There’s nothing quite like certainty to motivate us. For me, the certainty of a swim date is all it took to go from low to high, in terms of mood, determination, & training. For the last 3 years, I’ve been actively chasing a date. With the lockdown causing a backlog, the number of swimmers far […]
After 3 months out of the water, May 2020 was a welcome return to the water. Swimming with my friends from the previous year, & a range of new ones, I soon learned that my technique had room for improvement. Where I had developed a nice rhythm, twist, and pull, in the previous swimming season, […]
Having swam in the sea many time, whether in South Wales at New Year, along the Norfolk coast accompanied by seals coming to investigate me, or off the southern coast at Brighton, I had proven how the cold was still not my enemy. Enjoying a dip in the sea at each chance I could, but […]
Following a trip to the lake in 2019, I began near daily visits for a swim. Meeting new people, including a number of long distance swimmers, I soon built up a network of swimming buddies with whom to explore the 330 acre lake. Accompanying one of these swimmers on her training swims for swimming the […]
As I swam on my daily morning swim in the pool, meditating, relaxing, focusing on reflecting on life, dealing with the various challenges my life amid a really unpleasant separation, my life was held together by two things; my supportive partner, & my children. As I swam up and down each day, I got to […]
Moving to Spain saw the start of a new life. A new set of friends, a new outlook on life, and a chance to live my life for my daughters, while continuing to swim, in the sea, every opportunity I could. Enjoying a swim in the strong waves on New Years Day, I truly felt […]
With swimming planned as a future activity, life went on well. Spending time looking after the children, my 7 days were rich with experiences. Taking them away to friends and family members, many who I had not seen for the duration of the marriage, I began to regain my ‘self’. I felt free again. For […]
As my marriage began to break down in late 2008, I focused on my children. With a Channel Swim waiting list at the time of up to 18 months, & the distinct possibility to get a cancellation, I parked my plans to reserve a swim date, thinking I could just get a new date with […]
With each session, came greater confidence. Swim training, weight training, high calorie intake, & daily cold showers were part of my existence. As I visited friends by the sea, whether in Herne Bay, Brighton, or Dorset, a dip in the sea was always incorporated. Feeling ready in mind & body, & with nutritionist friends willing […]
Feeling ready for my Challenge, I was about to book. In order to keep the peace at home, after special request I agreed not to seek a last minute cancellation for 2009, & agreed to postpone the swim. Disheartened, after putting in the hours, the sessions, & more, I felt at a loss, as if […]