FAR BEYOND THE BLACK LINE

Inspirational

2010-09-21T15:16:00.009+08:00

David and Evelyn Frantzeskou - of Varne Ridge just out of Dover, forwarded this photo of quadruple amputee Philippe Croizon.

Why are they sipping champaine? Philippe has just succcessfully swam across the English Channel in 13 & 1/2 hours. His limbs were amputated after a tragic electrical shock accident.

David and Evelyn with Phillippe Croizon

I am in awe of his accomplishment. It makes me more determined to train and follow my dream to conquer the Channel in 2011.

Just keep swimming - a breathtaking experience

THIRD TIME LUCKY..Decision made

2010-09-13T15:04:00.012+08:00

It's been just over twelve months since my last encounter with the English Channel. The unfortunate 'slip-up' occurred on the pilot boat before my August 2009 attempt began and it has taken me this long to finally make the decision to 'have another go'.

I am so passionate about open water swimming .... yes, yes, I will again go far beyond the black line .. and yes, I am looking forward to the dedication of training even harder, smarter and further than before. Yes, I am !?!

So, I have joined the Craigie Leisure Centre situated only 10 minutes away from home. They offer a range of sporting activities, inside and outdoor heated swimming pools a huge variety of group fitness classes and a new refurbished gym.

I love the outdoor pool and use the gym twice a week. Out of the many fitness groups, I have chosen a workout class that builds strength, conditioning & flexability called 'Body Balance' which offers a mixture of yoga, tai-chi & pilates. Its also good for stretching and the moves and poses are to music which creates a holistic workout. Love it!

Well, this is a start, so heres hoping this senior body of mine can withhold every swim, gym and fitness class for the next coming year.

Just keep swimming - a breathtaking experience

A Journey Ended with Disappointment

2009-08-13T15:04:00.001+08:00

13th August 2009

My second attempt to swim the English Channel ended in disappointment only 2 hours out.

We started off in darkness at 2:45am UK time from 'Samphire Hoe' a bay out and around from Dover Harbour. There were another 8 pilots with swimmers heading off from this point at various times. After being greased up and night lights attached to bather and goggle, I was about to jump into the dark water when I slipped and fell in the water awkwardly on my back ... a great start, OMG. Swimming into shore I felt a slight pain on the right side, just under the rib cage. Didn't think much about this as Adrenalin was flowing through the body. The beach is pebbled so had to crawl/walk out beyond the waters edge. A siren sounded from the boat and this was the commencement of my attempt to swim from England to France.

Swimming in the darkness was serene, I loved this experience and swam strongly and confidently following the flash light on the water for guidance. Coming up to my next feed a sharp pain was causing me distress. Went on for another hour but unfortunately the pain was too much and so became the finish of my swim. A trip to hospital confirmed that I had strained or torn an abdominal muscle, maybe when entering the water from the boat.

During the day, the weather did a turn for the worst and one team and more solos had to abort their swims.

A special thanks to my husband Max - always there for me. Big brother Ian for his great support. Coach Pauline Pratt - what can I say about this unique lady who is so dedicated and passionate about open water swimming, to the extent that she extended her stay in Dover to support me on my channel swim.

We, who are passionate about open water swimming or swimming in general will never stop - my journey to this point has given me health, fitness, self confidence and also gaining so many friends from all areas of the world.

Swimming is my passion and I will never stop swimming in open water, but not so far beyond the black line !

When a journey ends a new one begins and I just cannot wait !

Thank you all for following me on this lifetime journey.

Just keeping Swimming - A Breathtaking Experience

Watch this space for updates on Channel team swims

2009-07-28T13:58:00.020+08:00

Updates and Reports on Channel Swimmers from Perth, Western Australia

27th July 2009

The Barracuddas Adult Team commenced at 3:00am (10:00am Perth time) and successfully completed their channel crossing in a time of 9 hours 5 minutes. Not a WR but the fastest ever team, to date, to swim on a spring tide. It was good conditions for the first half of their journey, but conditions in the last half deteriorated and it was rough going. A fantastic effort - CONGRATULATIONS to Jerm., Toby, James, Dom., Kristy and Curtis! who swam in this order.

28th July 2009

The Churchlands High School team # 1 'Barracudas Sharks' consisting of Jess, Kelsey, Renae, Zoe, Andrew and Daniel, commenced their swim at 4:30am UK time and still swimming as I type.

You can follow their progress on board their Pilot Boat 'Anastasia' on the following website -

http://www.shipais.com/currentmap.php?refresh=2&count=3&map=dover

SUCCESS! Just been informed that Churchlands team # one crossed the channel in 9 hours 41 minutes in aweful conditions. CONGRATULATIONS champs!

31st July 2009

The Churchlands High School team # 2 'Barracuda's Stingrays' swimmers in team order: Shannon, Casey, Adam, Rachel, Benji and Sarah, have started their journey leaving shakespeare Beach at 6:00am GMT (2:00pm Perth time). The weather is looking good - swim well champs, and they did just that. CONGRATULATIONS!

1st August 2009

Selwyn Jellie - Double English Channel Crossing Swim was cancelled after 1 hour 5 minutes -WAY too rough - 18-20 knot winds, 3-5 ft waves - some were 6-8ft!!!! Other swimmers in the water had their swims cancelled also. Selwyn's crew said it was so rough you could not stand without seriously holding on to something with TWO hands--for just that short amount of time on the boat they have some heavy duty bruises''. The pilot called it a practice swim.

2nd August 2009

Selwyn has another chance - The morning started with sunshine and calm waters but unfortunatly the weather turned around for the worst gale force winds with up to 10ft. waves. Besides Selwyn, there were other swimmers attempting solo, double and even a triple crossing. The weather was so bad most swimmers had to abort their attempts.

WELL DONE Selwyn - to swim for 11.5 hours in these conditions is a great physical and mental achievement.

I am still training in Perth and leave for UK on 7th August '09. Hoping the 'Channel Gods' will be kinder to me.

8th August '09

Have arrived safely in Dover UK.

Please follow my journey on http://www.twitter.com/engchannel1el

Just Keep Swimming - A Breathtaking Experience

Count down time

2009-07-20T16:07:00.003+08:00

21st July 1969 - 'One giant leap for mankind'

The above date brings back lots of fond working day memories. I was a former NASA staff member who worked as a young typist/clerk in the Logistics Department of the Carnarvon Tracking Station. During this time the station played a vital role in the landing of Apollo 11 and Neil Armstrong's historic "one small step" on the moon.

