, and my crew have all stood down.

The swim is not for tomorrow, that slot is missed. It's not over though, I will now concentrate on getting this bladder infection over with, finish the antibiotics, and continue to prepare myself to swim...perhaps in a week...it's dependent on weather..."



09:00 -   "At last the moment's almost here... my temperature's back to normal, feeling slightly wobbly, effect of the antibiotic perhaps, as I tuck into my pasta breakfast. I'll be sleeping this afternoon, up at around midnight, off to Dover at 02:00, meet my pilot and assembled crew including my very great friend Dan Sullivan who will be blogging for you; keeping you updated throughout the night and across the day. I should be starting around 04:00Hrs. I'm excited and am sure that the huge surge of adrenalin, will see me right as I head off into the night sea.
Of course I have worries as to how my body will perform, given the handicap of my broken wrist, the recent infection - but with the tide and weather in my favor, it's high time I put this baby to rest, after all I've a meeting with my sister Flora in Kent next week... to meet her and Dan's baby girl, Rose, born last night!"





1st September 2010. Brighton.

"Spoke with my Pilot Ray, this morning, we're currently looking at a slot that would have me start my swim at about 05:00, this Friday morning - the tides look good, weather forecast stable.
The question? Is three days enough for the antibiotics/immune system...for me, to be ready? Given that only a few days have passed since I caught the infection in the sea here in Brighton?"


31st August 2010. Brighton.

13:00 - Just back from the Dr, I've an infection, being treated with antibiotic over the next five days. Hope to get a slight delay from my Pilot Ray, get this infection over with, then get the swim done - end of the week, early next..."

08:00 - "The only way I will do this... is to do it!

My energy's coming back, food intake up, been well looked after by Fernando, feeding me with lovely Spanish soups the past couple of days. Now to get the carb's back in, and some positive mental thinking, a change of attitude; start enjoying the last few days before take off!!!"




30th August 2010. Brighton.

"Better nights sleep through the night. Feeling headachy, sweaty, with temperature still up this morning. Not sure of best course of action other than to stay in bed, eat plenty and let this fever pass - any ideas VERY welcome, I need to pick myself up from this quickly!
Worried about general levels of fitness depleting, having had two weeks with significantly reduced training already, in anticipation of swimming last week. It's all part of the wait, everything that entails, playing havoc on ones self belief - a very real fear of the unknown. I have to get into the water, rise to the challenge, I will do that...just a question of when. The forecast for the week ahead is looking more promising, could be towards the end of this week, or early next."



29th August 2010. Brighton.

"Up five times in the night to pee, body rejecting something. Rest today, as feeling sensitive/with temperature."


28th August 2010. Brighton.

" Back in the sea this morning for a five mile swim; thought I might have passed through some sewerage, could smell it on the water near Brighton Marina. Been feeling weak, with temperature ever since. Heading to bed now, hope to be well in the morning, although no doubt, another rest day on the cards. No sign of my swim being for at least a few days, with other swimmers now waiting before me."


27th August 2010. Brighton.

"Ok, so it wasn't to happen this week, that's the nature of Channel swimming, nothing's predictable. I'll re-start my training today with a swim between the piers, a two hour sea swim tomorrow, back to the four hour pool swims each Tuesday, and an average of two hours training on the other days... I've just to get on with it, pick myself up, dust myself down and continue to prepare for the swim of my life. My Channel swim is unlikely to be next week, although never say never! More likely to be in the week commencing 6th September. Please keep an eye on the home page each day for the very latest, and thank you all who come here, for your continued support, it means a great deal, it's lovely to have such constructive messages posted too!"



00:45 - 26th August 2010. Brighton.

" I'm laying in bed, my head spinning with negative thought and worry. Never been one to be bothered by rain, or wind, until that is...this week. Everywhere I look the wind drives the clouds, the rain, the sea; I'm angry with nature, that natures blowing my dream away.
Flat mate gave me my months notice just last week; two foreign trips - just a month away - takes me to Christmas, and worries, that there's no time to get an new house in order...As I wait for the wind to blow away I'm losing fitness and confidence in all that I'm doing... Finances low, and with this broken wrist, SO much is called into question, how can I work? Will the wrist heal? Can I still swim that distance now? Can I move the contents of my life, in heavy boxes to the new place, wherever that might be?!
I worry that no swim this week, means no swim the next...if it's not possible in two weeks...then it's all over?
I've had huge support over the past months: my local butchers been sorting me out with organic chicken and beef each week... the local pool letting me train in my own lane every week, for nothing. Neils Yard Brighton giving me access to wonderful lotions and potions... all of which, kind and thoughtful support (not to mention that of, my patient and dear neglected family and friends) has enabled me to keep going, to keep fit, train with less financial pressures, at a time work was cut in order to keep up the training... can that go on for another year? If the swim can't go ahead in 2010, is it all over?

Just 24hours, that's all we need, then I can divert my energies to change, move on to pastures greener; "as good as a rest" they say - I've little fear of change, just need this chapter to close, before I open the next."



25th August 2010. Brighton.

!Total raised to date - £14,796.45!

Congratulations to every one, what a result!  From a forecourt sale, a sponsored back waxing of the Manager of my local Morrisons supermarket, and sponsored massages - to one day only shops, music gigs and donations small and large, we've made it to the target of £14,000!!! I am absolutely thrilled, we've enough money now to supply fresh water to over 4,000 people in Lesotho, what a wonderful gift that is :-) 
At the rate we're going it's just possible that enough money will be raised to buy a third roundabout well, if you can think of anyone who would like to support Lawrence's Roundabout Well Appeal, please link them to our site!

www.lawrencesroundaboutwellappeal.org/

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!




24th August 2010. Brighton.

"Hit a low yesterday; worries about finances- unable to work with the broken wrist. A big reduction in training, leading to a considerable reduction in endorphin production - the stimulating/happy making chemical produced by the body as a by product of exercise combined with the not knowing about a time/date for my swim, the prospect of a delay into Summer 2011, ever looming; all stacked up against me, bringing a real slump...
Today however...a forecast that gives us something to be a little happier about! Friday/Saturday's weather looking far more promising than any weather we've seen for a few weeks, still a little wind about, but much reduced, let's hope they've got it right!"



23rd August 2010. Brighton.

"The forecast for the week ahead is very poor, with winds over over 'Force 4' (10 miles/Hr +) - un-swimmable. If there was a day for swimming the Channel this week, Wednesday looks the most possible, but not great.
IF it comes to it and I don't get a clear window this week, then it is unlikely that I will swim next week, BUT could, weather dependent, swim the following week, ie the week of the 6th September. Till then everyone is on tenter hooks...collective, group hope for a change in the weather please."


22nd August 2010. Brighton.

" All good things come to those who wait!"


21st August 2010. Brighton.

"The forecast for next week is dreadful, I can only hope they've got it wrong!"


20th August 2010. London.

"It's a full moon this Monday, giving us 'Spring Tides' The moon's gravitational pull at full and new moon, give us a greater movement of tidal water, for the week in each cycle, (new/full) compared to the other two weeks when we have 'Neap Tides'. Up till a few years back it was very rare for anyone to swim on a spring tide...We now wait for a window of calmer weather, as the spring tide magnifies the effects of the wind on the water - chop, swell...high seas! The earlier part of next week is not looking good."


19th August 2010. Brighton.

!! £13,047.73 Raised so far !!

" The total just keeps rising, how fantastic! Thank you to all who've been involved with this project in whatever way, you've been a part of the process to help to make change, I think you'll agree it's satisfying :-)

Now the waiting game...the weather's changeable at the moment, the long range forecast changes all the time and doesn't look good for the week ahead, no one has been able to attempt the Channel this week...will it be any better next? I thought it was looking good mid week, now it's not looking good. Keeping the training ticking over,  hoping for a rest bite in this frustrating pattern, giving me the 24/48 Hours period I need to get across!"



18th August 2010. Brighton.

"Weather forecast looking better for next Wednesday, with reduced wind and sunshine...how lovely it would be to swim from night into day, feeling the sun on my back."

!! £11,309.53  Raised so far !!



17th August 2010. Brighton.

"Circuit training last night; mainly core work as the cast prevents any upper body work out, followed by a lovely night sea swim around the palace pier, causing a multitude of stimulated algae, to glow green as my arms (particularly the blue club) and legs made contact; a beautiful display that I am looking forward to seeing during my big swim. It looks as though my Channel swim - if long range weather forecasts can be trusted - might well take place in the middle of next week, with the likelihood, of swimming night into day, pretty strong."


16th August 2010. Brighton.

"Frightened of success... frightened of failure..."


15th August 2010. Brighton.

"Just back from a trip away with Fernando, staying with Kevin Rock-West; we only met on a train ride, seven years ago, stayed in touch and he's been one of my most loyal fund raisers ever since! He along with friends raised just over £800 on Saturday from a lunch party, may thanks to them all, it was splendid fun, and to Kevin too, a ridiculously brilliant host with a most lovely home.
Training continues to wind down, my weight continues to rise, feeling sluggish and blobish, can't wait to get going...just a week to go.
A meeting tonight with my crew including Dan Sullivan, who will be blogging live on the day of the swim - words and pictures, well worth logging onto the site for this!"


13th August 2010. Brighton.

"Heading off to the Isle of Whight today for a weekend break, staying with Kevin Rock-West; we met on a train to the West country some seven years ago, not met face to face since! Kevin is a huge supporter of my somewhat unorthodox methods of fund raising, with this weekend no exception, as Kevin has invited forty guests to a lunch party on Saturday to help raise more funds... the theme - coulorful...Hawaiian!! I will of course continue to swim over the weekend, I've been getting slightly concerned about the cast, is the material thinning on the inside?! "



11th August 2010. Brighton.

"That three hour yesterday really picked me up, increased energy levels, better confidence, a greater sense of well being. I met Tony Brannick after the swim who invited me for a delicious croissant at the local bakery, great company and a yummy pre-lunch snack :-)
There most certainly is a correlation between the endorphin rich lifestyle/exercise/happiness, that I experience when training, to the sense of loss, as I wind down training with just over a week to go. I need to remember this, not allow myself to get down/negative/self
doubting.
Fiona Southwell kindly picked me up this morning, took me to the local cash and carry in the car, to stock up on the last few things on my list for the big day: bottles of fresh water - to mix with my feed, big plastic boxes to pack my kit in... One hour sea swim this evening; slow to the West Pier, raced back on the incoming tide on my return! Then straight to the Prince Regent to join the swimming club O.T.S for an hour, fitting in as best I could, given the cast on my arm. I'm putting on weight!"



10th August 2010. Brighton.

" Woke this morning feeling very negative again, I can only think to put it down to reduced exercise, and the reduction in endorphins that I've grown so accustomed to, grey and wet outside. Headed to the King Alfred Leisure Center, where I have been given my very own training lane these past months, the poolside staff are super and so supportive of my swimming; they quite surprised to see the plaster, even more so to see me swim for three hours! So a shorter pool swim than usual today, as I taper my training in the final approach, feeling much better, more confident following this swim. Now to relax, eat and watch films!"



9th August 2010. London.

"On the one hand the campaign continues - Busy morning - met my great friend Ashley Bingham, lovely to catch up with him, hear about his and Debbie's new arrival Lea, born just a week ago; Ashley (A&M Photography) met me in Hyde Park and took pictures of me with the cast, for publicity, should there be any interest in my story. Extensive massage from Ryan Torrence, sports massage therapist, also giving his time and skill, by way of support, for me and this project...huge thanks to both of them and everyone else who has connected with it, giving their time and helping to get me and the fundraising this far! On the other hand, negative thought begins to creep in, worries about whether I'm being stupid to believe that I can still achieve success with this already tough swim, with the broken wrist...not helped by the veiled threat from the insurance company representing the driver of the lorry that knocked me from my bike two weeks ago - "Going ahead with the swim no doubt likely to cause further stress and damage to the already injured arm...leading to prejudicial effect on future claim...any exacerbation of injury cannot be attributed to my client...any prolonging of recovery, as consequence of carrying out the swim, will not be accepted as client's responsibility..." I spoke with the consultant surgeon well over a week ago and he is firmly of the opinion that this swim will have no bearing on the already broken bone and that there is no hurry to have the operation, that time allowed to pass could well be the time it takes to heal the bone (Scaphoid) that is well known for issues of 'non union' - I don't need negative, all the time trying to replace the negative with the positive, to keep myself on-track, under two weeks to go."


7th August 2010. Brighton.

"Don't you just hate it when you spill your heart out to the computer, give it your all, everything that's been on your mind; only to have it pinged away to the computer's outer stratosphere, to the furthest reaches of some computerized galaxy ever so far away...and never to be seen again?!!


6th August 2010. Brighton.

"The cast smells... wouldn't you if you were full of dead skin and hair? I keep finding myself wanting to take it off, as one just rolls up ones sleeves, or goes to remove an item of clothing. Been having some bad dreams, a nightmare a couple of nights back, waking up worried about the future, how the swim can be with the blue addition to my arm. I see it in peoples eyes, hear it with their choice of words...how can it be done? It is down to me to bring this swim home, to make a success of it, despite the off putting thoughts of others, as only I can make this happen through sheer determination...I will make it to France...I will make it to France...I will.

A call from TNT's insurance company yesterday morning, the driver..."it's a fair cop guv". The company..."we're sorry". The insurance company?..."We'd like to make you an offer". The unfortunate swimmer..." Good of you to make an apology, can I please have that all in writing...thanks, but no thanks to the offer - WAY TOO LOW!!!! I've a feeling that this might go on some.
A ray of hope from the makers of my fabulous (cos it keeps me swimming) cast. By Tuesday I will know if they are in a position to sponsor me, it will be a huge weight off my mind if they come on board; it's not every day that a company gets to have their product road tested on a 22mile swimming adventure?!"



4th August 2010. Brighton.

"Final rest day today, following the weekends swimming. Starting preparation for the swim...a few boxes of vital equipment and supplies needed on the day - from sea sickness tablets (for myself and my crew) through grease, to prevent chaffing... too swimming lights, for attachment to my person, to make me more visible to the Ray on the support boat and all those further out to sea."



3rd August 2010. Brighton.  -  BIG NEWS  -

           
                             !!!! TEN THOUSAND POUNDS RAISED !!!       

Congratulations and huge thanks to all those who've donated so far - with just four thousand to be raised to reach the target; giving an estimated 4,000 people access to fresh water in Lesotho -  what a positive, that will be in their lives. It's made my day :-)         



1st August 2010. Dover/London.   -  BIG NEWS  -

"I've just got home, I believe the expression is 'dog tired' I have to sleep now and get some energy back. It was tough swimming with a thicker left arm, but I managed the six hours in the sea at Dover harbor yesterday and five hours today. I opened a packet of jelly babies on the train home, been saving them up for a celebration :-)  The arm caused me little pain, using anti-inflam's and pain killers throughout. The plaster, worked a treat, no discomfort...other than the additional weight. I am hugely tired...HUGELY SATISFIED!
Many thanks to all those on the beach who work tirelessly for the swimmers benefit, without them training at Dover just would not exist. Thank you to my friends and family for their support during tough times...
 

!!MY CHANNEL SWIM IS ON!! 

