Back in the Saddle

After having done my longest swimming week 2 weeks ago (52km), i had last week off, bar 2km in the baltic sea (picture to come), on a cruise. All inclusive - so my weight gain has taken off at last and i have a number of people to thank for that - Rochey, Adeleine, Pete, Saf, Dave,Simon, Nick and most of all Duncan Shooter Ace 7 milkshakes in a day Perry. Keeping up with him has now made me the heaviest i have ever been - so hopefully that will work well with fighting the cold (up 11lbs from the start).

I did a 2km swim in the Baltic with Ian Jamieson (doing an Iron Man next week - so best of luck), which was surprisingly warm. No other swimming although i did a couple of runs on the treadmill and this extra weight made it feel like i had a rucksac of bricks on my back..!

Back in the saddle since Friday which has been ok - c5km,8km, 11km back to back in the lakes. Stage 2 of the training, which was lake swimming and getting used to the cold whist putting on some weight, is coming to an end. All sea swimming from now on - stage 3. Getting used to being out there in the sea and the waves. Stage 1 was the pool and putting in the hard winter yards BTW..!

A big thank you to CHarles Noble for his ongoing help, assistance and guidance. Very much appreciated. Charles swam the channel last summer...

The problems and charity

Bar the obvious cold, boredom and aches/strains, i have come across two little issues..

Sorted now with anti histamines but i was allergic to something in the lake when in it for a long time... see rash...

And looking very silly when i come back from a long swim! - substantial goggle marks and a hat line whatever i do to avoid it - in this picture putting it up high.

My back looks as though i have caribbean heritage now!


Charity - i have to thank everyone who has been so generous in sponsoring me. I would like to give a special thanks to Eton Bridge Partners, especially Ashton Ward and John Archer, who have most generously donated £1000 to my charities. There seems to be more to come as well from other people... great news.