This month marks the 40th anniversary of this event, a year I just cannot forget, not only did I have a small, weeny part in this history, I was expecting my first child, my special event - Karen entered this world 26th December 1969.

Back to Training

Less than three weeks of training to complete my preparation for the English Channel Swim next month. Its hard to believe that time has passed so quickly as it feels like only days since I commenced this blog ..... nearly 12 months ago.

After pool training it was into the water again at Hillarys Mariner - my initial reaction was one of 'brrrr' along with the younger swimmers doing EC teams. We all screeched and agreed that the water is certainly colder than last week, however, after about 5 minutes I had relaxed into a good rhythm and my breathing settled down. No stingers!! With conditions flat and intervals of sunshine, temp. around 15deg.C (well, its cold for us) we stayed in for 30 minutes, this was OK as we just completed 4 hours of training in a nice warm pool.

Laps in Hillarys Mariner

Finish of 'cold' water training - Hillarys Mariner. For me, the hardest part was hauling myself up the steep ladder

Some English Channel '09 Barracuddas team members and myself after the last training session in Hillarys Mariner

As well as training, I am trying to eat sufficient food to gain more weight, but am noticing that most of the weight is being stored on the stomach...yuck/hate...but maybe I can state that this 'will protect my vital organs !?@#! ' What....

Since returning from England last September '08, this week is my 45th week of training . I have counted each week of kilometres swum and have covered a total of approximately 1,240 kilometres during this time, 3 weeks of training yet to be done covering less kilometres pw.

The training programs set out this year have been excellent and by pushing myself harder than usual, I can really feel the difference in my swimming, strength, control strokes and I am also more mentally fit. This year, I have been less uptight about training and most of it has been fun. Last year it was all about quantity, this year's effort was mostly on quality training and speed work.

Health wise all appears to be well and my focus from now on is not getting injured and gaining some more weight !!

Last year we booked accommodation again for this year at the Varne Ridge Holiday Park. Varne Ridge is a small secluded and exclusive family-run holiday park. It's situated near to the cliffs and has panoramic views over the English Channel to the coastline of France and is located halfway between Folkestone and Dover. Having last year's memories and visions of this beautiful place, I am looking forward to enjoying the tranquil cliff-top walks on designated paths over the cliff tops and this time of the year colourful flowers bloom everywhere. The owners, David and Evelyn Frantzeskou make everyone from all over the world feel so welcome and at this time of the year, 'Channel time', guests are mostly channel swimming hopefuls and I can barely wait to enjoy all the channel chitter, chatter that goes on.

View from Varne Ridge towards Dover

We will arrive in Dover five days before the commencement of my tide (13-18th August), and training during these mornings will be in Dover Harbour.

Part of Dover Harbour - view from Dover Castle

My Skipper/Pilot is Eddie Spelling (who is also booked by Selwyn Jellie, and three Barracuddas teams on the July tide). Eddie's boat "Anastasia" is a 43ft Dutch steel flybridge cabin motor cruiser escort vessel and skippered charter.

Anastasia - Pilot Boat

My valued crew is my husband Max, Ian - brother and Pauline - coach. I feel honoured and so happy to have them on board. The swim is a team effort and am looking forward to this second attempt. I am ready to go and ready to swim.

Selwyn Jellie - ready to swim a double crossing of the English Channel - July '09

Two Churchlands High School Barracuddas Teams with Coach, Pauline Pratt

3rd Barracuddas Team with coach, Pauline Pratt

Great statistics Perth, Western Australia - swimming the English Channel 2009

- 3 teams = 18 young swimmers

- 1 solo double crossing

- 1 solo crossing

A huge "THANK YOU" - PAULINE PRATT for being such a dedicated coach of pool and open water swimming !!

"May the elements with with us

May the wind blow behind us

May the sun shine upon us"

I will try to keep this blog up to date with anything noteworthy. The support I have received from everyone is greatly appreciated - from family, friends, swimming friends and readers from all over the Globe.

Thanks for following and thanks for sharing my journey leading up to the English Channel solo 2009.

Just Keep Swimming - A Breath Taking Experience

Stroke after Stroke - Day By Day

2009-06-20T15:15:00.001+08:00

It's been a month since my last posting. I can't believe how fast the days and weeks are passing me by. There are less than two months left for training before my English Channel Swim!

I question myself - 'Have I done enough training'? 'What is enough training'? I don't think any swimmer knows the answer - every swimmer has their different opinion and own ways of training. I am happy, strong and confident with my tough training sessions and fitness level, so I guess this is what counts the most....to me.

The pool's broken-down heater had not been replaced and until just recently, we (not many of us) have been training in cold water which has been terrific for our English Channel preparation. The heater has since been replaced and the water is nice and warm so we will now be swimming more in the ocean and river for acclimatisation to cold water.

After Saturday pool sessions, Selwyn and myself train in the Swan River with Pauline or Max paddling along side carrying feed and drinks for us. One day was very special - Barbara Pellitt accompanied us on our swim. She travelled 1 1/2 hours from the country to swim in the river with us - and brown jelly-fish or 'Man-O-Wars'. Crazy, but this lady has swum most everywhere and is used to all sorts of conditions and marine life. After the training swim, the four us sat over coffee and discussed all areas of open water swimming mainly, of course, the English Channel. Barbara has a bank of information and we thank her for sharing all her experiences with us.

Hillarys Mariner swim - We place our clothes in a black plastic bag (just in case it rains) and drinks and feed on the small beach area of the harbour. At the moment huge earthworks are underway and most of the sandy area is fenced off to the public beach. We wade into the rather cold but calm water and swim south to the rocks for a starting spot at the end of a small jetty. Its approximately 250metres from this starting point to the other sandy shallow end. This swimming area is protected by the vast numbers of cafes, restaurants and shops, so the aroma of coffee and food is a tease and I can't help but notice the 'normal' people walking along with their families all bundled up in their winter clothes.

Hillarys Mariner - start training at jetty end and finish shallow end (250metres)

We had the whole mariner to ourselves, except for some cheeky seagulls trying to steal food from our eskies. The water is approximately 16-18C except for some cold patches of water to swim through - Brrrrr.

How lucky for us, the clouds seemed to disappear quickly leaving the rest of the morning with sunshine and the water flat calm. Some areas of the mariner is clear enough to see schools of small silver fish and sometimes a fish or two jump out of the water.