31st July 2010. Dover.    - BIGNEWS -

"MADE IT!!!  Six hour swim, 11.5 miles (approx).   Tired, very happy...good nights sleep tonight, and up to do it all again tomorrow morning. If I manage tomorrows, and I see no reason why not, then I guess the next step is to swim to France with the cast! The wonder fabric on my arm has given me the best opportunity to do this; muscles playing the game too, with tomorrow my last long swim before the big swim, which should prevent, over use, given the changed muscle orientation. NEXT STOP.....THE KITCHEN!"

 

30th July 2010. London.  - BIG NEWS -

" I've been swimming the last couple of days, on my own and with my old coach Dave Wilmott at Greenwich Swimming Club.
The special, water proof cast that I've been fitted with, by lovely Catherine at Lewisham hospital, and supplied by BSN Medical - who I've every hope will sponsor this project in the coming days...appears to be working very well, more on that early next week.
Heading to Kent this afternoon to prepare for the first of my Dover swims, starting v early tomorrow morning. This weekend will force the decision as to whether I am fit to swim this year. If I manage the 7Hr/Sat and 6Hr/Sun swims, then I can surely manage to swim to France!
My main concern however is how the skin on my forearm and hand, will cope with the salt rub from inside the cast, also slight concern as to how my arm/shoulder muscles will perform, given the extra workload.
This is the ultimate test, the last hurdle to jump; i'd be lying to say I'm not dammed nervous about it all, such a huge question mark hanging over the project, that so many are now involved with. I'll give this my best shot, try to make a success of it, despite the odds...place your bets!

Many thanks to all who have sent thoughtful massages of support, it all helps me to maintain a positive mental attitude, keep me on the rails!"


28th July 2010. London.

"Numbers of visitors to this site over the last week...up by 70%! Around 1,000 visitors in the last month - welcome to you all, thank's for taking the time and for your interest...do feel free to support my charity if you can - it's all about guaranteeing fresh water to a couple of communities in Lesotho - 10 years fresh water, for around 4,000 people!
Do please let others know about this site, as the story unfolds." 




27th July 2010. London.    - BIG NEWS -

"Everything hangs in the balance. If I manage the distance set over the two days this weekend...I'll swim to France as planned, if not... its over."


26th July 2010. London.     -  BIG NEWS  -

" A well crafted letter from brilliant GP Dr Abraham, to an understanding Lewisham Consultant Mr Jeffery, gave me access to the hospitals clinic this morning. My educated guess, given the reactions from my visit, following admission to Lewisham Xray on Friday, proved right - the scarphoid bone in my L hand is indeed displaced. On offer - an operation to pin it, next Monday, or to try and work with the newly fitted 'waterproof' plaster (road tested at Lewisham a year ago, but found to be too itchy, causing a rash and therefore withdrawn from use) I hope that this will be useful for the relatively short time that it's needed...for the Channel swim. I'm heading to Greenwich swimming baths to try it out. If it works and I end up doing the swim, then the operation will follow, unless union is seen to have occurred between the two halves of the bone." 

 "Success! A one hour swim with the waterproof cast - getting myself set for a big swim this weekend, the ultimate test, if I manage it, then I know that I'm on course for the Channel swim in one month, it won't be easy, but I'll get the job done."



24th July 2010. London.  -  BIG NEWS  -

"  There is only one thing on my mind today that keeps me staying focused, and in some way positive, given all that this purple growth on my left arm stands for... can I still swim with it?!!  If so, I can continue training...If I can continue training then all is not lost.
I can do with support from everyone around me now, to get me through this. I will try to continue my training and finish the job, that otherwise I am so well prepared for. The coming weeks ahead are now critical."



23rd July 2010. London.   - BIG NEWS -

" Is all lost?!!!!!!!

I was knocked down by a lorry this morning, on the way back to my Mum and Dad's for lunch. People screamed and shouted from the pavement as I was dragged, and along with my bike, turned upside down - my body jammed between mangled bike and giant wheels.  

I've spent some hours in hospital and come out with an assortment of grazes and a broken wrist; a rather fetching purple plaster, very painful as i write.

I was resigned to the thought of the task ahead now no longer being a possibility. I have spoken with my Pilot - Ray Cooper, who with typically supportive words has said he'll try to be as accommodating as possible.

I've spoken with Mike Read - CSA's Chairman, who on seeing that there is no way that a cast and broken wrist are in anyway a buoyancy aid, or for that matter an aid of any sort, has given me the green light to consider that my swim could still go ahead. 

I will see how things go over the next week; consult the surgeon in one week and then make the big decision of whether or not to go ahead... these are terrible times, the pain of the possibility of the loss of everything that these three years have been about, at the peak of my physical and mental fitness, has the potential to be unbearable... but there is still a chink of light."




21st July 2010. Brighton.

"Wake this morning to a fresh delivery of the best ice cream on the planet!!! Salcome dairy 'Stem Ginger' my favorite, and the secret to my youth?...ok, perhaps not, but without a doubt keeps me afloat, treasured memories of the past; this dairy has been around a great many years, producing some of the best, most tasty ice cream this country has on offer. You know how some things just leave the best taste in your mouth? This is it!! 
With my energy levels restored, my swim between the piers yesterday morning, felt good - I feel ready to take on the big challenge this weekend. Tonight, a swim with Greenwich Swimming Club, cycling and swims planned for tomorrow, heading to Dover again this weekend to do my final back to back swim!"


20th July 2010. Brighton.

"Went to see 'Don Giovanni' at Glyndebourne last night with my great friends the Sullivans, super! A lovely evening; picnic near the lake, with a delightful array of offerings some homemade by Sally, others brought back from Dan and Ioanna's holiday in Greece. The production was brilliant to watch, with the orchestra playing below us, one wonderful piece of music after the next, and a very clever set, that started as a cube and gradually unfolded into ever elaborate designs. The lead - Gerald Finley, was unwell - the roll played by Michael Wallace; a little difficult to hear at times, but given the pressure, of that great leap from hanging around in the wings to getting onto stage and taking the roll, did well. All the cast in fine voice! What a break from my routine; the opportunity to catch up with friends, immerse my senses into a wonderful evening of entertainment... even wear my kilt...only just managed to fit into it!"


18th July 2010. Brighton.

"Short easy swim around the Pier today, good to get back into the sea :-)  Energy levels on the up, although still a little run down.
Highlights of today were visits from two of the exhibitions young artists; George Seal with his Mum and Dad drove from Leigh in Kent to visit Georges 'Channel swimming Zebra'. I hope that it was a happy day for George to see his work on display. Also a visit from Robyn Westwell and Mum to see the 'African bowl' - I hoped I'd meet a few of the artists whilst the exhibition was on. All the work has helped to raise money for the charity and get us all closer to the fourteen thousand pound target!
Voting will close online on the 22nd August - if you want to vote follow the links on this website to the 'Art Challenge' page. 
The winner will be announced by the 1st September. The exhibition at the Jubilee library over the past week and a half, has been a fabulous success, with exposure to well over five hundred voting public, the votes will be counted today and added to the online votes as they come in.


Total 'off-line' votes cast at exhibition...

!    453   !


Total raised over the course of the exhibition...  

!    £912 - 84   !    

Many thanks to all of you who made the effort to visit... stop... show interest and DONATE - to ALL those who helped, without whom, there would have been no exhibition at all - you know who you are!
Congratulations to the artists for wooing, entertaining and impressing, all who visited!



17th July 2010. Brighton.

"Another day off training, energy still on the low side, but out of bed and manning the Jubilee  Library exhibition today - last day tomorrow! £150 raised today!!! Best ever, donations from the viewing public, good exposure for Lawrences' Roundabout Well Appeal too, with a healthy interest from visitors wanting to find out more. The highlight of the day... an offer for one of the paintings - will approach the artist to see if they will agree to donate the money to the charity!
Small sea swim planned for tomorrow, round the Palace Pier, then work it up...all being well, to another big swim next weekend. The winds calming down, temperature on the up, all looking good!  I have to keep an eye on how my body responds to the next big swim, try to find a way to avoid a repeat of the collapse in my energy levels, of this week."


16th July 2010. Brighton.

"The exciting and brilliant events of last weekend, combined with the long swim on Wednesday, finally crept up on me. I'm laid up in bed as I write, with very little energy. Another day off training, the chance to let the body recover, with the hope of an hours sea swim on Sunday, picking it all up again next week, running up to another back to back (7Hrs Sat/6HrsSunday) in two weekends time.
A waiting game now to allow the body to recover; plenty to eat, vitamins and rest. At all costs the 'catch up' cycle is to be avoided, where, the body's energy levels are at their lowest, and never given time to fully recharge, leading to a cycle of a brief sense of wellbeing interspersed with illness, as the body struggles to keep on top."


15th July 2010. Brighton.

"Wake up this morning feeling low, energy levels much reduced, confidence always takes a knock when Herpes Simplex takes a hold. I head to the Library (exhibition closes this Sunday) Visit from my Mum and Dad at lunch time, they cast their vote, then we head out for Dad's sandwiches on the lawns behind the Pavilion; we often complained as children, about Dads sandwiches, it was the lumps of butter/marg...there were no lumps, a lovely picnic, the sun came out.
Brilliant turn out from the visiting public to the exhibition today, with £111 raised in donations by the end of the day. Head for home, drained...lay on my bed...wiped out. Eventually some food, then to bed.


14th July 2010. Brighton.

"Head to the pool for another four hour session, tongue finds abnormality on lip...brain suspects cold sore. Swim for four hours, slightly disappointing distance over the time, energy levels low. Confirmation of cold sore, immune system under attack."


12 July 2010. Brighton.

"Day off training today, very pleased with the brilliant result of the weekend (11th&12th July) What an improvement on my swims of a few months ago, all the hard work paying off, feeling charged and excited about the prospect of the big swim in August!
Success today down at the library, with another £120 of donations from the art exhibition, get down there this week if you want to see the brilliant art works that these school children entered, excellent pieces, being very much enjoyed by the visiting public."


11th July 2010. Kent/Dover - BIG NEWS. 6Hrs - 11 miles/sea swim.

“The prospect of two relatively long, consecutive ‘back to back’ swims, has, for a long time, been pretty daunting. When I first heard mention of them, they were billed as the final frontier to be reached before the Channel swim, the opportunity to accumulate the approximate distance of the Channel over two days.
As I write, my body feels tired, I’ve started the process of refueling, re hydrating, following today’s, second swim. All went well in the water, felt a little cold as I got in, but thanks to last night’s excellent massage, and much better preparation for this final leg of the journey, much less achy than I had imagined I might be, given the seven hour work out of yesterday. The sun shone, beach crew as always organised and supportive; the water much less still than yesterday however, with an unpredictable chop at the east end, this sharpened my focus, forcing me to work all the harder.
For the second day in a row, my mind was onside – slight reluctance for the hour or so at the start, but this was cleared with thoughts of the inevitability that this job MUST be done, that this swim was crucial to getting me a step closer to my goal. When compared with the Rottnest Channel swim ( diary entry - February 20th 2010) 15 miles in 26 degree water – the swim yesterday almost matched that in 16/17 degrees and today’s swim almost doubled it; a fantastic improvement for both resilience to temperature and distance swam!

I was still swimming when the beach crew left for home, having been stitched up by the poor train connections to Dover; giving me the opportunity, at the end of my swim, to meet three charming ladies who not only looked after my bags, but poured me the last of their coco when I came out – two of them had swum the Channel a few years back. A great end to a very positive land mark day...this body and mind can do anything!”

Just made it back in time to see Spain win the World Cup - Fernando v happy :-)



10th July 2010. Kent/Dover -  BIG NEWS.  7hrs -13 miles/sea swim.

“Food fantasy!!!! Never had this on a swim; think - desperate for a drink in the desert, dreaming of a sparkling lake, filled with the bluest, most refreshingly drinkable liquid, just waiting for you...
It all started after the first two hours of this seven-hour-epic; the advantage of swimming at Dover is that the beach crew (volunteers, organised by Freda Streeter) feed you on the hour, thus saving time and hassle of coming up with ways of doing it yourself, excellent support. (Diary entry 19tth June 2010)  I stood up in the water and received, along with a kindly smile, my cup of the expected carbohydrate food (in the form of a liquid) BUT this was accompanied by two unexpected jelly babies YUM! A most welcome treat, I’d be back for more in an hour... just the ticket, something to look forward to.
The end of the third hour arrived - feeling strong in the water, a little irritated by the random, unpredictable pools of cold that one swims through, whilst swimming these long lengths between the harbour walls - I was looking forward to my jelly babies, perhaps I might be given more this time?!... A smile, the cup of liquid food... what’s this...half a banana I see before my goggled eyes? Well this is most welcome too! What a delight, something different to the last, and ever so tasty :-)  And so it went on, each time I left with something different, I’d be thinking about what might be there the next time I turned up, and my mind became wonderfully obsessed with the delights of what I might eat, not only today on this swim, but on the day of my Channel swim, a whole, wonderful array of delicious rewards... at least thirty of them, for each half hour stop for food – then I spotted the burger bar, on the road just above the beach, where we had congregated six or so hours before, Barry slapping on the grease, on the places that rub raw as we swim, before the sea mist rolled in. “ I hope that burger bar will still be there when I finish” she looked over her shoulder, looked back and smile, “don’t you worry, it’ll still be there, it’s there for you, well done, just an hour to go!” Sausages, cheese burgers, lot’s of them....
A sea mist, wrapped itself around us for six of the seven hours, confirming that the weather in Dover is often unpredictable. The sea temp was around 16 degrees and all felt good, time passed quickly. The problems that I had encountered in Australia at the Rottnest Channel race of off loading the carbohydrate from within, no longer an issue, managed a mid sea dump, feeling much better for it, knowing that this will not be an issue when crossing to France.
The race to get food inside me once the swim’s over (my longest cold water sea swim) as always essential, hand outs from friends on the beach, followed by the burger bar, local shop, and stuff I’d packed, all helped to refuel. Joe Rogers fitted me in for a sport massage at short notice – brilliant Kent based, massage therapist, excellent support (see link on sponsor page).
Been staying at Brook Cottage, my sister Flora, Dan and Oliver there for the weekend with friends including Meryl with her boys over from South Korea, really lovely to see them all, delicious supper and news that my Mother and friend Liz, along with plenty of other support, managed to raise over £950 with their front yard sale, superb news!! Well done and thank you to all.
Head to bed, tired, ache free and ready to do it all over again tomorrow... six hours!”


9th July 2010. Brighton.

"Relative success with the art exhibition so far, with over two hundred pounds taken in just a matter of a few days, with more money being raised online! A healthy interest from the public. Great support from Fernando... we have a bet going... he'll not raise as much as me in a day, when he takes over the running of the exhibition for the day - tomorrow!     
I'm heading to Kent tonight for a big dollop of training tomorrow and Sunday - 6 hour swims planned for both days in Dover harbour, it will be tough, but then this is what I've trained for over the last three years, this is the last big hurdle to jump before the big one. The weathers fine, my body strong - I will do it. I'll check in over the next couple of days and tell you all about it!"


7th July 2010. Brighton.

" First day of the exhibition down at Brighton's Jubilee Library today, great success, plenty of interest in the eight art works that were chosen from over 1,500 entries from four schools. Not sure this is such a good way to fund raise, but that was never really the intention of the competition; the idea being to give something back to the students, get them thinking creatively about the big swim and what it's all about. Lovely mixture of people, came to look, plenty of questions as to how it all came about, and plenty of people really struggling to make a decision, some just deciding to donate; they couldn't face having to pick a winner!
Heading out for a sea swim in a couple of minutes, just an hours or so, then an hour in the pool with swimming club O.T.S.  BIG SWIM PLANNED THIS WEEKEND!"