Selwyn and myself swim 12 lengths (about an hour) hop out for a feed/drink, wade back in for the next hour. Another day of training - four hours in the pool and two in open water. We have had another great training session and exit the water pleased with our efforts....good! A cold shower and then enjoyed a nice hot coffee with my sister Judy and cousin Sue. Sitting in the sunshine, so warm on my back, I could have stayed in this spot all day.

Most Saturday mornings we train at the pool for four hours and during this time the members of two teams training for the English Channel this July come and join us - we all train under coach, Pauline Pratt. A mother of one of the swimmers bring in a huge plateful of warm, freshly made muffins - Yum! They didn't last long. Afterwards we all travel to Hillary's Mariner for cold open water training and it was a change and a great pleasure to have the Churchlands High School/Barracuddas team members accompany us. They are a bunch of absolutely amazing strong, committed young swimmers. They will do so well in the English Channel. Go, Go, Go!

Max paddling in Hillarys Mariner

It had rained in the early morning during pool training and when we arrived at Hillarys there was grey clouds and wind blowing strongly across the bay. The Mariner did not look inviting, over the past wintry days the harsh wind had blown twigs, leaves and the odd plastic bag was floating about, looking like huge white jelly-fish.

Upon entering the water by jumping from the jetty, we all started swimming north to the shallow end. The water was not as cold as it has been previously, just a lot more choppy due to the strong winds. Selwyn and myself swam from end to end, I am swimming in my comfort zone....not for long however, we joined the younger swimmers who were all sprinting from end to end, fast swimming to build up some body heat. Very good training which got me out of my own comfort zone. Hmmm. Thanks guys. The session would have been much more fun if we all did not receive nasty stings from the many small jelly-fish. Ugggg. OMG!!!

I am really moving forward in my training. I have learned where my strengths and weaknesses are and adjusting my training plan accordingly with the help of Pauline and at the same time having a great time and fun, fun is a must.

Finding fun-time in the pool

and outside the pool

A party - dressed as something starting with S. Carrol....Sweet, Senile, Senior Swimmer. Max.....Scarboro Surf Life Saver

Back on track...

My main weakness is mental attitude and am working on this every day. I also need to deal with coldness. I am no where close to where I need to be, so acclimatisation swims will need to be done soon at Lake Leshenaultia where some of us experienced the cold lake water last year. I seem to remember the most uncomfortable part of swimming cold water is getting out of it. Your body is 'warm' while you are swimming but when you stop it quickly cools down.

SO.... I need to now continue to acclimate to the cold and also some serious mental training needs to be worked on as well.

Selwyn and myself training in the cold water of Lake Leshenaultia 2008

Open water swims are just amazing whether in the ocean, lake or river. They are unpredictable which makes them fun yet tough. Put your head down and just keep swimming.

“In the sea....I can just be

I have no name....I have no number

I am weightless.... ageless
free to just be me” - annon

Just keep swimming - a breathtaking experience

Open water training ahead of pool competition

2009-05-20T16:20:00.002+08:00

I enjoy all forms of swimming competitions but had to make the decision not to participate in the WA State Masters Championships this month and continue on with my English Channel pool and open water training.

The need to clock up more kilometres per week, we decided that after finishing pool training to head towards the beach for some ocean swimming. On most Wednesdays I am fortunate to have another swimmer to train with, Selwyn Jellie, who has a bigger goal for the English Channel. It makes a huge difference having someone else to train with, not only for company but for safety reasons as well.

Finishing a training session at Churchlands High School pool

From Churchlands High School Pool, we headed for a venue close to both homes - Sorrento Beach, just south of Hillarys Marine Harbour (where we train in dark conditions and the water temperature is cooler than the open sea). The Distance is approximately 2km from the Mariner wall heading south just past the third groyne and back to the wall.

Sorrento Beach taken from Hillarys Mariner wall - three groynes are just visible

I am mentally ready for a 10km swim and after applying suncream and Vaseline (petroleum jelly) we commenced swimming in rather murky but calm waters and approximately 18 degrees C. Nice and warm conditions made swimming enjoyable, the sun felt so wonderful on the body - this is bliss in the middle of May! Winter is nearly upon us so we are enjoying every moment of this beautiful day.

At the mariner wall and groyne end of our training, we have a small break, chat about how great the conditions are and off we go again, we also walked ashore for a feed on the hour. After 10 lengths, 10km I thought we were done, but NO Selwyn has another plan ... "lets swim another 2km" . "what" I half complained, "yes, can't you see and smell the French soil just 2km away? come on lets go" !! Well, OK .... I can do this, I am feeling good and strong with no body pain and away we swam. We were both swimming strong and kept swimming and swimming until we 'imagined' hitting France soil - What a game, what fun!! Imaginary goes a long way. Thanks Selwyn for being supportive and pushing me that extra 2km.

12km swim today or 7.4 miles (hmmm! thats not far in miles) was actually fun, my energy levels are good, no way am I cold and for most of the last two extra kilometres allowed myself to breathe on every stroke instead of practising bi-lateral breathing.

This four hour swim was great but I need more and more of this training, swimming long and hard to develop more endurance. I continue to find things I need to work on and will make the effort to improve on them. I promise myself to train bi-laterally, especially on longer swims. Being a unilateral breather all my swimming career, it is hard to adjust, especially the challenge in colder water, my lungs constrict and I need to breathe more frequently than the bi-lateral form will allow. Practise, practise is all I can do during my pool and ocean training.

With a plan to cross-train I decided to ride down to the ocean to swim. My husband willingly made my old bike ride-able, it was covered with cobwebs etc. after 3 years standing idle in the back shed! With a safe, clean, well oiled bike I rode 6km (not far) to Sorrento Beach coping rather well with the steep hills along the way. Jumped in the water, just loved the conditions and could have swam on and on. However, since I could not see a soul in site and being the only one in the water, thought better about the safety aspect of swimming on my own and decided to get out. How sad is that! Instead I changed my plan and decided to do a power walk along the beautiful Sorrento beach scenic path and afterwards cycle home.

What a great morning. I am so lucky - Just me being me.

Challenge Stadium

Sometimes for some reason its difficult to make early morning training sessions and on these odd days I travel to the Challenge Stadium at a reasonable time of the day to swim and train on my own. The Stadium is a world class Aquatic Centre and I have been a regular swimmer here for the past twenty odd years. Hmmm.