6th July 2010. Brighton.

"Four hour pool swim, keeping these going in my generously donated lane, at the King Alfred swimming baths in Hove...actually - good way to train the mind over boredom. This swim was easy, very confident and positive in my thoughts."


5th July 2010. Brighton.

"Got back to Brighton late last night, brilliant couple of weeks working on Wimbledon and training at Tooting Bec Lido. Well over £300 raised through donations from my camera colleagues at SIS Broadcasting (BBC's live coverage) Thanks ever so much to them for their brilliant support!
Up early this morning, starting to set up the Channel Art Competition down at the library, if you're in the area, please some and visit -

www.channelangus.co.uk/channel-art-challenge.html

The sun is shining brightly as I write, I'll be swimming in the sea later, great to be back!"


2nd July 2010. Wimbledon.

"Financially sailing ever close to the wind; !Be warned! Channel swim training takes it toll - 30 miles of swimming, 15/20 hours, 6/7 days/week. Fund raising, trying  to develop this ever growing projects profile, and related costs, which include - The boat/pilot for the big day, CSA (Channel Swimming Association membership), club membership x 2, swim kit, travel - to and from swimming meets, doubling of food intake! All over a three year period, the dream is a draw on ones finances... well over five thousand pounds of my money invested...now funds are running very low, as keeping up regular work with this full time gig, is practically impossible. The positive tipping of the balance, is a decent amount of money raised for the Lawrences Roundabout Well Appeal - that my dreams for change; running water for as large a number of people, are answered. Every penny of your money donated online will go straight to L.R.W.A - I was shocked to discover during my recent visit to Australia in February that NGO's (Non Governmental Organizions - Charity's independent of their Governments) are only expected to guarantee that 30% of money's taken in donations will be directed to the charities cause - up to 70% can be taken by the charity, for other use - they talk about 'fat cat' NGO Bosses over there, of course there are charities over here with massive over heads too! The Lawrence Roundabout Well Appeal, is run just by it's founder, with virtually no overheads, that's just one of the reasons that I chose to support it.  Thank you to all who have been supporting the 'Art Challenge' keep it up! Please let everyone you know aware of the page, so that they too can vote - it's fun, and it will make a difference. "

www.channelangus.co.uk/channel-art-challenge.html



1st July 2010. BBC camera crew room - Wimbledon!  -  BIG NEWS.

The Competition page of this Website is now 'live' Please have a look, give it your support and spread the word, I need this one to grow - both for the young artists who got involved and for all those who'll benefit from having access to fresh water... don't put it off, get on and use your vote!!


1st July 2010. Wimbledon.

" 08:30 - Just woken up, good nights sleep as always, but with a lie-in!!! Heading to work in about an hour, following a big breakfast; just not been eating enough over the past couple of days, skipping meals, feeling too tired to be bothered to cook for myself at ten/eleven at night, when I get off the computer from trying to get Channel business sorted. The latest thing has been haranguing the mobile operators to cut their tariff for the 'Channel Art Competition' text voting - all goes live at 13:00 BST, on this site today! I hope that all who come here to check out this website will help me by supporting the competition, use your vote! Please help spread the word and encourage others to have a look at the 'Art Challenge' page. The Judges were looking for a most beautiful or ORIGINAL work of art that best encapsulated the phrase - 'The big swim across the Channel to bring fresh water to people in Africa' It's now up to you to decide on which of the eight finalists, chosen from four schools with over 1500 entries will win! "


29th June 2010. Wimbledon.

" Up at 04:45 this morning, never been one for early starts! Head for the wonderful Tooting Bec Lido on my bike (6 miles) one of the first into the water, a very warm 21 Degrees (too warm). Swam for five hours, got out, ate a burger and headed to work, on camera within just ten minutes of my arrival. These are long days and having not fed properly last night, I could feel the life blood run out of me as I swam; following each feed, within 10 - 20 minutes, I'd feel the energy return, getting back into rhythm, feel the strength return to my body, pick up a good pace once more. Instead of a good five hours of relatively consistent power, I was continually topping up, and following the swim, very low on energy reserves, eating all day to try and re-fuel. Having said that it wasn't a bad swim, time passed relatively freely; good day on camera too."


27th June 2010. Wimbledon.

"Missing aspects of home life in Brighton - my partner, cold water and waves... back in one week, and looking forward to it!
Just come back from my Mum and Dad's summer garden party, on the most perfect of summer days, brilliant turn out, delicious food, a lovely chance to catch up with family and friends, in their 80's and still throwing a perfect party!!
Noticing slight shortness of breath when I run up stairs, do things at my normal/old pace - with an extra quarter of a stone put on in just the last two weeks, one and a half in the past year, I'm not worried, but feel slower, heavier as I get my body prepared for what's to come... just two months to go."


26th June 2010. Wimbledon.

"Four hour swim in Tooting this morning, before work - first three hours flew by, last hour dragged a bit. Often the way as one nears completion of any swim, one becomes increasingly aware of time, wanting the swim to end, to get out - this I can see as a potential sticking point with my Channel swim, I need to find some way to ride that storm - to divert my focus, concentrate on other, calmer, less demanding thoughts. I am working on visulalisation technique - collecting a jar of sand, some black rocks - once I reach dry land, this is my reward at the end of this long, fantastic journey."


25th June 2010. Wimbledon.

" Very much enjoying my early morning swimming in Tooting Bec Lido, although it's getting a little warm at 19/20 degrees, it'll be good to get back into the sea. Filming continues at Wimbledon with some fast paced doubles action today, at times tough to shoot, particularly with the long lensed, super slow mo camera - there for the all important line disputes, nothing worse than the director calling for the replay, and it not being there!!! Heading to bed any moment now, after my cold bath; four hour swim planned for the morning, up at 04:45, swimming by 06:00 then off to work. "


23rd June 2010. Wimbledon.

" More swimming, more tennis, in the heat! - R shoulder OK  :-) 

Thanks to the brilliant work of Jan, at My Identity LTD here in Brighton, this brilliant website is about to get even better with the coming of the Channel Art Competition Page, and your chance to both support my charity and young artists, from schools across the South East of England, once the page is finished and 'Live' please have a look and get involved!"


22nd June 2010. Wimbledon, London.

" Great days work filming the likes of Sharapova today, plenty of good tennis and sunshine :-)  The day started at six - up and out - on my bike to Tooting Bec Lido, great pool - 17 degrees, 90.2 Meters long and full of people with only one thing on their mind... swimming, no faffing! By the time I'd finished my swim, the pool was empty.  Four hour swim, plus bike rides at either end of the trip, arrived at work, with seconds to spare to being late... this is where training, eating and concentration will be tough - having to be very organised, in my free time to keep on it, with days that will start at around 5/6 am and not end till midnight, not used to that, but will manage!" - slight ache in R shoulder throughout todays swim, small ulcers appearing on my tongue.


21st June 2010. Wimbledon, London.

"First days work for the BBC here in Wimbledon, day off to get my bearings - living with an old school friend of my Mum's, Ann and husband Brian, in their lovely home, close to the Lawn Tennis Club and not far from Tooting Bec Lido. ( I once saw an absolutely charming television documentary about the Lido, if anyone has a copy I'd love to see it again!) Made to feel very welcome in my new home and set about making stew and other food for the coming fortnight, this evening before bed - a good day on camera, always nice to come here to film the tennis, especially in the sun!"



19th June 2010. Brighton.

"Six hours in the sea - cold - cold - cold all the way...well...at least the first three hours :-(  I've been trying to think more positively, but I just felt that I wanted to get out of the water, walk back up the beach and wrap myself up in the lovely, big red towel that I brought today as a special treat, for the end of my planned long swim. So you see I couldn't do that, I couldn't let myself down in that way - IT'S GOING TO BE HARD, I KNOW THAT, I HAVE TO PREPARE -  I was thinking of ways I could chisel time off my planned six hours; but I stuck at it, once I got to two hours I knew I was a third way through the swim. As the third hour passed...I was over half way, and as I approached the final third I knew I had it, I'd clinched it, my longest cold water swim of this year,  that felt good, good enough to see me through to the end.
I am proud of my work today, devising a new system for mid water feeds (two thermos flasks filled with warm carbohydrate, mixed with water and juice - clipped onto a marker buoy, which I passed, poured and drank from, every hour) I tolerated the cold this morning and swam through it, I am on the way now, on the way to piercing through this three-year-bubble, into the reality that will see me swim to France."



18th June 2010. Kent.

"Last day of the schools art competition judging with Diana Cumming and Fiona Hammond; tough choices had to be made, yet again with an exceptionally high standard of work from the students at both Leigh Primary and Blatchington Mill schools. For the judges to take just two art works from each school out of several hundred entries was very difficult, but after several hours of deliberation the job was done, four fine works of art heading to Brighton for preparation of the exhibition, that I dearly hope all who read this blog will support - details on how you can vote and support Lawrence's Roundabout Well Appeal - will be posted in the coming week. Thank you thank you to all the teachers and pupils for your support at all four schools!"


17th June 2010. London.

"A visit to Ryan Torrance this morning - Sports massage therapist, supporting me, in the run up to my Channel swim; he keeps my muscles from solidifying - turning to concrete! My nephew Olivers 3rd birthday today, Flora lays on a feast for us all at tea time...more opportunity for me to eat plenty of delicious cake (chocolate with maltesers and marshmallows) and the extra large sandwiches made especially for me!! A lovely day off - Happy birthday Ollie!!"


16th June 2010. London.

"A visit to both Leighton Park School in Reading and Wantage C of E Primary School near Oxford, proved a wonderful success for my Judges in the Channel art competition! Brilliant work - imaginative, thoughtful, use of colour and shape, 3D - so many different ideas and styles, fascinating to see the differences as we worked our way through the age ranges at Wantage; age ranges from 4 - 19 years and very tough for the judges, with over 400 entries to choose, from just four works of art! Congratulations to all who entered, good luck to the schools with their Auctions, it was lovely to see such a wealth of creativity. Leigh Primary school in Kent and Blatchington Mill school, get ready...we come tomorrow!"


15th June 2010. Brighton.

"Busy day today, the start of distributing the exhibition posters, a five hour swimming pool swim (all went well, much more positive mental attitude, pushing out the negative and drawing on the positive... "get to France!"
My brilliant friend Ashley Bingham then met me down by the Palace Pier at five, with arm fulls of equipment; lights, camera...for a shoot, publicity pics for media, and the website. We spent a few hours working together, plenty of visits to the sea for me to get wet again, with gusts of wind to dry and chill me! I can't wait to see the results, it's been a while since this site had new decent pictures. All in all a great chance for me to see the creative and most professional side of my friend at work... and a little catching up, a perfect end to the day :-)  "


14th June 2010. Brighton.

"Picked up 150 absolutely brilliant posters, designed by my friend Jose Vides, they are to advertise the schools art exhibition that runs at Brighton's Jubilee Library from the 7th - 18 July; more information to come on the newly designed 'Art Challenge' page of this site. I really hope that all who use these pages will help me to raise more funds for the charity 'Lawrences Roundabout Well Appeal', texting for their favorite art work, just eight to choose from!" Thank you Jose!!


13th June 2010. Brighton.

"Pleased to receive an email last night from an open water swimmer, with information as to the most likely cause, of the itchy rash that develops when I get out of the water at the Serpentine in London - I must stress that the rash is not severe, that it is apparently pretty rare for swimmers to suffer it... although can't help wonder what the 2012 Athletes will make of it as they scratch their way through their TV interviews! Follow the link if you'd like to find out more about the condition; thank's to John for taking the time to make contact and for his message of support" - see comments page.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swimmer%27s_itch



12th June 2010. Brighton.   (3Hrs 25Mins - Dist = 6.5 Miles. Temp 13C. )

06:00 - Up, breakfast, out the door, on my bike and changed ready for the sea.

06:45 - Swim out to the closest yellow buoy, a few hundred meters out from the beach, below Brighton Pier to tie on a bottle of liquid carbohydrate food with nylon string.

07:15 - Catch a lift from Brighton Swimming Club in Tom's car, Leo and Soichi also present - just in our swim togs...bank job?!

07:35 - Make our way bare foot down the pebble beach to start our swim from the King Alfred in Hove.

09:00 - With the tide working to my advantage, I arrive at Brighton Marina alone - the others dropped off at the Palace Pier - (3.3 Miles - 1Hr 25min's)  feeling a bit cold, despite the sun on my back. Touch the walls and head back for the West Pier (1.7 Miles 1Hr 16min's) , virtually no tide as I start with slack water, but end up swimming into the reverse spring time (note distance and time compared with the first leg).

09:45 - Arrive at yellow buoy, feed from my bottle, much needed re-fuel, success with this new method of mid-sea-re-fueling!

10:16 - Arrive at the red buoy, off the head of the old West Pier, turn and head for home via the Palace Pier, feeling warmer, stronger and happy with another advance in my sea swimming... another step closer.

11:03 - Arrive back on the beach where it all started at 06:45.

Next Saturday I will aim for four hours.




11th June 2010. Brighton.

"Riddled with guilt... I laze in bed today ;-)  -  I've a bigger sea swim planned for tomorrow"


10th June 2010. London/Brighton.

"My poor flat mate, must think the place has turned into a laundry; towels of every colour, size and varying degree of moisture - hang from practically every horizontal surface - from door's and chairs to banisters and table tops! Somehow Alison always remains calm :-) "


9th June 2010. Serpentine, London.

"Head to the Serpentine lake during an extended lunch break, swim for a couple of hours, positively barmy at 19 Degrees! However, fifteen minutes or so after my swim I get very itchy upper body and legs, what the cause is I'm not sure, but it's the second time in a week!"


5th June 2010. Brighton.    (2Hrs 30min's - Dist = 5Miles. Temp 11.5C.)

"BRILLIANT BREAK THROUGH. A long sea swim...at last, the feeling that I'm on the final approach, can see the light :-)  I swam just shy of five miles today - from the Palace pier to Brighton Marina, to the West pier, back and round the Palace pier - a two and a half hour swim, in twelve degree water, real success! I've been worrying about the cold sea, my inability to cope, do the distance in training, this is progress! The sea temperature is patchy, as I swim, I head from relatively warm water into cold, that penetrates my bones, you can't wait for the warmth. Good air temperature with the sun on my increasingly tanned back all the way and barely a breath of wind, the currents which can double the swimmers time, not playing today; the real reason for my celebration?... To have stayed in the still relatively cold water for a good two and a half hours. With a break for breakfast of an hour, I was back in for another hour and a half, making a total of eight miles in four hours, with a spot of dehydration at the end , a dry fury tongue...and a big appetite...AGAIN."



1st June 2010. Brighton.

"Free meat from my generous and supportive local butchers - Canhams of Hove (Actually ;-), for the next three months!! Just finished a five hour pool swim, all went well, still have energy, definitely feel that recovery from the bigger swims is quicker these days, it's time to turn up the heat and increase the distance."


31st May 2010. Kent.

DAY OFF.


30th May 2010. Brighton.

DAY OFF.