Front entrance to the Challenge Stadium in the morning sunshine

Challenge Stadium Indoor Pool and Diving Pool at the rear

One of the outdoor pools at Challenge Stadium

A few weeks ago I received an email from Marty Tatham, Managing Director of Waterproof iPod Australia. He came across my blog while surfing the Internet and thought that with the many hours of training I clock up it must get boring sometimes. He generously forwarded me a Swimman Waterproof iPod to use. After loading my favourite music and some motivational talks I could not wait to try it out.

The program I set out for myself is great to do in a 50metre pool and a welcome change from the usual training in a 25m pool.

3000 metres straight swim - the start of every 50m is done with a sprint - endurance
1000 metres using paddles, pool buoy and ankle band - strength
1000 metres using finger paddles and pool buoy - entry/stroke
1000 metres using fins and board - kick, various
1000 metres using fins swim - 50m F/50mS
1000 metres various skills and strokes

I have done this program before and it is a little boring so this is a good time to try out the waterproof iPod. I attached the small waterproof case to my goggle strap with it's patented clip design - the iPod is very light, felt comfortable and the music very clear. The time and laps went by quickly .... it was great, it was fun and the combination of swimming with music ... wow! what more can a swimmer ask for? I loved it and if you are interested have a look at the website http://www.swimman.com.au/

Last Saturday after pool training, we went down to the Swan River for some open water training. We - teenage girls/boys from Churchlands High School who are training for a 6 person team to swim the English Channel this July, Selwyn, myself and our Coach, Pauline Pratt on ski. As usual there were so many brown jellys and our poor Coach was a sitting target for flying jellies. Splat! Splat! and soon Pauline was covered in brown jelly substance! We were almost in the middle of the river and laughing so much we had attracted three dolphins .... these beautiful creatures circled us and played close by for some time (maybe to figure out what all the noise was about) and then they headed into deeper waters. Pauline soon forgot about the jelly throwing and was thinking the same as I - we were blessed with their presence.

How good was that - thats - open water swimming!

Just Keep Swimming - A Breathtaking Experience

An Amazing Experience

2009-05-13T20:04:00.005+08:00

An amazing experience with two extraordinary people.

Philip Rush a New Zealand marathon swimmer who is the current world record holder for the fastest two and three way swims of the English Channel. Philip completed the two way in 1985 and the three way crossing in 1987. He has successfully crossed Cook Strait 8 times!! Other amazing achievements by Philip can be viewed on: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Rush Philip now coaches and enjoys preparing swimmers to tackle the Cook Strait and the English Channel.

Shelley Taylor-Smith the world's top marathon swimmer who now resides back in her home State, Western Australia. Shelley remains the only woman in the world to hold the No.1 ranking in marathon swimming for men and woman (1991). I was lucky to be one of the time-keepers at this time to clock her swim into marathon history. There are so many records held by Shelley to list them all here, so please click on the link to find out more about this truly extraordinary swimmer: http://www.championmindset.com.au/ Today, she is Australia's No. 1 Mental Toughness Coach, holds Motivational Presentations and Workshops and is the Director and Founder of Champion Mindset ® Consulting. I am fortunate to have been one of her many clients.

Teleseminar - My Amazing Experience

Shelley Taylor-Smith set up a phone call through a teleseminar line so the three of us together (Philip in New Zealand, Shelley in Mandurah W.A. and myself in Greenwood W.A.) could discuss my 2008 unsuccessful solo crossing and ways of how to improve and create a successful outcome for this coming August attempt.

After dial-in procedures, Philip discussed in length the training, strengths, weaknesses, nutrition, feeding and mental attitude a solo swimmer needs to tackle the English Channel, sometimes referred to as 'the Ditch'.

We discussed in length my feeding plan. On my last crossing, We realised there was too much varied food to choose from which made me sick. So I will now keep to the basics using my plan below over the duration of my next attempt:

Carbohydrate drink - one that suits me and have used during training
Banana, mashed - Just because I love them and because they are filling
Carbo Shotz - watered down
Electrolyte drink

If needed some 'comfort food' like chocolate/cake.

BUT I will keep it all simple, I am a senior person and the older we are our digestive system does not work as it used to.

Training -5 to 10 kilometres more training per week has been advised, so - swim/eat/sleep etc. etc. zzzzz. At the end of August I will have a life!! Not complaining mind you. I enjoy training and all the health benefit it brings.

Through this teleseminar, I am able to draw on all of Philip's and Shelley's open water swimming expertise and own experiences. Both are such an inspiration and they have confirmed and instilled in me a bigger and better self belief in my coming dream.

Just keep swimming - a breathtaking experience

Its Yuk! - Its Mentally Tough Training

2009-04-29T21:05:00.002+08:00

Increased open water swim training is now well underway.

As well as the usual pool training and a Sunday ocean swim at North Cottesloe, two other open water training swims are now on my calendar.

After 4 hours of pool training on Saturday mornings, the group consisting of three adults (training for English Channel goals) and 12 teenage pupils from Churchlands Senior High School who are training for two English Channel teams, travel to the Swan River for extra training. This venue is not very pleasant, the water is a murky brown and we swim through hundreds upon hundreds of man-a-wars (Brown jellies) of all different sizes. I have never been stung by these horrible, slimy marine things but if you happen to swim head-on with a big one, its like banging your head against a piece of floating wood.

Its yuk!! but its mentally tough training!! and tough preparation needed for our English Channel goals - whether its a solo, two way solo swim or team of six swimmers. We will all get tough by swimming in all different kinds of conditions! But man-a-wars!?!

Training area on a calm, cloudy day - the Swan River, Perth

Wednesday morning training sessions are held at Hillary's Boat Harbour where, at the moment, a four hour swim is done to get accustomed to night and cold water swimming conditions. We commence at 5:30am, but its not quite dark as a few harbour jetty lights glitter on the water giving some magical shininess for us to see and swim through. The water here at the moment is reasonably warm, but heading into our winter it will lower to about 16 degrees. Brrrr. This is English Channel temperature - if you're lucky.

In the harbour there are a few stingers (jelly fish) and its just a matter of getting used to being stung (or kissed) every so often, move on and just keep swimming. Besides the occasional 'shag' and seagulls, there are silver fish of different sizes swimming or jumping out of the water. This morning I happened to pass a floating kiddies blue beach bucket!

Swimming these mornings I can view the sun rise, it peeps through and eventually rises over the pine trees that scatter around the eastern side of the harbour. It's always brilliant, and I am always in awe with the beauty that this time of day brings ...

As time ticks by during our training, other casual swimmers and families arrive for a swim or paddle. Nice to have extra company. Then you can smell the aroma of coffee, bacon and eggs being prepared by the many cafes around the harbour. Not fair - when you still have 2-3 hours swimming to complete.

Hillary's Mariner Boat Harbour

If there is time and energy to fit in an extra ocean swim during the week, then swimming from Scarboro Surf Life Saving Club north to Trigg Island SLSC and return is great and is approximately two kilometres each way. This is usually a rough swim with swells, rips and currents to swim through and plenty of board surfers dot the waves as well!! No stingers. What? Where have they gone!?

View from Trigg Beach to Scarborough Beach

One of my favourite venues is Sorrento Beach, just out of and south of Hillary's Mariner. From the Mariner wall to just past the third groyne is approx. 1km. This beach is handy as travel time is only 5-10min. away from home.

Sorrento Beach

Next - You guessed it.....more training of course.

Just Keep Swimming - A Breathtaking Experience

Racing Versus Training

2009-03-31T17:26:00.009+08:00

Saturday mornings is usually a grueling four hour training session in the pool. But Saturday, 28th March is also the 2009 Dale Alcock State 2km OWS event, one which I have participated in over many years and love it.

I know the training session would be much more beneficial to me at this stage, but I also love to race and having this competitive nature, decided the 2km event in the ocean would be fun and it could also be used to see how my training is actually going! So, the decision was made upon the fact that this will be my last participating event on the OWS calendar for this season and then - the next four months must be a full commitment to non stop training for the English Channel....Yes, this sounds OK to me...

SO, along with other members of Bold Park Power Masters Swimming Club I entered the 2k event, organised by Masters Swimming WA. (formerly AUSSI).

Some of Bold Park Power Masters who competed. From left - Lucy Stuart, Ralph McManis, Max Wannell, Colin Plant and myself. (Pip Laufmann and Nick Morley not present for photo)

The swim - 2009 Dale Alcock State OWS (2000m) is for MSWA members only, members ranging in age from 20 to 95. Also included within the course is a 1000m swim, for the not so fit and for up-n-coming OWS wanabes. There are 31 Masters clubs throughout Western Australia who enjoy "Fitness, Friendship and Fun" through swimming and social activities. There is a variety of capabilities - from those who can swim a casual lap or two, to world record holders in the pool and OWS events.

Coogee Beach -part of the 2k course
The venue is approximately seven kilometres south of Fremantle.

After registration and having our race number marked on our upper right arm, we listened to the race briefing at 8:30am.

Swimmers waiting for commencement of race

The start and finish of event

The start commenced in deep water between two big red buoys and with a field of approx. 145 participants, all headed south at the sound of the hooter. It was reasonably good conditions, a little choppy and the way down to the first turning buoy I could see loads of arms and green caps bobbing in all directions.

There was a swimmer in a BlueSeventy suit swimming just a little too close to me. Hmmm ... I bet it's one of the Parson's sisters. It can't be 'speedy Eleanor' who is swimming brilliantly these days, so as Gail is more my speed, it must be Gail, yes, its Gail! She is also swimming very well and giving me a hard time as we go neck to neck around the turning buoy! Both sisters are training for the AUSSI Masters National Swim in Brisbane 30th April to 4th May '09. They are swimming fast and strong and will do well....Best of luck to you both and all participating swimmers.

SO, around the last buoy, heading towards the finishing line and in a calm space of my own, when ... 'whack' a darn stinger on the neck and right over my face....Ouch! We all thought these marine creatures had disappeared at this time of the season. I'm not complaining, as it was the only one to 'kiss' me over the 2km distance.

Feeling strong at the finish was a good indicator of my fitness, coming in 50th position and was timed at 30min 01sec. If I did not have that laugh with Gail at the first turning buoy, my time would have been under 30mins! Ha! Ha! now that's open water swimming and I would not have missed out on that laugh for just one second. Such fun.

For a reason, a season or a lifetime

Competing in any event you always catch up with fellow swimmers from metro and country areas and some people enter your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Over many years during the swimming seasons, I have been crossing paths with a very talented and successful open water swimmer who resides in the country. Barbara Pellick is high on my list as an elite swimmer and great motivational person. This amazing lady has swum the English Channel, placed in the Manhattan Island Swim twice and in the lead up to this years Rottnest Channel swim - her 22nd solo, she joined a multi-national team to cross New Zealand's Lake Taupo three times and covered 126km.

Queen of the 'Rotto Channel' - Barbara Pellick receiving her 2009 Rottnest Channel race pack - her 22nd solo crossing

After an event it is very often we are seen treading water in the 'middle of the ocean' talking about all forms of swimming techniques, ideas, good advice and plenty of encouragement about swimming the English Channel. What a mountain of valuable information she has to offer and I appreciate that she is always willing to share her time and knowledge with me over coffee, on the beach or in the middle of the sea.

Colin Plant and Carrol Wannell- Bold Park Power Masters receiving age group trophies from President of MSWA Ivan Marinovich

Now for my goal - to commit to training, training for the big picture in four months.

If you are given a dream, you are given the ability to fulfil this dream.

~~ Dream it and do it ~~

Just keep swimming - a breathing experience

Done the training to start the training

2009-03-09T13:21:00.001+09:00

Now For the Training

After finishing the Rottnest Channel Swim I was exhausted after struggling through the strong currents near Rottnest Island. However, there was no sign of any body aches or pains, just fatigue.

Two weeks after the Rottnest Channel swim, I feel fresh, rested and ready to commence the training needed for the coming English Channel swim in five months time. Where are the days/weeks going?

During the coming weeks, I plan to do quality interval workouts in the pool at:

Churchlands High School 25m pool. Most training will be done here under coach, Pauline Pratt.

Bold Park 50m pool. Will try to touch base with my AUSSI club - Bold Park Power Masters, on Tuesday evening club night.

Challenge Stadium 50m pool. The Rottnest Channel Swim Group - Wednesday mornings.

My longer swims to be over the weekends:

Saturday morning - Churchlands High School pool under coach, Pauline Pratt
Saturday afternoons - open water swim at either Hillary's boat harbour or the Swan River
Sunday morning - long ocean swim at either North Cottesloe, Sorrento or Mullaloo Beach

Gym session at Churchlands High School - Wednesday evenings. Plus follow through light gym session/s at home. Love to fit in a beach walk with family.

One day off a week to have a physical and mental break!

Sounds good to me ..... I am lucky to have support from a great training group, making my journey so much easier and fun ... hmmm, well most of the time.