"Two sea swims as planed 1hr and 1hr 20mins yesterday, with a one hour break in between, followed by a three hour pool swim. Strong 'spring tide' makes the journey back tougher than the swim out; my mind works against me, I'm filled with a very real feeling (not for the first time) that a successful Channel swim is beyond me, feeling sick with a sea that better resembles a bowl of jelly, totally unpredictable, random movement that makes me retch"



29th May 2010. Brighton.

"Wake this morning with a slight feeling of dread; I've to do two cold sea swims, lasting just over an hour a piece, one hour break between, then to the pool for another four hour slog, don't feel up for it today, feeling tired, lazy and nursing a slight pain in my right shoulder, which I hope will not get any worse... it's windy and grey out there! Funny how one has a few days of lovely sunny weather, that leads to one thinking 'how lovely Summers here'...Hmmm."



28th May 2010. Reading.

" Slept last night in the old house I lived in, grew up in during my mid to late teens, Grove house, Leighton Park School in Reading. Strange to return, memories flooding back, still seems a happy place, a few changes; not may of the original staff, my old German teacher Geoff Harnett, who put me up for the night and the Head of the Art Dept Simon Williams, who's giving support to the art project; great to have my final school of four on board and to know that there are pupils and staff there that really are backing this project and helping to make it work for Lawrence's Roundabout Well Appeal. Gave a Collect (Quaker meeting) to the 600 or so pupils that were available (exams), all went well and with a clear interest in the art competition, this gives the whole event not only more kudos through a larger take up, but also more competition for this competition!!"



27th May 2010. Brighton.

"Sea still feeing cold, with the air temperature the seasonal average and just not warm enough to make significant change, as I head to Leighton Park School in Reading today to generate support for Lawrences Roundabout Well Appeal, get them onside, interested in my swimming and hopefully fundraising!"


26th May 2010. Brighton.

The weeks training schedule:

Monday -       1.5Mile sea swim (1Hr approx), 1Hr Gym session.
Tuesday -      4 Hr pool swim (8miles), 3/4Mile seas swim.
Wednesday - 1.5Mile sea swim, 1Hr Gym, 1Hr club pool swim.
Thursday -     1.5Mile sea swim.
Friday -          1.5Mile sea swim, 1Hr Gym.
Saturday -      1.5Mile sea swim, 4Hr pool swim.
Sunday -        1Hr pool swim (mixed sets).

Total time: 18.5Hrs.




25th May 2010. Brighton.

"Just three months to go!!!!



21st May 2010. Brighton.   (1Hr25Min - Dist = 3Miles. Temp 10.5C.)

"Last of the assemblies at Blatchington Mill School today - Year 7's - very receptive and interested in all that is to come over the next, final three months; great to have such a dedicated school on board this project.
Sun shining brightly today over Brighton, a meeting with Sarah Hall, Editor of the Kemptown Rag, over a big fried breakfast, at a table out in the street; Sarah has contacts that might well be able to help in the final fund raising push, also article to come in the paper. Then to meet with Pietro Passarelli - student film maker and his crew down on the beach to film close up's of my hands and arms and kicking legs for his film, not too much hanging around, sea still just 10 degrees. Fish and chip lunch on the beach followed by a return swim from the Palace Pier to Brighton Marina, good time 1hour 25mins, water mixed with cold patches - some remarkably warm... wait for them to join up, to make a warm ocean once again. The swim felt good, just beginning to stretch myself in the sea again, to start building up the hours, a move away from the swimming pools. Fiona my swimming mate today was given a tip off by another swimmer. "smear the inside of your goggles with shampoo, it helps to reduce condensation 'fogging'" There's another thing that shampoo does to the eyes!!!! The salt water just about cleared out the pain :-(   "


20th May 2010. Brighton.

" Day off today, started well, but ended badly, my partner hurt and me feeling the fool. The colds on the way out, that's good. Long sea swim planned for tomorrow with Fiona. Same again, but longer on Saturday. Increasing my training bit by bit and all the while wonderfully surprised how much my body seems to be able to take. Still on the hunt for a decent sponsor, there must be someone out there who cares about my charity and the amazing work they are doing?"


19th May 2010. Brighton.

"Start of a cold, still go for my 4 hour pool swim, all well, although a little down on my distance, a very comfortable swim with my mind in a good place, plenty of thoughts flowing, but the moment any tension comes to mind, I gently give it a nudge."


18th May 2010. Brighton.

" A run of assemblies at Blatchington Mill school this week, demonstrate not only healthy interest in the Channel Swimming project from the students but also brilliant support from teachers too. Students have started to prepare for the art competition and thanks to the hard work;  a combined team effort, by senior members of staff Barbara Cornall and Jim Russell, a swimming pool has be acquired and the kids will do a big sponsored swim!
News from Wantage primary is that the teachers have decided to do a sponsored swim, also to raise money for the Lawrence Roundabout Well Appeal, it's brilliant to see such positive ideas flowing, all the very best to them all!"



17th May 2010. Wantage Primary School.      - BIG NEWS -

" Wake this morning at Charlottes, we drive to her school; really enjoy being shown around and seeing what her industrious class have been up to, looking at all their work posted on the walls.
The school file in to the hall for assembly........the whole school.....much shuffling to fit them all in.....  4 - 11 years, about 200 hundred of them, a sea of expectant faces looking up at me, Charlotte promised not to giggle, we found her a suitable place working as projectionist......behind
me!
I have twenty five minutes to explain what I'm up to, the why's, when's, and how's - about me, the charity, the swim and them.  I think that I have most of their attention, some fidget, most watch and listen BUT when I announce the prize for the winning artist of the Channel Art Competition......there is a collective mass inhalation of air into their young lungs!!! Mini chats break out across the floor as this mass of cross legged, red uniformed children get very excited :-)  I can only hope that their excitement will not be forgotten and will be translated into terrific works of art!  Brilliant support for the staff at Wantage, I wish them all the very best with this project and above all lots of fun.

Do keep an eye on the Channel Art Challenge page on this Website from 1st July, the winners will be posted and you can vote for your favorite AND help support my charity in the process.



16th May 2010. Oxford.

"Head to Oxford to stay with my friend Charlotte, she's managed to get her school - Wantage Primary - involved with my schools initiative. We have a lovely supper together; Roast chicken, with all the trimmings, a glass of wine and a great chance to catch up before bed. Charlotte even made a brilliant 'Channel Swimmers' pudding - Baked banana with melted chocolate, loaded with ice cream and cream, very delicious indeed and just the kind of food that I need to be eating!!! I have a sneaky suspicion that Charlotte was enjoying eating all the things that she'd not usually eat, but was forced to have to keep her Channel swimming guest company  ;-)!"



15th May 2010. Brighton.

"One hour in the sea at 9 degrees - Between the piers, with some chop, making the swim a little more challenging. Then to the pool for a four hour swim; I'm not eating enough as I swim these long swims, need to make an adjustment as I can feel myself getting more troubled as the swim progresses, more agitated."



12th May 2010. Brighton.

"Swam round the pier today, still very fresh....about 7-8 degrees, came out feeling very cold and rather fed up, when will the sea warm? WHEN WILL THE SEA WARM?!!!"


11th May 2010. Brighton.

" I neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed fooooooooooood " :-(


10th May 2010. London.

"This week I've got to pick up my game, last weeks work effected my training; this week I've to make up for it. Dreamt about having to pull out of my Channel attempt last night; the sea was just too cold! It is playing on my mind, as the sea last Saturday was a good two degrees colder than the previous weekend, I only made it around the pier, had planned pier to pier and back, roughly double the distance. This week, I've turned work down so that I can get on with slogging it out in the pool, build up my sea time; I'll be heading to Dover at the weekend to start mixing with my own there!"


6th May 2010. London.

" Up very early this morning, been working pretty hard this week, so would have been ever so happy to stay in my much loved bed at my Mum and Dad's here in Blackheath; I always sleep so well in it.....and dream lovely dreams in it :-) ANYWAY - in Greenwich swimming baths by six thirty, for my four hour swim ( should have been Tuesday, work prevented this). Within half an hour of starting my swim, some bright spark decided to give the orders for four life guards to obsessively clean the floor, poolside, for about three hours.....with chemicals, clearly marked on the containers as 'Hazardous' and 'Irritant'!!!! I was fuming as I swam, so much so that I managed to break my four hour distance record! Taking it from 536 to 538, every cloud......"

First of sport massages from my friend Ryan Torrance, sport massage therapist, great treatment and brilliant support, thank you Ryan!



2nd May. Brighton.                                - BIG NEWS -

"Up early for my appointment with the sea; a planned swim from the Palace Pier to the West Pier and back, also the first days filming with Pietro Passarelli (MA student studying Documentary Film Making, up from London to make a film about my journey) He arrived with two friends, they worked well together, good ideas, an easy flowing team spirit and an efficiency that meant minimal disruption to those around them.  Fiona Southwell and I headed out into the sea, off to the West Pier; Fiona slightly hesitant, the temperature being just 8.5 degrees. One can easily be put off by anothers worry, but in this case we both got on with it, checking on one another at points along the way. The sea was calm and cold, although the cold did not bite as it has, I enjoyed getting into a pace that gave me the edge on what in the past would have been a swim for survival. Slight claw in my right hand, didn't amount to much, quick recovery and then breakfast at home......filmed by Pietro and his crew. A lovely supper in the Thai restaurant this evening, in Kemptown with Fernando......now bed, sleepy and satisfied :-)  "



1st May 2010. Brighton.                              - BIG NEWS -

"Just come back from a few days filming in London; politics for the BBC, in Westminster, the odd days here and there are keeping me financially afloat......just. Exciting to have been right in the thick of it all as the Brown-radio mic story broke! Just a few of the questions asked in the immediate aftermath........

1.   Who's mic?  Sky news - every one at the Beeb, breaths a sigh of relief. 

2.   Was it live?......no, decision made to broadcast and run with it.

3.   How was it possible to get the Priministers reaction as he sat, head in his hands?......some quick thinking!

4.   Was Brown let down? You bet he was, he has a department that deals with his media interests, perhaps they were asleep?!"



25th April. Sheffield/London.

 "Back to London today, a VERY slow train ride back - engineering works!!!! No training today, however it's been a good week, my body holding up; all bar my left knee, that seems to be increasingly sore from all the turning in these long pool sessions, otherwise very well, looking more like a distance swimmer, bigger!"


24th April. Sheffield.

" Another good four hour swim today in Sheffields Ponds Forge pool; thanks to them for the extra space for my training! Excellent pool, not much used this weekend due to a volcanic-ash-cancelled event. My swims seem to be less efficient at the moment, I'm down by at least twenty lengths over a four hour swim :-(  I've been trying to reduce my stroke rate, incorporating more of a 'catch up' styled stroke, this may take some time to get used to......I hope not too long, just four months to go!!!"


19th April. Brighton.

"Bad night sleep last night, slight fever, nightmares, sleep talking and when I woke up - diarrhoea. My friend Roy kindly gives me an acupuncture treatment, think its helped, training tonight."


17th April. Brighton. 

"Round the pier today! Very pleased - 8 degrees and felt fine, slight shivers after, five mins to recover core temp......don't know what all my fuss was about, this will now become much more regular, especially in this beautiful sunshine we're all having. Pool swim followed sea, 3Hrs 40mins -bit of an argument with a man who kept on pushing off at the end of the lane just as I was approaching, it's irritating!!!!! All in all an excellent days training, feeling much more comfortable in the pool swim, very much helped by making sure I loaded with carbs last night and had a decent breakfast - scrimping on food, means training with no energy reserves = coming unstuck."


15th April. Brighton.

"Two days rest, energy back and cold pretty much gone."



13th April. Brighton.

"Wake feeling weak, slight cold (no worse) had a good chat with Brightons finest long distance swimmer Fiona Southwell last night, about the events of the past few weeks. Her recommendation is for me to follow my instincts, not beat myself up when I don't manage a training session and give myself at least 48Hrs rest - let this cold head for the hills - No training today, back to it tomorrow, with a better carbohydrate base from which to work, super huge baked potato for lunch, pasta for supper!"


12th April. Brighton.

"Working in London, glands up in my throat around lunch time, get home evening, feeling whacked and as though I've a cold coming. Also having stresses in personal life that are directly effecting my general sense of well being. I knew when my last relationship came to an end, with the crushing pain that ensued, that a relationship during the final push of this three year epic, could turn out to be a huge mistake for both."


11th April. Brighton.                                       - BIG NEWS -

"Sorry to all my regular readers for my sporadic entries, I've hit a bit of a low and with an increase in much needed paid work I've found myself with less time to put finger to key.

A few days out of training (injury just before Easter) has a knock on effect on the days that follow; bit like all those teachers out there who work their guts out in term time, staving off the cold, only to be struck by a run of illness the moment they break up for the school holiday! When I stop, I seem to pick up injury. Last Saturday, I went to the Prince Regent swimming baths for my four hour swim (the last two, four hour sessions missed through the Easter injury) I arrived feeling pretty confident/eager to get on, BUT without a good reserve of food inside me from either the night before, or that morning's breakfast (was massaging in a clinic right up until the swim). The first hour passed without any problems...... the second, which usually drags, pretty fast too - one usually expects the final two hours to race by, without any hindrance...........BUT, instead, these last hours crawled by at a snails pace, I started to ache in a new place - left side, possibly Teres Minor, mimicking the injury of the right side the week before! The pain continued to the end of my session, never enough for me to give up, not getting any worse, not getting any better but always enough for me to thinking the athletes fear, 'how long will THIS go on for'.
My mind? How was my mind throughout this interminably long, tedious swim?!!! I wanted to escape, to clamber out of my head to shout and scream, I felt completely trapped inside my own head - a bit like a nightmare. I had a choice - to get out, but managed it, kept going.....bring on the sea!



8th April 2010. London.

" Day off training - Cycle to work - work and back 30 miles cycle - early to bed."



7th April 2010. Kent - Greenwich, London.

"Lovely end to my stay at the Cottage, kindly arranged by sister Flora and Dan, with my good friend Michelle and God son Dexter, Fiona with her wonderful family, friends and of course my lovely Fernando Nino."
"Swimming tonight is excellent with my old coach in Greenwich - Dave Wilmott, he has us working on short explosive sets, that test my newly worked arm, all's well! Very happy about that, definitely a noticeable increase in reach and a feeling of greater power, I could do with regular massage, but can't afford it, might end up taking some of my old massage friends up on their offers of support!! Now I can get on, plan to be four hour swimming again this Saturday and beyond."


6th April 2010. Tonbridge, Kent.

" ANOTHER lazy day, short pool swim, shoulder feeling much better. Yesterdays stretching however, and increased reach on my right side appears to make me drift to the right more with my stroke, I keep on crashing into the lane lines!"


5th April 2010. Tonbridge, Kent.

" After picking Fernando up at Tonbridge station, a row about swimming, he heads to the Cottage and I head.....in a mad rush to meet Sports Massage Therapist Joe Rodgers!

www.jrodgers-sports-therapy.co.uk

Joe kindly fits me in at the end of his Easter bank holiday, it's the first time we've met, clearly Joe's in the know, he gets straight to the root of the pain, working into it, stretching and applying direct pressure to Teres Minor. He gives me an hour of his time at a low cost price in a kind display of generosity to the cause - I highly recommend him, many thanks Joe."


4th April 2010. Tonbridge, Kent.

"Easter day! Happy Easter to all!!  Not so happy for me, having been kept awake much of the night, worrying about the mysterious pain in my right, posterior shoulder, that came on whilst I was eating last night; was it excessive loading on my fork, the struggle to get yet another mouth full to my ever expectant mouth? I've a big appetite these days!!! More seriously, was it my sea swim that morning, or is it the considerable increase to my training, is it all just too much for my body? I phone my friend Fiona Southwell - Brighton's queen of the Channel - following a failed swim in the wonderful Tonbridge swimming pool (I had planned a four hour, but it ended after just twenty minutes, knowing that I couldn't just ride it, that there was no sign of being able to work though it) Fiona suggested complete rest, fearing that if unchecked and worked hard, that the injury could well persist, eating corrosively into into my few remaining months training. I contacted a Sport Massage Therapist recommended by staff at Tonbridge pool, who, away on holiday said that he'd see me the following day. I spend a happy Easter day with family and friends; whilst in the back of my mind, throughout the day I worry about the future, the problems that this injury might well pose, I head to bed feeling low, very concerned"



3rd April 2010. Tonbridge, Kent.

" Day starts with a sea swim, definitely beginning to warm - five minutes in, few minutes to warm my core again. All in all, a good week's run up to Easter this week, with long bouts of training becoming the norm; head to Kent to stay with family and friends at Brook Cottage - arrive around tea time, chill till supper, and then...... whilst tucking into a delicious lamb stew supper made by brother-in-law Dan........... I SUDDENLY experience pain in my right shoulder, try to manipulate the arm to free what feels like a trapped nerve, without success, head to bed, popping anti inflammatories, feeling worried, with this at times burning pain, and sleep on it hoping that all will be well in the morning for my planned long swim on Easter day."


30th March 2010. Brighton.

" Another long swim at King Alfred swimming baths today = 8miles in 4Hrs.....once again, in my very own lane!!!  ;-)   "



27th March 2010. Brighton.


Fancy a four hour swim in the pool?

" Two things a given when swimming for hours in the pool: life guards rotate on shift, time and again.......... you keep swimming up and down, up and down, up and down - the rest, a cycle of change - fat and thin legs, wonderful torso's, big tums, multitudes of trunks, the perfect bikini line, different kicks, different strokes, the shrieks of life and play, come and go......come and go.......come and go. You wish some visitors to (your) lane would just get out again! But one becomes strangely attached to some of these part-time-visitors, as they clock in and out  - one wonders if they know what you're doing, have they noticed that you've been swimming such a very long time?  You enjoy watching them, that brief moment as two body's pass, in one direction.....then the other - they'll rest....they'll swim.....they'll rest - you keep going, wanting to stop and talk, but stuck in this watery, claustrophobia, this underwater world that makes you sniff and sneeze - then they'll get out again, to carry on their day elsewhere, this underwater relationship's - over."



26th March 2010. Brighton.

"MASSIVE bowl of pasta just eaten, 1Hr Gym/1Hr Pool session this afternoon - 1Hr pool session tonight.....four hour continuous swim tomorrow AND my first visit to the sea in weeks!!! I'm nervous about it, cos it's going to be C O L D........noooooo it's not going to be cold Angus!!!.....it's going to be lovely, at last the chance to cool off, get away from over heated public pools and chill..........Honestly?......it will be a shock to my body -   

but       


                             I             



                                                         will                    



                                                                           
                                                                                               cope"


24th March 2010. Brighton.

" I'm short of a couple of schools to join the art competition, any ideas for schools that might like to join the crusade please contact me through the comments page on this site! Four are on board so far, have a look at the competition page for details."


23rd March 2010. Brighton.

" Four hour pool swim today at the King Alfred Center; just before I started I got chatting with the Manager Susan, about the issues of lane congestion, narrow, busy lanes, she had a chat with the big boss and before I could have even swum a length, had a new lane created just for me, what a star, I swam without hindrance the full four hours. Thank you to all at King Alfred for their understanding and support!
Felt happy, tired, but really happy to have finished my eight mile swim today, one can pat oneself on the back, another achievement, BUT just around the corner comes the next big swim......and another.....and another - this has to become normal, these swims.... will..... become...... the norm. Two four hour swims each week, alongside another eight hours training.......each week - then it will go up again, from over twenty to thirty hours every week."


22nd March 2010. Brighton.

"Worried about getting back into the sea, have to make that transition soon and start to get used to the drop in temperature, that trip to Australia lost me my cold water resilience.....it makes me nervous, plenty of Channel attempts fail through the onset of hypothermia......."


21st March 2010. London.

"Just over a week of my new training regime passed - feeling fairly on top of it, looking forward to getting back to the sea as chlorine makes me sneeze. The long swims are manageable, I feel fit, but I still have some sadness in my mind that needs to go in order for me to feel totally strong.......I need to move on.
The pool down in Greenwich had a problem this morning - air in the filter apparently, caused closure for an hour, which ate into my timed four hour swim, just half an hour before the end! A late Pizza breakfast; not done much since, although a surprise visit from my sister Flora, with Dan and Oli this afternoon was nice, glass of vino, spring bird song in the late sun-lit garden - and a call from my Nino, who I miss. More food to come and an early night."


19th March 2010. Brighton.

" Lost my sun glasses two days ago, brought back from Australia :-(  Left my mobile in the swimming pool's reception this morning! Crypes, what's happening?@"£%!  Anyone following in my trail is sure to end up better off..........at my expense!!!"


18th March 2010. Brighton.

"Five months to go......Great to have the sun back, I want to be back into the sea for regular swims by the end of the month; at the moment swimming distance in the pool is ok, but I could do with the space."

Weeks training:

Monday       AM - One hour mixed pool sets.      PM - One hour circuits class.
Tuesday      AM - Four hour pool swim.
Wednesday AM - One hour pool mixed sets.      PM - Two hour club mixed pool.
Thursday     DAY OFF.
Friday          AM - One hour pool mixed sets.      PM - One hour gym.
Saturday      AM - One hour club mixed pool/three hour swim.
Sunday        AM - Two hour swim.

Total distance = 22miles approx.

"I'm trying to change my stroke on the advice from my Australian friend Dieter, who gave me a stroke correction session in Margaret river a month ago - working on more of a catch up stroke, more glide, seems to be working. Also paying greater attention to diet, more of the right kind of food. Generally feeling GOOD!  
I'm very pleased to have the schools art competition up on this site, thanks ever so much to Jan at 'my-identity ltd' for all his hard work and commitment ....for free, and to the brilliantly thoughtful and creative mind that is Ali Russell for her superb art work. The students works of art will be selected towards the end of June and displayed online a week later for YOU, to vote for an ultimate winner, I hope this will be strongly supported :-) "




12th March 2010. Brighton.

"If there is one thing that has always been clear in my mind, it is that the path that I've been treading these past couple of years would at some point rise steeply to the end, that time has now come, this.....is.....it. I met with Mark Shepherd - Coach/Trainer and my good friend Fiona Southwell - also a (record setting) Channel soloist, over a drink this afternoon; we all agreed that I'm just not doing enough distance swimming on a regular basis to be anywhere near completing a solo attempt on the British Channel in August; this is where the habits form, where to swim at least sixteen miles each week becomes the norm, this is where the possibility of success is created. As of Tomorrow I start to swim regular distance in the pool each week, which has to include two x four hour sessions, until the sea recovers some warmth. I'll post my schedule in the coming days."


8th March 2010. Brighton.

"Just beginning to pick up training again, looking for a more structured approach to maximize efficiency of time spent training. Looking for work and getting worried, spending time with lovely people helps ease my worries :-) "

"FOR THIS MAN USED TO WARMER WATER..... THE SEA IS very COLD!!!!!"



5th March 2010. Brighton.

"Back in the UK, rested and ready to embrace this mighty challenge once more"!


1st March 2010. Bandar Seri Begwan Int Airport.

"Four hour stop over here on the second to last stop before final destination, a cold and wet Heathrow! Managed to get a good seat on the next leg and an upgrade to the posh lounge here at the airport after an air hostess spilled an entire tray of water over me!!!! To be fair to her, I woke up from a deep/vertical sleep with a start, causing my hand to rocket up, impacting with the tray of drinks. The hostess was very apologetic, my neighbor a slightly deaf man in his seventies later remarked that I should have used this opportunity to get her telephone number! 
I'll be home in a few more hours......20 or so and then sleep.....first swim planned on Wednesday, easy week ahead then start to notch it all up again, rested from my brilliant Australian experience."


28th February 2010. Perth.

"Arrived back in town late last night, lovely peaceful trip away, just what I needed, still tired, bit run down - the cold sore attack finally abating. Tomorrow I head for home, looking forward to seeing the people I've missed and getting a good training plan sorted for the coming months; there'll be some temperature readjusting to be done.
A big thank you to all who have supported me whilst I've been here, each and every one of you.....from the surf shop girl who tied a friendship bracelet around my wrist to ward off the sharks for my Rotto swim to my friends who've put up with me these past three weeks!  I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in this most friendly, decent, vastness that is Australia and I'll be taking back memories that will be the driving force that keeps me going down an ever leaner, more organised track, that ends with my solo swim accross the Channel. Good night Australia!"


24th February 2010. Perth.

"Got back from Rottnest yesterday afternoon, we headed out to see the Python film 'The life of Brian', at the open air cinema , still very funny after all these years; lovely to watch a film in the warm evening air under the light of the moon. Woke this morning with a cold sore attack, worst in years......this body is run down! I'm heading off on a road trip, South to Margaret River and beyond, for rest and healing :-)"


22nd - 23th February 2010. Rottnest Island.

"Just been lazing around the past couple of days, eating, sleeping and being social with those I meet, updating the blog and sifting through the rushes for the film, so brilliantly shot by my wonderful crew: Tracey, Dom and John (Tracey was sick throughout much of the journey).
I've been feeling tired, slightly confused as to how this ranks as a positive achievement, I got the time so hopelessly out - thinking the race would take me six/seven hours, but ending up over nine and a half! But of course I covered a greater distance than most of the other swimmers, as we were often being carried North by the tide, away from our destination; this 19km race became more like 24km! An even better test of endurance, I never entered this race to win, just to finish and that much was achieved."



21st February 2010. W.A - Rottnest.

"Stayed last night in a lodge with some friends of a new friend of mine out here; Rod put me in touch with Haydon and his family, inc four lovely children, they all tip toed around this morning to give me an extra opportunity to sleep. Woke this morning after fairly disturbed night, aching left shoulder. Good breakfast, trip to the Rottnest Lodge - they kindly let me use their computer to update this blog. Massage....good one at that + anti inflammatories."



20th February 2010. W.A - Rottnest.  15:30

"Finished the race! WHAT A MISSION!!!!! I had hoped to make the race in six/seven hours.......over nine hours it took. The conditions were described by the race director as fairly difficult - chop to the water with the predicted South Westerly and a fair bit of swell added discomfort. Three hours of feeling very blocked up and in some discomfort, added to a mind that was already full of negative thought, almost from the outset; relief came in the end which made a huge difference. Sun shone most of the day and my half hourly feeds might well have been slightly under nourishing. All in all, it was a brilliantly original way to get to this island! BUT very tough going, pain in my left shoulder - the last three hours. I have to say that my mind was asking the question most of the way " If I'm struggling so much with this half distance swim, how on this earth am I going to manage the British Channel.....it must be over?.....can't be done.....can't be done.......I'll never manage :-( "  On reflection, yes it was tough - a HUGE wake up call as to what is now needed to prepare for the B'C' but given where this body and mind has come from - learning to swim freestyle just three years ago, to this - a race that's seen as one of the toughest here in Australia - managing a nine hour swim!! It's bloody great, I just need to keep going."

Huge thanks to my crew for their tremendous support - Tony, Dom, Tracey, John and Mi Nino - couldn't have done it without them.

* Please note that I am without a mobile phone, lost to the sea yesterday :-(  Contact me through email please! *




19th February 2010. WA - Perth.

"The very night before the big race! Spent much of the day getting organised, packing, food - making quiche for my crew - The captain of our support boat Tony, Dom the paddler, John and Tracey. Sorted through my kit for the swim; radio interview over the telephone for BBC Radio. Should be feeling some fear, but instead, been filling myself up with food....large amounts! Seems to be a good distraction. Feeling in a state of heightened alertness, very awake and focused, positive thoughts about the journey ahead tonight. Wind speed up over the sea, should work in my favour, as it runs from the South East, but will swing round, around lunch time to South Westerly - making the swim tougher.....hope to be finished before then! Staying tonight with Paddler Dom his wife Nadene and their children, lovely house just 15 mins drive from the start. Have to be there for registration tomorrow morning by 05:00 and my race group starts at 06:00. Must to bed, please accept miss spellings, no time for the spell check!! I'll post an entry tomorrow after the race.....from the island. A film + pics to come on Monday/Tuesday. Good night all!!"


18th February 2010. W.A - Perth.

"HOT and HUMID!!!!!! - Forecast suggests rain and stronger winds on race day :-() Should be able to cope with that, given the lack of current to battle against and, that I'll be able to see the sea bottom for most of the trip...........trips almost here....... just a day between visualizing and actually battling across that open stretch of water to the island of Rottnest"

11:00 - First meeting, with a Brighton friend of a friend - Rod, who's Perth based, kindly buys me lunch (early!!!) we chat about the race, he'll fix me a place to stay on Rottnest, which is brilliant, going all that way (12Miles) shame not to stay the night after the party!

13:00 - Live radio interview on ' Curtin FM Radio's, Lunch Time Show' with Jenny Seaton.

14:00 - Meet Steve Ferrier, photographer for The West Australian news paper - on Cottesloe beach, the story goes to print this Saturday.




17th February 2010. W.A - Perth.

- Day off -



16th February 2010. W.A - Perth.

"Having a super and happy time with Bobby and Lotta in their home here in Yangebup, just a twenty minute drive in the white ute (on loan from Bobby, and fun to drive) to the big blue ocean :-)  Wonderful food and company every day, although there might be mutiny on the way, as I keep eating the food intended for the chickens and Cow - Bobbys dog, a Kelpie Cross/Blue Healer - charming, friendly, soppy creature that she is.....well if Lotta will keep offering up the most wonderful array of yummy noshy! Sun keeps shining and the temperature rising, swims help to reduce the melt for this fair pommy skinned man! - 30min sea swim, with the afternoon chop/washing machine motion, different here when compared to the UK sea; very little tidal movement and shorter stubby waves over here, tends to break up ones rhythm. Followed by one hour circuits class....pleased not to be at the bottom of the heap here, the training of the past couple of years has paid off, don't feel left behind by these FIT Aussies....if you've got the muscle, you've to know how to use it!  ;-) "



15th February 2010. W.A - Perth.

"Article published in this morning's WA Today, online news. Lovely refreshing sea swim, wash away the sweat of the day.  Conditions - choppy, no stingers, shark or other problems to report; just getting ever closer this next milestone......Rottnest!"



14th February 2010. W.A - Perth.