Just keep swimming - A breathtaking experience

Rottnest Channel Swim

2009-02-25T13:15:00.021+09:00

WAtoday Rottnest Channel Swim

21st February '09

Registered entrants - 2298 swimmers consisting of:

Solos - 171 (145 successfully completed the event)

Duos - 140 (133 successful)

Teams - 1,987 (433 successfull teams)

14 Official boats from the Fremantle Volunteer Sea Rescue and approx. 70 volunteers made this event the most successful yet.

Swimmer David Cox (25yr) won the grueling 19.2km swim in a time of 4hrs 40mins. and Jaime Bowler (27yrs) was 1st female over the line with a time of 4hrs 56mins. For all race results refer to: http://bluechip.racetectiming.com/rottnest.html

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL SWIMMERS

My 8th Solo Swim

All preparations were complete the night before - clothes, food, drinks etc. Somehow I managed to have a good nights sleep. The alarm went off at 4:15am. Breakfast of porridge, banana plus added protein was forced down at this time of the morning.

Max, my husband/support, left home to meet up with the skipper, Graham Clarke, paddler Ian Clarke and continued onto Hillary's Boat Harbour. My daughter Lorelle, grand-daughter Kristen-Jade, her friend Katie and myself headed to Cottesloe for the start of the 19th Rottnest Channel Swim and my eighth solo attempt.

My eldest brother Ian was already there to greet us, I simply love the family support. After registration and grease-up, it was time to head to the start line, where WA Premier Colin Barnett sounded the horn to start the race at 6:45am for the 1st wave of solo swimmers.

Big brother Ian, grand-daughter Kristen-Jade, myself all greased up and daughter Lorelle

In the starting area at dawn - an eerie feeling

Ian Clarke, my paddler was wearing a miner's light and I had a small green flashing light attached to my goggle strap which made our connection at the 500 metre mark so easy and soon after, our boat was by our side. So far, so good. What a great crew, you cannot do this swim without them.

Graham Clarke (Clarky) my Skipper on front of his boat - has lead me over to "Rotto" several times

Breathing on my left side I could see the sun coming up behind me. That was spectacular, what a wonderful feeling, sort of warm and fuzzy on the back. Then something else in the water made me feel warm and fuzzy in another sense. OUCH! a darn stinger stung me right on the lips. OUCH! again on the face and arms .... repeat this four times, OUCH! OUCH! etc. not funny. These stingers have long tentacles that have to be peeled off your skin. Yuk!!! OK, so persevere and just keep swimming.

The water was crystal clear and the bottom of the ocean could be seen all the way over, sand and seaweed, sand and seeweed. I saw no sign of marine life - big or small, and that's OK!

Just finishing a feed

Around the 15km mark I found the swim getting tougher. Come on Carrol just keep swimming, remember all the mental mantras ... well, put them all in place - now. Come on! Draw on that strength, that power and calmness of the mind, time to find that meditative state, and just relax...Relax. I played mind games, focused on my technique, did long, strong strokes and thought about family and friends.

Just keep swimming - is that Rottnest Island ?

I convinced myself that it is good to have your weaknesses surface so you know what to focus on, but is that a load of *!@#* ? I was tired, simply tired.

I imagined I was actually swimming in the English Channel. What! I can't do this EC thing if my energy levels are not the best and my sinuses and throat are burning and so sore.

Hey! Be positive now and 'stuff and flush' this negative thought away. Thank you Shelley Taylor-Smith. Come on! Each stroke is getting you closer to the island and I am determined to just keep swimming.

Where is that Phillip Rock? Where's it gone. Hey! Ian, where is that darn rock?

Hey! Where is that Phillip Rock?

Ian, my valued and very patient paddler, gave me encouragement and positive feedback every feed stop. Break the swim down into bite sized pieces. I mentally swam from feed to feed and each hour had a special 'power' word game to concentrate on. 'The rock is just coming up on the left', says Ian with a grin. Yeah, Yeah....I muttered to myself.

I feel that I turned a corner as far as mental toughness goes.!?! Nothing on my body hurts except my sinuses and throat, I am just tired and hey! I am loving every minute of it .... Isn't this my chosen sport for fitness, health and fun?? Hmmm.

I was timed 1 1/2 hours slower than in previous years. My swim was strong and fast to the 10km mark and I thought great, another 3+ hours swim coming up and I'm finished. But this was not to be as we drifted too far south, like so many other swimmers and the under current was very strong this year .... this is my longest crossing ever - 8 hrs.19min. It was tough going. But, but .... I DID IT!!

The face says it all

I have discovered that long distance swimming is not about being fast, but rather having fun and accomplishing goals in a supportive environment. I can't believe it took me all these years to realise this.

It was wonderful and a very emotional time to walk across the finish line to see and hear my family and friends yelling and waving, their presence and smiles were worth it all. Thanks especially to Judy, Lorelle, Kristen-Jade, Katie, Dee and - Max who managed to rush from the crew boat to the finish line in time to see me finish. A BIG thank you to my support crew!!

Thoughts on my swim

Sometimes it is the little things, like watching the sun rising that are the most rewarding
Chaffing and jellyfish stings happen
If uncomfortable, just stay with it because something will eventually change
If something hurts, focusing on good form helps
The least of my worries was being eaten by a shark - look out for that boat!
Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming - even if you need to throw in some breaststroke. I did this for the very first time!
My crew was excellent, understanding, patient and appreciated.
Having family and friends to greet you at the finish line is just awesome

This was another great physical and mentally tough swim. There is still a long way to go to be ready to swim the English Channel this coming August.

You just have to love and be dedicated to this sport!

My family supporters - relaxing at the 'Quokka Arms' Hotel

Group photo of successful solo swimmers

The Annual Race - Western Australia

The Rottnest Channel Swim event has come a long way since my first individual swim. On 23 February 1991, sixteen individuals left Cottesloe Beach at 5:30am and seven teams of four started 1/2 hour later. Twelve solo swimmers and all seven teams completed the crossing. Max and myself became the first husband and wife to make individual crossings.

Since 1991, Max has completed three solos, one duo with myself and several team events. He has been my valued support person and sometimes paddler on my eight successful solo crossings and two unsuccessful crossings - illness and bad weather conditions.

2009 - The 19.2km ocean swim from Cottesloe Beach to Rottnest Island has turned into an annual race. With 64 marker buoys plus float lines placed in the water, it is one of the largest open water swims in the world with a gathering of over 10,000 spectators, supporters and competitors on Rottnest Island. More than 750 support craft are involved and over 100 volunteers and staff assist on the beaches and the water to ensure everyone is accounted for at the end of the day. Oh, did I mention that according to the RCSA, over 180 kegs of beer are consumed on the island!!