- Day off -

13th February 2010. W.A - Perth.   - VIDEO.3 TO WATCH -

"Another early start, meet Dominic Minns at Cottesloe Beach - 06:00, our first meeting, just exchanged a few emails over the past couple of months. Dom came to my rescue as I struggled to find a canoeist (paddler) to support me in my race to Rottnest (Rotto) Island. This was our dress rehursal, a chance to work together in the sea and experience the different worlds - hands and paddles. Of course Doms a good deal faster, I average two miles an hour; slow walking pace, Dom was cool, thoughtful as to how he can support me throughout the crossing on the 20th - good guy. We spotted a pod of about fifteen dolphin during our swim,  I managed to get stung by jelly fish - across the face again! Lovely to swim in the warm, blue sea, not too s******g it over shark!
In the afternoon a visit to Darcy (John Collier - Bobbys twin brother, my oldest school friend/lawyer and Rotto crew) and Madam (John's partner/Lawyer/Rotto Race Director of photography!) to catch up a little, see their lovely home and attend a meeting they'd kindly arranged with Paddler Dom AND our skipper for the Rotto race - Tony Henderson - lovely guy and without his support I would not have been able to enter the race - every solo swimmer has to have boat support; Tony is the man for the job: calm, well mannered, thoughtful and has a cracking boat and the skills to use it!! The meeting takes us through logistics that will have an effect on each and every one of us......with over two thousand swimmers and well over a thousand craft in the water at any one time, this is a big race, requiring some serious planning. After, a news bulletin on Channel 10 makes small mention of my visit to Perth and involvement in the Rotto Race and beyond!" - (link to come).



12th February 2010. W.A - Perth.

- Day off -



11th Feb 2010. W. A - Perth. (Distance 8miles/4Hrs) - BIG NEWS -

04:30 - Alarm, wash, porridge, drive in ute to Fremantle.
05:45 - Drop off, first stash of food at the 4mile(6.4km) marker.
06:10 - Drop off, second food stash at 6mile (9.6km) marker.
06:30 - Drive to start.
06:45 - Kind random stranger rubs zinc sun block onto my back.
07:00 - Start four hour swim.

"Left the house, a dull and murky day outside.....my mate Bobby just happened to mention, a few days ago, that shark particularly like to feast on humans at dawn and dusk.....AND, ON DULL AND MURKY DAYS!!  Bobby also warned me that getting a grip of the gears on his ute (truck) might not be easy at first......he didn't mention it'd be blocked it in with Lotta's car!!....hand brake off and a push sorted it, Bobby and Lotta blissfully unaware, sleep sweetly on.

Last night I planned the route I'd be taking for this two thirds, Rottnest practice swim; eight miles, to be swum over four hours, with two collection points for my liquid food, at the two and three hour markers (laid in advance).
Sweet lady at the start of my swim applied the sun block to my back, both agreed a tad unusual a request from one stranger to another! Hid my bag under a bush and slipped into the clear blue, warm water, as planned promptly at seven - with Bobby's, and about 90% of the good people of Fremantles views on shark, never too far from my mind, I headed off on my course - North to the mouth of Fremantles 'Success Harbor' (northern tip of 'South beach) - four miles from the start.
Time moves slowly when you start a long swim, the mind is full to the brim with stimuli, gathered from the very moment one wakes; the swimmer must find comfort and normality at this slower pace for both mind and body.
First break from the gathering rhythm......multiple hyper sensitivity to my chest, nipples, backs of my arms....like nettle rash, stinging all over - just swum through a shoal of tiny transparent jelly fish! I spot a Sting Ray as it shrugs off it's invisibility cloak of sand and swims away into the deeper murk......stroke follows stroke, follows stroke, follows stroke..... time passes, thoughts of shark; mind reminds me to keep an eye out for jellys (((((! swerve to avoid one )))))) two......more!!!!! Have to STOP....... hearts racing, right side caught a tentacle, it burns.....I swim around, to avoid yet more.
The water's more choppy here, murkier, deeper, darker, big clumps of sea weed, is this from where the shark will pounce?!!! Stroke.....more strokes....many more strokes.....the body's ok, holding up, no pain.
First food drop at the four mile mark, bang on two hours; as I tread water a guy kindly clambers the rock, brings my bottle of red fluid down, that will help me keep going, I drink it, talk about the jellys and head back from whence I came.
Good pace, happy with this swim, it's comfortable, I worry about more stingers, I forget about shark, I pick up my final feed at the six mile marker (placed at a point with natural markings, easily identifiable - three hours earlier). I spot shoals of tiny fish, they scurry away.

As always the last half an hour drags, I step onto sand, stretch my arms up high, I'm standing tall, proud and happy with what I've achieved.......what a buzz!!!"



10th February 2010. W. Australia - Perth.

"Plan route, times and drop off for big day tomorrow....then early night"


9th February 2010. W. Australia - Perth.

The heat.....the heat....everywhere a sweltering heat; trainings tougher for this cold lover. Off on the bike, to the sea, for a circuit training class, then a swim to cool me, to refresh me, to bathe me in delightful, cool, blue, sea.....wash off the heat of the day!



8th February 2010. W. Australia - Perth.    - BIG NEWS -

" Not long been up, better nights sleep, awake thinking about this race that I've come all this way for....it's just thirteen days away, got to get some long swims in, want to do a four hour sea swim on Thursday......problem.......how to feed without getting out of the water and without support? Think that I must cycle the distance leaving stashes of bottled food along the way at 3, 5 and seven miles, that way I can come close to land and feed, without having to get out, might work if I can remember where the stashes are! Need to get swimming and maintain fitness - joining an Aussie circuits class tonight ;-)

www.rottnestchannelswim.com.au/



7th February 2010. W. Australia - Perth.

" Up at ten for breakfast, lovely fresh eggs (3 chickens in garden) and Lotta's delicious home made bread made with Spelt (used by the Egyptians, way back). Hot day today, head to the beach for a quick dip, lovely blue sea with little choppy waves, shoals of fish. Thinking that if I have to head into the chop during this race to Rottnest Island (Westerly) then it will be a tougher race for me, as more resistance to cutting through the waves. Trip to shops to get stuff for my sea swimming esp Zinc cream to keep the sun off my back and make inquiries into having a special Wool Fat concoctition made up to keep the skin lubricated over long distance - It's a twelve hour race! and my reason (aside from seeing great friends Bobby and John and co) for being here - 20th February. Keep your eye's here on my blog for info, report, pics and short films about shark!!"


6th February 2010. W. Australia - Perth.

"Arrived yesterday afternoon, twenty hour flight, all on time, good to finally get here, flying into the gloom (just like landing into Heathrow, cloud, rain imminent!) greated by one of my oldest friends Bobby Collier, back to his to meet his lovely Lotta and the dog called Cow in their most brilliant house, great steak on the barby, some G&T's, mosquito bites and bed! Night mare in the night, somehow end up with a bruised right leg and bump on my head!!! Awake in the night screaming!!!!!! What's that about?!


2nd February 2010. Brighton.

"Been feeling guilty at not swimming in the sea!! Mind 'A' sais "it's too cold and dull outside!", 'B' side sais....."hang on a minute! you've been swimming for hours on end, ok in the comfort of a pool, but for hours at a time!!! Give yourself a break!!!!!!!!"  Both halves are right; two hours in the pool today, three hours planned for Thursday, all going in the right direction, but a little cold exposure is a good idea soooooo, I'll get back into the sea Wednesday..... Hooooray!  :-)"

1st February 2010. Brighton.

"Fantastic to have so many people join my Face Book Group (Channelangus) 300 in just one week!! Thanks to all who have joined, any ideas and ways to get more money raised, will be very welcome. Big thanks to Blatchington Mill School for their support so far, brilliant students, cool school, great to have on board, I hope that this project will be a great inspiration to them all."


27th January 2010. Tonbridge Kent.

"A visit to Tonbridge Boys school proves sucessful with a nod of interest for the swimming competition, they decide that the stronger swimmers will attempt a long distance sea swim with me at some point in the Summer to raise money for the Lawrences Roundabout Well appeal, great idea! Various schools express interest (Roedean, Blatchington Mill, Falma High School, others undecided) in the Channel Art Challenge, more information to go live on the site by the end of March, watch this space!"


25th January 2010. Brighton.

"Early rise this morning, to address about three hundred, Year 11 Students at Blatchington Mill school, in Brighton. Bit daunting, all those expectant eyes, looking in one direction! - the first of five assemblies this week.
The students paid good attention, gasps from some as I was introduced as the man "who's going to swim the Channel" We talked about the why's and when's, taking the opportunity to sow some interest in the 'Channel Art Challenge' the art competition that I'm setting up for about seven schools here in the South of England. It's quite a thing to see a sea of faces turn as you describe, point to a picture on the screen, that this morning's trip for drinking water and a wash, could have been to "That dirty dried up pond, once a well, now, a muddy pit, with a few scattered reflections" "That's what this swim is about, something in my head that can't say no and the chance to bring change to lives..... to bring fresh water to where it is desperately needed"  



21st January 2010. London.  Exercise for the week ahead.

This gives you all an idea of what training I'm involved with this week, with just shy of seven months to go!

Monday       - Circuit training/one hour.
Tuesday      - 200meter sea swim 4 degrees + Gym session/one hour.
Wednesday - 18mile bike ride + Club mixed pool session/one hour.
Thursday     - Day off.
Friday          - Four mile, continuous pool swim/two hours.
Saturday      - Six mile, continuous pool swim/three hours.
Sunday        - 200 meter sea swim. 



13th January 2010. Brighton.

"The sea gulls are still here, unsettled in the white landscape outside, yet more snow, deeply laying on the branches and roof tops, silence outside......time for a swim!"



12th January 2010. Brighton. (Distance 4Miles/2Hrs)

"Great news! Support 'in kind' from Neal's Yard Remedies Brighton who are offering me assistance with vitamins, skin care and general well being advice/treatment over the coming months. The art suppler Daler Rowney are generously donating £250 for the winning school in the art competition that's currently in planning stages, brilliant to have all this support, with plenty more on the way!"


11th January 2010. Brighton.

Circuit training, mainly working the legs, boy!....does Ricky work our legs, plenty of focus on lunges, squats etc, find it all a bit much sometimes as it breaks against any pattern that one experiences with the consistency of distance swimming. Having said that tonight's my first night of seeing the session through without any break! Compared with last year my energy levels are way higher, Christmas break recharged my batteries, listening to my body and eating plenty of the right food, all a step in the right direction."


9th January2010. Brighton. (Dist 200mtrs) Temp 4C.

"The sea is cold! Funny that the initial difficulties of getting in are no longer difficult, I just wade in and swim (sorry to sound like some sea swimmers hair commercial!) It's all a bit easier, then regulate ones breathing (as one's breath is taken away, short of breath.....breathless.....stop swimming and breath slowly) and I'm off, for a very short, rather tense swim."  - Read 2nd Jan.


7th January 2010. London. (Dist' 4miles/2Hrs)

"The trains are all up the swanny this morning, I give it half an hour at Lewisham and then give up (can't get myself on the packed, germ infested carriages, let alone the bike), get on my bike and cycle to the BBC - 12 miles to White City, there's still snow and plenty of ice about. Finish work and knowing that the trains will still be struggling and cyclists are seen as the anti-Christ, I opt for cycling back home! Not quite what I'd expected to do as had been planning my first, semi distance pool swim for a while today, and don't want to over do it! Well, I couldn't persuade myself otherwise, so a brief stop at Greenwich Swimming Baths local shop to pick up biscuits and Jamaican carrot cake and into the pool I did go......a bit dull, but ok, very hungry after!"



2nd January 2010. Brighton. (Dist' 200mtrs) Temp 5C. - BIG NEWS -  

"I have a love of the sea now with it's everyday change, getting in no longer a problem for me, no longer a shock, I wade into the still, cold, salty fluid and swim.....but as I head out, my skin begins to burn, my feet are numbing at the toe and my fingers - icy. I feel tight muscles under my arm involuntarily tweak the tendons in my fingers...............my mind......I keep checking, could I get lost? check - all appears to be well up there in that ice-cream-cold-hold, that space where this brain's feeling the cold.
Am I in danger.........of panicking.....well am I?!  I must keep myself calm, keep myself in check.............my body is ok, check - all the while moving, all the while stroking the water, with the cold hands and kicking with the cold feet.
I can see the mirror ball, half way down the pier, it's my marker that's where I'm headed, it's hard work getting there and I HAVE TO GET BACK.......What could they do if I drowned, those people I can see watching, up on the pier, looking down on me, all warm clothes and waves. 
I feel the sun weakly touch my skin, my hands are strong my stroke is short....I'm opposite the mirror ball and can't go on, my breath is regular, my mind determined, but there is fear, a fear of the unknown, how far can I go.....the body..........the mind, what can it take?..........NO MORE........ I switch direction, head back for the beach, my stroke feels slow, and slightly uncoordinated, my vision washed by icy water all the time, I feel as though part of me is trying to race to the beach to get there in time, the rest to stay the course, calm, thinking about my fingers like chipped china, I wonder if they might snap, break off the hand, the burning is intense.
The beach is soft under foot today, I run to the shower, wash, then run to get on clothes, jumping up and down to warm my core, my core is cold - it takes some jumping up and down and my mug of cocoa, (from the cafe next door, bless) to get what was lost, back."



1st January 2010. Brighton.  

"What a hang over!!!!! :-(  What a year.......It's here at last     2010     and I'm feeling refreshed and positive about the coming months, my mind is clear the journey ahead however tough, is achievable.
Had a great night last night with good friends, drink, food...food and more food, wondering about town with a drunken mind, the mind to have fun. A visit to the beach too, to see mini hot air balloons rise up over the water and fireworks woooosh their way up, and a moment's contemplation at the waters edge, for thought about the final part of the journey ahead.

Bed

The weather's cold, temp continues to drop, the sea is calm, still and cold. I head for the beach and win the cup presented by my club, the oldest cup that Brighton swimming club has to offer, a fifty meter sprint at just over five degrees!!! The best cure for hang over, instant effect :-) "



31st Dec 2009. London/Brighton.  (Distance = 4 Miles)  -  BIG NEWS -

" Woke this morning with the uncomfortable realization that 2010 is almost here! All those I've chatted to about my Channel swim over the past two years,  (believe me there have been many) every one of those conversations has had mention of 2010.......tomorrow it finally arrives....that big date is almost upon us, the count down to this swim is finally, really, most definitely HERE!"
"Back in Brighton, very happy to be back by the sea and amongst friends, not sure what I'll be doing by way of seeing in the new year; used to spending it up in the Lake District with many friends under one roof, this year everyone spread out far and wide......whatever I do, best not drink too much, just heard about Brighton Swimming Clubs 50 meter dash (race), want to be in reasonable condition!"



28th December 2009. London.

"Been having such a relaxing time with my Mum and Dad these past few days, my sister Flora doing a heap more to help Mum and make this Christmas far better than I'd expected!!! Fantastically relaxing. My run today, around four miles, less of a stress to the body (as it turned out in the coming days much quicker recovery too esp the quad and calf muscles)"



26th December 2009. London.

"I'm feeling blob like, every meal a double helping and very little exercise, another dunk in the ice this afternoon, and legs recovering from a Christmas Eve run, just four miles, but perhaps the furthest I've run.....ever! Quads very stiff, indeed signs of micro muscular damage into the last mile. I will be running each week now, part of my cross training. Can't wait to get back into water where I can swim more distance, tomorrow down at Greenwich baths, just an hour and a half, gradually build it up over the coming weeks; I've had my rest now and keen to get back to it!" 



25th December 2009. London.

"I can't find swimming pools to swim in for love nor money, tried to get in for a Christmas day swim with the Serpentine lot, turned away for not being organized enough.....note to self, become a member in advance and save the rather embarrassing, elitist shooing away on the phone, the night before!
In shear desperation for my daily cold water fix, resort to swimming in the frozen pool in Dartmouth Row, three degrees C, short swim, short recovery. Happy Christmas to all who come here to read......and those that don't too!"


21st December 2009. London.

"Still not much training at the moment, getting rid of my cold, seemingly not made any worse by my sea swim in the snow two days ago, not really got to the chest either, just snotty nose, which appears to be clearing.
I've realized that one tends to feel very guilty about taking time out from training. In my defense, I have trained hard these past months and next year will be even tougher, having a few more weeks off over the Christmas period, allowing myself social times with friends and family before the big push is not only a welcome break but also a healing opportunity for my body, giving it the chance to repair and fatten up."


18th December 2009. Brighton.

 "Made it to the sea today for my birthday swim, fifteen minutes at 6.5 degrees, six inches of snow on the beach. Felt great, didn't swim out too far in case of difficulty. Feet and hands cold in the water, took some time to warm core temperature once out. Have wondered what effect this might have on the cold I've got, such a broad range of opinions out there, ranging from "Helps to strengthen immunity" - "Worst thing you could ever do" ! 


 
 

Start to try to get local schools on board this project. Some interest at this early stage. One hopes that they can find ways of using this in a brilliantly inspired way, to excite and educate their students. I've come up with suggestions such as - Art competition, best illustration of Channel swim, equivalent distance pool swim in relay or over a set time. With the hope of really getting to grips with raising a load of money for my chosen charity too.  -  SEE 'SUPPORT PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION'.

16th December 2009. Brighton.

"Shoulder feeling much better today, largely thanks to the excellent work of a local sports physio. Alas started to come down with a cold yesterday and it's taken hold!!! This makes me feel lazy, as though I'm in danger of loosing fitness; giving yet more time to allow my immune system to repair, hope to get back to the pool within a couple of days and swim in the sea on my birthday - 18th December."



14th December 2009. Brighton.

"Swam in the sea today, round the pier - distance of just under a mile. Temp - 7.5 Degrees, without wetsuit. It's my first sea swim in a while and it felt good, no real sense of discomfort, my cold water exposure over the past year or so appears to be paying off. Great news on the charity fundraising side of this project as Rachel's Organic, makers of excellent yoghurt decide to give me some support, and plenty of other initiatives are springing up all the while to get the charity side of this project underway."


12 December 2009. Brighton.

"Bathed in a river a couple of days ago......chilly on the willy! Back in the sea later today, no wet suit as yet, thinking if might be of use when I get back from Australia, early in March. Off to see a sports physio in an hour to get feed back on this shoulder injury."


11th December 2009. Tonbridge, Kent.

"Kindly given permission to use Tonbridge boys school pool over the past couple of days, - the council's pools closed for two weeks.....as it seems, is practically every other pool in the country. Big frost here in Kent last night, planning a cold water plunge in the local lake, prob' about six/seven degrees. Shoulder still not right, going to see sports physio on Monday."


7th December 2009.

" Shoulder injury that I've had is at last now recovered, taking the time off to allow it to heal's paid off. I had my first pool swim in two weeks last Sunday, felt pretty good in the water.....very much aware that I'm now behind in my training and need to gradually up my game over the next two moths to be fit for the Rottnest Channel swim at the end of Feb 2010, open water swim from Perth WA to the island of Rottnest - 20km/12miles - warmer water, but plenty of jellys and the occasional shark, could lead to a personal best!"



1st December 2009.

"I've just had a full week off, the first week with no exercise in three months, there should have been more like it. The L shoulder pain I've been experiencing has almost gone, still there, but much better. I had an hour's circuits last night, all went well, back to the slightly colder sea in a couple of days and the pool by the weekend - to gradually pick up again." Feeling well rested.




26th November 2009. Brighton. 09:40 - Interview with Neil
Pringle, BBC Radio Sussex.
Download the interview.

www.channelangus.co.uk/audio/channel-swim-bbc-sussex.mp3



18th November 2009. Brighton. 07:00 - BIG NEWS -

"The wind keeps blowing this morning, talk of a strong tide amongst other swimmers, the sea's golden brown, churned up. I swim to the end of the pier, all the way ducking under powerful, white water waves, getting into the zone, thinking I'll make it around the head......all of a sudden CRASH!!!! thoughts suddenly interrupted, momentarily disorientated, arms flaying....Wondering what's hit me, might be a log? can't see anything.....Have I hit the pier? too far away...........there is no pain................thumped by a wave!.......the next wave's coming, it's just as big, getting bigger as is cartwheels down towards me, I duck under, hear it roar above. I surface, bob up and down a while, taking stock of the situation. I turn, spend the next twenty minutes heading back, all the while pushed off course - further east, can't take this on, no let up, one big bruising wave after the next.....no let up."
"I walk back bare foot along the shingle, tough, as it cuts into my feet, a tough swim and a tough walk home..........beats the swimming pool!"



15th November 2009. Brighton.

"Two days of stormy sea finally abate, this morning a group of us watched the sea for a while, it took time to make to decision to swim, as always the matter of how to get out once in. Simon BSC and I decided to make a go of it, once in, and clear of the beach break we were good to head up to the tip of the Palace Pier, round and back. No problems with the current, much stronger on the 1st Nov. All in all a lovely swim - Temp 11 degrees approx, bit chilly on the toes."


11th November 2009. Brighton.

"Can it be that I've finally got diet and training better managed? - no colds.......yet!"


8th November 2009. Brighton.

"Great weekend in Kent, two days off, swim yesterday - just legs........L arm injury, rotator cuff. Hope that it will not be lasting long."


4th November 2009. London.

"Booked my trip to Australia for February, more importantly my dear friend John Collier found me a man with a boat for the Rottnest Channel Swim, next February. 12Mile swim from Perth mainland to the Island of Rottnest. This will be my focus for the Winter, slight break this month then upping my level till this six/seven hour race next year. Had a great swim session with my old coach Dave Wilmott, down with my old club in Greenwich tonight, nice to be back home and pushed pretty hard in the pool!"


1st November 2009. Brighton. - BIG NEWS -

"Strong Westerly winds combined with strong tide, leads to a strong rip, as my swim friend Eileen and I battle to get round the Palace Pier this evening. White horses (stumpy determined - will not stop for anything kinda waves) stack up in long lines as the waters march to the beach. We rapidly carry on the current heading W - E at the end of the pier, then home, back under the pier - 25 meters.....takes five minutes, should be thirty seconds! People watching this gladiatorial scene play out in the high sea below. We get back. Eileen's lost the key at sea for our club room, situated just up the beach, with shower and our clothes!! We borrow a mobile, whilst desperately racking our brains for the telephone numbers we don't know anymore. We run semi naked through busy streets to an old friend of Brighton Swimming Club - Norman, he welcomes us, not fazed by our state of undress. We're rescued by Fiona half an hour later and get back to the club just in time to avoid the calling out of air and sea rescue, as two other members having found our clothes and belongings, realize we've been gone for too long. They are white as sheets as I open the
door!"



28th October 2009. Brighton.

" Without food you are nothing" - Sea temperature - 13.2 Degrees.

 

14th October 2009. Brighton.

"Keith Marlton the mainstay of Brighton Swimming Clubs Sea Section, passed away today. A kind, gentleman, who cared deeply about our club, Keith will be sorely missed."" I decided a few days ago that my Channel swim, aside being for charity, will be dedicated to Keiths memory.




13th October 2009. Brighton.                - BIG NEWS -

"Calm water, sun rising over the ocean. The red buoy maker that we swim to, a mile from the palace pier, blinks it's red lamp in the early dawn light. Air temperature getting colder."


7th October 2009. Brighton.

"Lovely sea swim in the rain this afternoon - water all about. Long, slow rolling waves, regular, calm, a terrific swim around the pier heading East into a very fast flowing outward bound tide. Good energy levels."


3rd October 2009. Brighton.

"Find fourteen year old boys passport in the rolling sea this morning. Sea temperature back down to 15 degrees."


30th September 2009. Brighton.

"Join 'Out to Swim' good swimming club, decent bunch of strong swimmers, set to push me more, once weekly with fast paced sets. All part of doubling up exercise at least three times a week, for example, typical day: One hour sea swim AM - one and a half hour pool session with Brighton swim Club and OTS - PM. Or Half hour sea swim AM/ one hour Gym/circuits or running PM."


 

1500 Meters front crawl, timed swim  15th July 2009   - 26:08
    
                                                      30th Sept  2009 - 22:58

19th September 2009. Dover.  (Distance = 11Miles.)  - BIG NEWS -

"The biggest swim......by a long shot!    See video diary.    (to come)

Biggest sea swim to date -  6Hrs 11Mins - 11.2 Miles - 14/15 degrees.



13th September 2009. France.

"There has mainly be one thing on my mind these last few days, (that is apart from catching up with my God Father Herve his wife and family and friends here in France) that next week I will try for my six hour sea qualifying swim down in Dover, really want to get it under my belt before Winter sets in."
"Swim every day this week inc - 1 x 2Hr, 4x1Hr, 1 x 3Hr - 6.5Miles - all pool swims. The plan's to build up over this week, then drop down a few days before the biggest swim of my life, next weekend."


28th August 2009. Kent.

"Swim in local lake today, home of masses of grease, very green....but warm, thanks to our hot Summer. Last time I used it almost had the police called by a nosy walker, sort the permission of land owner this time, delighted to be of help with my training!"


 

Full five days off.

 


18th August 2009. Brighton.                                        - BIG NEWS -

"Fiona Southwell - my swimming friend and force to be reckoned with, swims the Channel! Having started at seven yesterday morning, she stands on the french coast at about two thirty this morning.......20............HOURS.......... and............. NINETEEN MINUTES!!!!!! BIG WOW! Fiona becomes the worlds oldest female to successfully cross the Channel. What an amazing swim Fiona, all at Brighton swimming club immensely proud" :-)



8th August 2009. Brighton.

"Race in the Brighton Pier to Pier race today (very well organized by Jasper and Keith), ends a brilliant week of good levels of energy, gym, pool, circuits and sea. We swam against a strong tide, in warm water - 19 degrees - from the West to Palace Pier. Took me 34Mins, came 31st out of 50, quite happy with that, it's my first ever sea race. Might have done better had the sea been a bit more rough and tumble!"


 

It was noted that for the next week or so I was feeling more confident, stronger in the water, having pushed myself more with that race than for a while - I'd lifted the limiter a little, a new mental bench mark reached......another step closer?

Four days off to recover energy levels and fight suspected cold, or if the media are anything to go by.........pig flu!

21st July 2009. Brighton.                                                - BIG NEWS -

"Swim from the Palace Pier to Brighton Marina today, 2.8miles there and back.......1Hr 40Mins there.......20Mins back!!!!! Wind and current both working together - big tide. Last nights circuits was almost unmanageable; big nights play havoc with my fitness and general energy levels, want to reduce any aspect of a big night out that causes this dumping of strength."


18th July 2009. Brighton.

"Take the night out with friends.....a big night out. In bed by five."


17th July 2009. Brighton.                                        - BIG NEWS -

"Something of an epic swim ; made the decision to get in, then regretted it, with waves towering 7-8ft above me and breaking further out than the usual beach break. One tires easily in this water. Made it out and round the pier, all the time wondering how I would get back out!! Whilst taking my time, seventy five or so meters off the beach, choosing my moment to make the timely move for dry land, without being dumped very heavily by the white waves, a surf dude - of the highest order - comes to check I'm ok, I tell him I am, just taking my time; he turns and paddles away, not without half an eye cocked to see I'm ok. I get turned around by a big wave, rather, as one might imagine being inside a clothes washer. Then before I know it I'm in! and standing on my own two feet, on dry land." - Although exciting, better decision needed next time, me thinks!! Another close shave.


13th July 2009. Brighton.

"Start a once weekly circuit training class, cross training. Bloody tough going, sweat like a sweating monster thing"

 

FEELING GOOD BOTH IN AND OUT OF THE WATER.

12th July 2009. Brighton.

"Return from a few days away in Kent for the Brighton Pier to Pier race. The race is cancelled, the sea deemed too rough to race - swim double the distance instead, alone."


8th July 2009. Brighton.

"Swim on spring tide today between the Piers - 40 Minutes there.......14 Minutes back!! The power of the tide." "Masses of seaweed about to get tangled up in, not so keen on that, kinda freaks me out!"


4th June 2009. Brighton.

" All the sunny weather warming the sea nicely, almost too much.....18 degrees, general public sea swimming begins, lots of shrieking!"


30th June 2009. Brighton.                                                  - BIG NEWS -

"Told by a group of teenage girls as I get out of the water that I'm looking 'BuFF'....thanks girls!"


27th June 2009. Brighton.

"Big sea mist this morning, hugged the coast line to avoid getting lost!" - cough almost gone. Pain in right hand is developing, suspect tendonitis, will try to self massage as effecting strength of stroke.



20th June 2009. Dover.    (Distance = 8.5Miles)   - BIG NEWS -

"Picked up by Fiona 06:45, drive to Dover for my first taster of swimming with other Channel swimmers of the past and future. Swimming by nine, Vaseline on all the areas prone to chafeing. First hour drags slowly, the temperature here is a good couple of degrees colder - 14 degrees. Thinking I'll not manage much more, (freezing my nips off) beyond the first hour. The next hour slides by, then my first feed, a brief stop to be handed a welcome cup of warm 'Maxim' energy/carbohydrate feed by the beach crew, led by Freda Streeter, Alison Streeters Mother. Alison Streeter for those that don't know - the undisputed Queen of the Channel with 43 successful crossings.........yes.....phew!  Was told that the 'Maxim' can cause sickness - I am fine. Next two hours pass with relative ease, all in all a great swim a brilliant day and another step closer."
Biggest sea swim to date - 4Hrs 9Mins - 8.5Miles - 14 degrees.


15th June 2009. Brighton.                                                     - BIG NEWS -

"Sea temp up to 15 degrees, 'claw' in R hand no longer an issue at this temp. Gearing up for my first long sea swim of the year down at Dover, built up to a 1Hr 50Min two days before, then a day off. This visit to Dover is my first long planned sea swim. - Cough persists."


7th June 2009. Halwell - Devon.

"Staying with my great friend Michelle and god son Dexter, happens they live by the sea ;) Michelle shoulders me to the beach each day, bless her. Sea temp a few degrees colder here than Brighton. Swim in the Salcome Estuary - 11 degrees, pouring with rain, have to swim hard against the running tide. Feels cold, but great once out, alas no ice cream for sale!"


                                                                                      - BIG NEWS -
 

Continue to swim further in the sea at Brighton, many Palace Pier to West Pier swims with the help my friend Nick one day, keeping an eye on me from the beach as I swim a four way swim - three or so miles - temperature up to about 14 degrees - just in case something happens......water down the wrong pipe, cramp, hypothermia? The issue is that I just don't know what I am capable of doing in the sea at this moment in time, with so many variables with each new day. Others have a tendency to over dramatize from time to time too, I try not to get too drawn into their fears, but maintain a heathy respect for this mammoth body of water. - Slight pain to L arm.