We have and always will be proudly involved as a swimmer or a volunteer.

What's next

> Five months of long hard training (March to July) continuing the preparation towards my English Channel crossing scheduled for mid August.

> Maybe enter a swim thru and an AUSSI Masters carnival for fun and variation.

Just keep swimming - a breathtaking experience

Rottnest Channel Swim 2009

2009-02-18T12:31:00.010+09:00

Rottnest Channel Swim Briefing

A mandatory briefing for the Rottnest Channel Swim event was held on Tuesday 3rd February 2009 at the Challenge Stadium. A representative for each solo/duo/team swimmer must attend the briefing or be disqualified from the event. There are many volunteers working on the briefing night, giving out correct race packs to swimmers, event t-shirt sales and the busy 'help desk' was kept very busy.

Challenge Stadium hall filling up quickly - oh! there's Mary-Anne Paton, solo swimmer, with 'Stewy' her boat skipper sitting in the front row. and, oh! theres Wendy and ..... hey, stop!

The Queen of the Rottnest Channel Swim - Barbara Pellick (21 solos) collecting her solo race pack

Some Barracudas Club members are all smiles after collecting their solo race packs

The 2009 WAtoday Rottnest Channel Swim - 19.2km

Saturday 21st February 2009. The race departs from Cottesloe Beach and finishes at Thomson Bay, Rottnest Island.

The event categories for competitors are - Solo, Duo, Team of 4 and Lavan Legal Charity Challenge - team of 4. Minimum age is 14 years in accordance with the FINA rules for open water swimming.

This is the largest open water event of its kind and attracts swimmers from all over the world. For full details and information - http://www.rottnestchannelswim.com.au/

Fit-looking Rottnest Channel swimmers who train hard at Challenge Stadium, are ready to swim their last open water training session at North Cottesloe SLSC before the 'Rotto' event

GOOD LUCK for a great swim - see you on the beach !!

Just keep swimming - a breathtaking experience

Another Fun Weekend of Swimming

2009-02-14T15:19:00.001+09:00

Cottesloe to Swanbourne Beach 2200 metres

We are so lucky to have the choice of many swim events - published in the Open Water Swims Calender, collated by Masters Swimming WA.

Saturday 7th Feb. we participated in the 24th Annual Cottesloe to Swanbourne Ocean Classic, organised by the Swanbourne Nedlands Surf Life Saving Club.

One of my favourite swims - it was calm, a little cloudy and the water crystal clear. Max and I left our car at the event finish and walked the scenic ocean path to Cottesloe where approximately 300 swimmers gathered for registrations.

A mass water start commenced at the Cottesloe groyne and a straight swim was enjoyed over some scattered reef and weed for 2.2km to the finish line at Swanbourne Nedlands SLSC.

A simply magical swim!

Cottesloe SLSC - Start of swim

View from Cottesloe SLSC - around the bend is finishing line at Swanbourne Nedlands SLSC

Myself and a number of other "Rotto" solo/team swimmers decided to swim back to Cottesloe for extra training ... a nice and gentle pace on a beautiful day, its great to be alive. My time for 2.2km was timed at 30:52 sec.

After presentations, we travel south to Busselton for the:

ILUKA Busselton Jetty Swim - Sunday 8th Feb '09.

It was a pleasure to have the company of Shelley Hatton for the 200km drive to Busselton where we settled in our accommodation, a very comfortable self-contained chalet situated near the ocean and walking distance to the start of the Jetty swim.

This swim aims to celebrate the local icon and heritage, the Busselton Jetty - for people to participate in an ocean swim and encourage personal fitness. The event attracts novice, experienced and elite swimmers of all ages and ability.

Starting point of swim

A record field of approximately 1400 swimmers registered for the swim from the region and metropolitan area. Around 5000 spectators were there to cheer on the swimmers from either the beach start or viewed the entire course from the Busselton Jetty.

Spectators watch on as a wave of swimmers commence their swim

Swimmers started in six groups, 2 minutes apart - 4 waves for individual swimmers followed by first swimmer for duo teams and first swimmer for three person team.

As an individual swimmer I started in wave A. It was a little cramped at the beginning but swimmers soon thinned out and found their 'space' leading up to the end of the Jetty. Turning around to swim back I found myself alone. Hey! where have all the swimmers gone? It would have been great to have at least one swimmer to pace with, no such luck, so it was just me and my breathing - and schools of small fish on the ocean bed to amuse me. Not for long though, swimming up to the red buoys, swimmers came from every direction. hmmm, maybe I was too far south, but the huge silver marker buoys were always just in front of me!?! Well, finishing with a mob of other swimmers made me sprint, just a little. The finishing clock showed 58:45. I was delighted to have gone under the hour.

Spectators and swimmers at finishing line

Completing the 3.6km swim

Receiving a trophy for age group winner - the trophy is made out of wood, Busselton Jetty wood.

Max and I have participated in 12 of the 14 Busselton Jetty swims and once again our sincere thanks to the many volunteers who gave freely of their time and who did a magnificent job making the event run safely and smoothly!

Just keep swimming - a breathtaking experience

Australia Day Long Weekend of Swimming

2009-01-27T17:46:00.007+09:00

Two swimming events suddenly became three!

At first I was looking forward to the 10km "Rotto Rehearsal" swim on Sunday, but when the coach says we also do the 5km swim event the day before, I gulped and thought this was a little too much as the Australia Day 2km swim was scheduled on the Monday holiday and I would like to swim for a good time! Holiday?!

OK - ok..... lets give them all a good go. Well, I surprised myself by completing the three events. Does this mean that mental things are happening at last, "sort of" falling into place? Hmmm.....Please!

The 5km swim on Saturday morning was in choppy but warm conditions and I finished in good spirits with a time of 1 hour 26 mins. The Blue Seventy swim suit I wore felt great at the beginning but by the finish I had a nasty, red abrasion on the neck. Ouch!

One event down, two to go .... without the Blue Seventy suit and a rather sore neck.

5km female over 50yr winners - Myself (G) Judy Grieves (S) Kathy Phillips (B) with Shelley Taylor-Smith - presenter of medals for Swimming WA

Next day the 10km event for myself and most swimmers was a qualifying, rehearsal swim for the 19.2km Rottnest Channel crossing coming up in approximately three weeks time. This is an opportunity to swim along side your paddler and make sure you have your feeding and drinks right. My first stop - 1 hour when Ian Clarke (my paddler) handed a mouthful of banana and a carbohydrate drink. Next stop - 1/2 hour when I tried a carbo shot previously mixed with the correct amount of water. Yummy, nice and sweet in a somewhat salty mouth... It was choppy from the commencement of this swim and when the sea breeze came in, the choppier the ocean became making it more of a challenge and greater training - wearing ordinary Speedo bathers.