Energy levels good again - still coughing.

1st June 2009. London.

"Final break with partner who I've been trying all the while to rekindle relationship with. Great sadness, not a touch on the first time we broke up but still tough. Must move forward, leave the pain behind and focus on the job ahead, feel a curious strength - this time no questions, just a full stop."

 

Looks like I over did it, a cold develops deep into the chest with infection, antibiotics used, coughing, coughing, coughing........reminds me of when I was a smoker. 

25th May 2009. Tenby.

"Staying along this charming coastline I can't resist swimming in the sea! Swum the last couple of days and today swim a 2 Mile - 45Min swim in 11 degree water  from the North round to South Beach. Plenty of small jelly fish about, punch one with my hand as I swim. I'm back to where I was last August with distance and temperature. Important to be getting stuck back into sea swimming, this is what it's all about!"



22nd May 2009. Tenby - South Wales.

"Head off by train to a wedding today, my friend Liz Doy. Feeling slight frog in the throat"


 

Take four days off, back clears following great massage from my massage friend Jade.

17th May 2009. Kent.

"Following late party night, put my back out in the garden next morning, feels bad - but different.....it's not a swimming injury!"



12th May 2009. Brighton.

"Sea current too strong for swim today, end up gym and pool."



8th May 2009. Falmer - 25mtr pool.   (Distance = 8Miles)   - BIG NEWS -

"Wow!!! What an effort!  Set out to swim further than ever before, up at Falmer pool with my good friend Fiona Southwell - she's training to swim the Channel this year. The first hour spent wondering what the hell I'm doing, thinking this really will be a most boring of journeys, how can I possibly manage this?! The mind is racing from the days stimulation. But this issue eases off as I plough up and down, get into a meditative rhythm. Second hour happy that the first is over, the third, grateful to be over the half way mark and the forth.......slight discomfort in R deltoid, gives me something extra to think about! One becomes aware of time again in the last half an hour or so, clock watching to be avoided at all costs.............time crawls.
Biggest swim to date - 4Hrs - 8Miles - 503 Lengths and NO pee break!



6th May 2009. Brighton.

"Getting chlorine allergy - running nose and sneezing for a couple of days post pool swims. Pain in upper L shoulder eased with stretching. Energy levels GOOD!


 

Time passes - both sea and pool swimming continue, begin to double up exercise in the day, a couple of times a week, by mixing say a one hour morning swim with an hours evening gym session, training six days a week. Energy up and down, slight shortness of breath over a few days, doesn't amount to anything worse. Still allowing my personal life and broken relationship of several months ago to effect my general wellbeing, feeling down at a time that this ever fitter Angus should be feeling top of the world.

23rd April 2009. Brighton.

" Swim twice round the Palace Pier today, takes forty minutes, the temperature 11 degrees, and get the claw again, R hand - involuntary splaying of the fingers caused by weakening muscles at low temperatures.



17th April 2009. Brighton.                                                   - BIG NEWS -

"Still feeling weak, worried that I might be coming down with yet another cold! :-(  On the way back from work, pop into news agents and buy an off the shelf isotonic drink......within an hour energy levels restored! :-)  Must have been dehydrated or lacking some useful mineral, don't imagine it's salt, drink plenty of that in the sea each day!


15th April 2009. Brighton.

"Slight sickness, diarrhoea, suspect dirty sea water, thought I tasted sweetness when swimming yesterday. Feeling weak."


6th April 2009. Brighton.                                                    - BIG NEWS -

"First swim around the Pier today, just under a mile round trip - 25 minutes - 8 degrees. A cold, damp morning, don't want to surrender my clothes before getting in. The water - choppy, not so pleasant for swimming, end up retching in the water, have to keep my head up more to spot the bigger waves amongst the chop, chop, choppiness of it all. All part of my first forays into cold water immersion, reliably informed a very important part of training to reduce risk of hypothermia when swimming the Channel." "Best thing is that I'm a full ten minutes up on the length of time I can endure this kind of temperature, at a good three degrees less, when compared with last November."


28th March 2009. Brighton.      Return to the sea!           - BIG NEWS -

"Went for a sea swim this morning, the first one since my winter break (too soft to continue through the coldest months!) Wearing neoprene gloves and socks, double swim hat - 8 Degrees!! In for ten minutes, not much swimming, hard work to get the muscles working well in that cold. Felt f*****g cold......but good :-)  


9th March 2009. Brighton.

"Week off!" 


27th February 2009. Brighton.     (Distance = 6.5 Miles.)      - BIG NEWS -

"Making more friends here in Brighton, feeling more up beat, energy levels back up. Swim over at the King Alfred Pool in Hove Actually ;)  Pretty hard 3Hr swim, manageable but low level discomfort in both R and L Rotator Cuff muscles (shoulder) Over all manage well, happy to keep upping my distance!
It's interesting that when training one if often worried about injury, the slightest ache can lead to thoughts of danger to the all important continuation of regular exercise.....how long will it last?.......will it be permanent?........will it screw up my chances of ever finishing the job and swimming the all important, life sucking swim!"


 

Energy levels down to fifty percent, bad cold sore attack, getting very scatty....
forgetful - generally feeling low and wondering what I'm doing this all for.....why?!
Decide to work through it - no temperature, will get more sleep.

3rd February 2009. Brighton.    (Distance = 5.4 Miles.)

"Another step closer.....ok, not much but every little piece fits to complete this journey. 2Hrs 20mins - 5.4 Miles, trying hard to reduce my stroke rate (number of strokes it takes to get from one end of the pool to the other) efficiency is one key for success. I average 19 - 20 strokes per 25 meters. Cold sore attack starts during swim.


31 January 2009. Cambridge.

"Great nine mile walk today with old conservation friends led by Peter Tymkow - world conservation leader."


17th January 2009. London.

Meet with UK Olympic swimmer Adrian Turner at Tooting baths. Great advice from a true expert. work on various technique drills concentrating on kick, arm pull and breathing. He said and I quote " You're really not that bad, I was expecting much worse, if you'd started swimming earlier in your life, you might well have made a great swimmer!!" Bet he says that to all the boys ;) ..... another vocation missed?!


15th January 2009. London.

"Wake this morning feeling v tired, miss my train stop on the way to work. Mouth ulcers back, slight cold - feeling run down."


14th January 2009. Elstree.    (Distance = 5 miles)              - BIG NEWS -

"Long pool swim today - longest EVER! - There will continue to be great moments like this where one reaches a new target. 2Hours - 5 Miles, have to stop once to get out and pee, pissed off about that! Felt quite strong in the water, although find it tough to occupy the mind, time passes slowly. The only interesting thing is seeing people come and go as I swim through." " Meet Adrian Turner Athens Olympic I.M qualifier 2004, now working as swim coach and actor, agree to meet at Tooting public baths for a swimming lesson"


8th January 2009. Brighton - 06:30

"One has good days and one has bad. This morning was not a good session. I'm always feeling as thought I'm in competition with the faster pool swimmers, my stroke whilst more efficient over long distance is not getting faster over short. I have to remember this as bad sessions make the channel appear very far from my grasp." :(


6th January 2009. Brighton - 06:00

"My first session up at Roedean School.....very EARLY!!! Plan to make use of this swim time two/three times a week." "Who am I doing all this for? Surely if I am to work this hard for so long, this must be another opportunity to fundraise. Although"
 

Start regular gym work, to build on increased core strength - light free weights work with repetition. Also keep up Pilates - try to make it once a week.

13th November 2008, Brighton.                                           - BIG NEWS -

"Brighton Palace Pier plays a big part for the swimmers. Most swim distances are taken with reference to the pier, for example..... my first swim was out as far as the 'mirror ball' - about half way up the pier, distance - quarter of a mile, fifteen minutes at 11 degrees MY COLDEST SWIM TO DATE!!! Muscle appears to function with more effort at this temperature and the body takes a good half hour to warm through once out. Fighting another cold" :(
 

Been getting colds again this winter, although this year much less severe. More careful with diet - eating more, more regularly and the right kind of foods. More fruit, veg, meat and fish. Taking protein supplement - occasionally.

29th October 2008, Brighton.                                              - BIG NEWS -

"Move to Brighton! giving myself a complete week off, got mouth ulcers and generally feeling run down" "joining Brighton swim club in a week, getting a key for the beach changing area near the Palace Pier.......it has a hot shower!!!"

Some timed, front crawl swim times, compare 2007 with 08!

Date                    Distance                    Fastest Time.

2007                    100 Meters                  1min 46sec 00split.
2008                    100 Meters                  1min 18sec 02split.

2007                    200 Meters                  3mins 41sec 03split.
2008                    200 Meters                  2mins 55sec 09split.
 

Through September I suffer slight colds this winter, they come and go - thought: not enough food to replace lost calories. I get better at giving myself recovery time, days off. But also when able, I keep some swimming going, within known limits which appears to work. Pool swimming continues with change of work load - shorter sets. Find it tough "Keep feeling I'm not sure if I'll manage to get to the end of each set, too demanding" But I do manage....just.

1st September 2008, London.

"Trying to improve stroke all the time, although always makes me feel slower in the water :-( Wider arms, increased body roll, longer forward stretch, long sweep to the hip and elbows up high in recovery, with a relaxed hand. Sooooo much to think about"


25th August 2008, London.

"I've been reading up on Channel swimming.....the most horrendous stuff about jelly fish, the worst I've heard, the idea of multiple stings is a dread!" "I'm only able to swim a couple of miles in coldish water before my body runs out of energy, starts to complain.... how can I ever manage the Channel?!!!"


20th August 2008, London.

"Considering leaving London, heading to Brighton for a change in life and to find the SEA! Always aware that I'll be needing to start getting used to the movement, taste and constant changes of the ocean." "Trying to decide if I might use this as another fundraiser"


 

Return to pool training - continue with
club sessions, usual IM and Mixed sets, start to swim longer swims in Charlton lido.

17th August 2008, Rinsey - Cornwall.                                 - BIG NEWS -

The really BIG adventure!!!!!

"Swim out into big sea froth, no turning back, impossible to get back out onto the jagged rocks from which I'd come. Only way is ahead for my planned swim to Praa Sands - one and a half miles away. Big rolling water crashes over my head and snaps me into a greater sense of concentration. Working my way out south to get far enough out to clear these big waves, that dump on me, making me tire quickly. I'm nervous; like a clockwork toy wondering when my springs unraveling will be complete, leaving me helpless, at the mercy of this white, turbulent place.
I realize a rip is pulling me back towards the rocks, slightly west, with a sheer cliff face impossible to land on, or climb; the water crashes and froths over more gagged rocks. With a sudden, strong urge to survive, all the energy I can muster in this cold sea pays off, when I finally realize that I've managed to clear the rip and head for home around this promontory, for a rather surreal experience; I meet, in the swollen sea, a life guard who's out for his daily body surf, we'd exchanged a few words a few days before. How marvelously odd this crossing of our two worlds, mine up until this very moment a battle for survival and his, one of relative calm serenity, he could never have known, from where I'd just come - a collision of polar opposites, how life can twist and distort in such a short time. We talk for a while as we bob up and down. I head for home, teeth chattering. My friends Bex and Al are there on the beach to meet me at the end of this my longest and toughest swim."

Two hour recovery for core temp, but highly thrilled from this adventure.

"A good bench mark, with the knowledge that I'd not like to find myself in that situation, on my own, again!"



14th August 2008, Marazion - Cornwall.   (Distance = Just under 2 miles)

The start of two weeks sea swimming......

First big sea adventure!!

"Swam around St Michael's Mount, Marazion today, longest ever sea swim, just under two miles, not sure how I'd cope with the 16 degree water, felt very cold and the fingers in right hand began to splay involuntarily! Making my crawl stroke much less efficient. Battled with the salt water, nausea and waves for fifty minutes,
Slight fear forced me to work hard to finish the swim. Swam above a fish and could swear it waved at me. Invited into sailing club for lovely hot shower after (never recommended as plays havoc with ones core temp, best to use tepid water and warm gradually) Felt great!"



Mid July 2008, London. - First cold water swims.  (Distance = 1 Mile)

Start to swim once a week in the lido at Charlton, terribly under resourced and badly funded, massive shame as it's a great 50 meter. I pay my way to join the hard core of devoted swimmers once a week for an ICY plunge!


 

Within days I was to return to my swimming sessions with my brilliant coach Dave Wilmott - always up beat, giving just the right levels of support and moral boosting feed back. Energy levels back up. Average three, one hour training days a week, all indoor pool based.

22nd January 2008, London.

Blood test - all clear. Boosts my confidence that all's ok, confirmation that I've been over doing it, pushing myself way over my limits - "Must listen to body!"


                                                                                          - BIG NEWS -
 

In order for one to focus on a project such as this, one has to have ones mental house in order. Having a significant break in a relationship with someone that I really cared very much about, was to prove a major fly in the ointment, pulling me way down. So combined with erratic work, heavy training my immune system hit's rock bottom.

6th January 2008, Ambleside - Cumbria.

"Cough and cold are back, this time worse than ever, this has been going on now, on and off for several months, suspect something more serious as trigger, it's having an effect on my swimming and general wellbeing"


1st January 2008, Bantham - Devon.

"First sea swim in years! 10 degrees, swimming with my good friends the Clarks, in and out in minutes.......brrrrr!!! Hot bath follows and I've got to get used to temperatures like this?
F**k !"


"Getting a grip on food intake, porridge is the brilliant start to my day. Favorite is large rolled oats soaked in apple juice over night, mixed with flavored yogurt, with berried fruit added and mixed up - I make up a big batch for the week." " Must Listen to my body, it know's best, if I'm feeling low then I need to take some time out, which is tough, I want to swim!"


Swimming all the time becoming the big player in my life, my focus, my light.


1st November 2007, London.  (Distance = 2,500 Meters)

" Had my first 100 (2500m) length FC pool swim today, no break!!! Just over one hour - very hard work, slightly boring" That's just over a mile - boy, I'd come some way in just a few months.


 

Pool winter training continues both with Greenwich swimming club and on my own. Highlights of which include one cold after the next, three months of it, back to back, all exacerbated by the breaking up of a relationship which just brought me down.......down.....down.

Monday 20th August 2007, London.   (Distance = 25 Meters)    - BIG NEWS -

"Joined and swam with Greenwich swimming club tonight for the first time. Put in the slow lane with some girl and a guy, some very fit swimmers in the fast lane and I mean FIT! ;-) Impossible for me to keep up, can barely swim a length of FC, keep reverting back to breast stroke......feel so slow, gasping for breath, swallowing mouth fulls of water, choking all the time   :-( "


8th August 2007 London.

Big empty, hollow, depressing feeling inside me, following completion of my ten month marathon training. Have to fill the void - decide to train to swim the Channel......as you do?!
My thoughts? Giving me focus and chance to train for several years, working towards this goal - this Everest of swims.


June 2007 Tonbridge Kent.  (Distance = 15 Meters)          - BIG NEWS -

Given first and only, impromptu lesson in front crawl from a brilliant life guard - Mark in the open air pool in Tonbridge. I leave able to swim just under 15m's.


Sunday 22nd April 2007, London.                                 - BIG NEWS -

Complete 10 months training for the London Marathon, my attempt to go all 26.2 miles on crutches for a land mine charity - 7hrs13.59 a world record first!