My other feeds were 1/2 hour intervals and at the last feed break, I heard my name being called .... it was Karen, Tony Parbery's wife/paddler yelling out 'go Carrol go' ... Yikes! its Tony who trains with me and member of the Barracudas Club, he's right behind me.... I nearly choked on my feed, 'get a move on Carrol' !*! I muttered to myself. Whew, with a bit more swimming effort I just finished "the rehearsal" in front.... Hey! it's not a race you guys.....or, more like ... its not a race Carrol!

After swimming the 5km swim the day before, I completed this 10km swim feeling comfortable in 3 hours 12 mins. My main weakness is mental toughness and I am always learning how to make it happen without draining my mind. To focus on the 'here and now' and not on the entire swim all at once. I practised allowing positive mantras into my thinking and not to let myself think about all the other things I need to do today. Remember .... "Here and Now". Swim from feed to feed.....okay, now swim to the next buoy....okay, and so on.

The good things about my swim:

Carbohydrate drink works
Carbo Shotz with correct water measurement works
Mantras works
Thinking of the 'here and now' works
Having a positive state of mind works
Just swim from feed to feed works
Use of long, strong strokes works
A great paddler to direct and feed me during swim definitely works

I continue to find things that need work on:

Feed stops to be more efficient
Swallow less salt water when swimming
Have a song in my head
Strengthen my rotator cuffs
Don't worry about how much further I have to swim
To believe in myself more & more
Use imaginary tools
Be Calm, Confident and Comfortable in the water
Break swim into mentally, manageable segments and confront one piece at a time - a must!
Continue a well balanced nutritional eating plan
Relax and enjoy the beauty of open water

and ... to make the effort to improve on them all with fun and passion.

I am extremely lucky to have a great paddler. Ian Clarke has many years of experience paddling/ski-ing with Surf Life Saving Clubs in West Australia and is also a great competitor in the States August weekend Avon Decent event. His father, Graham Clarke (Clarky) has previously been my paddler and has been my 'boatie' for many years during the Rottnest Channel Swim. What a team ... the best.

Oh. dear - is that me with paddler Ian Clarke

Water Corporation OWS Series #5

Organised by Swimming WA
Venue: Sorrento Beach

24th January '09 - Saturday

1.25km/5km events (includes SWA State Champs.)

Start & finish of 1.2km & 5km event

25th January '09 - Sunday

2.5km/10km events (includes SWA State Champs.)
Combined with: Rottnest Channel Swim Association - "Rotto Rehearsal"

Hey! that's our coach, Pauline Pratt. Is she hiding behind the finish flag to make sure we complete all swims?

26th January '09 -

Happy Australia Day!

The 19th Annual Australia Day Open Water Swim - 2km

Venue: Scarborough Beach

Presented by Carine AUSSI Masters Swimming Club (Inc)

What an excellent way to begin Australia Day. In fact, Max and I have been involved in this special day swimming the Australia day Open Water Swim Thru for the past 18 years. Max has been the event's organiser for as many years.

Brief Event Background

In 1990 Australia Day Council met with Carine AUSSI Masters Swimming club to arrange a swim-thru at Matilda Bay on the Swan River to help celebrate Australia Day. The first swim was held over 1500 metres with 10 starters.

1997 saw the swim outgrow Matilda Bay and the club switched the event venue to Scarborough Beach.

The event now attracts between 300-400 swimmers each year, age categories under 15 years to over 70 years. The race is open to people of all abilities, providing they are able to swim 2 kilometres in open water.

Swimmers proceeding to starting line in the water

Mass water start - the 19th annual Australia Day Swim

The mass start commences in the water and proceeds one kilometre south of Scarboro SLSC, around two red buoys and return to finish through the banners and flags on the beach.

I finished the 2km swim with a slower time than usual - being slightly weary after the previous two days events - 5km & 10km OWS

Organiser Max Wannell - completing the prize presentations

The National Anthem is played and sung by all and other popular Australian tunes can be heard during the morning. Coffee and a sausage sizzle is available for all these great Aussie people.

~~ We are Australians ~~ We are Australians ~~

Myself, Shelley Hatton, Robyn Wilson and Tim Mather

Me (again!) with Eleanor Parsons and Lesley Croft looking on

The Australia Day Swim is presented by Carine AUSSI Masters Swimming Club (inc). Today after 18 years as Organiser, Max Wannell's retirement was announced. I am so proud of his dedication and 100% commitment to this event. Well done Max !!

A wonderful three days of swimming. It wasn't as physical or mentally stressful as first thought and I found it interesting to watch and feel how powerful the mind is on influencing the body.

Coming up

I have chosen to swim two more events before the Rottnest Channel Swim. http://www.rottnestchannelswim.com.au/

24th Annual Cottesloe to Swanborne 2.2km http://www.swannysurfclub.org.au/
Busselton Jetty Swim 3.6km http://www.busseltonjettyswim.org.au/

Just keep Swimming - A Breath taking Experience

Swim Thru Perth

2009-01-20T14:42:00.009+09:00

18th January 2009 marks the 90th Anniversary of the Swim Thru Perth -

Presented by Claremont Masters Swimming Club, this historic event is the oldest open water swimming race in Australia. The 2009 Xstrata Nickel Swim Thru Perth features 2.2km and 4km swim in Perth's Swan River.

4km swim

On a warm overcast morning my husband, Max and myself competed with approximately 170 other solo swimmers in the 4km swim. The start is at Barrack Street Jetty and finishes at UWA Water Sports complex, Matilda Bay.

Preparation of The Swim Thru Perth finish line. Event course and Perth City in the background

Three buses took competitors to the start from the UWA Water Sports complex. Along the route to the swim start, people walking and driving were giving us odd and queer looks ... why? we are all sitting or standing in the buses wearing only our bathers!!

Competitors boarding buses

We all carefully waded a short distance through the muddy bed of the Swan River and swam out to the starting line just west of Barrack street jetty. Here, there is always chatter and laughter until the sound of a loud hooter is heard, then with shouts and plenty of hands and feet splashing, we all commenced the 90th Anniversary Swim Thru Perth.

As instructed during the event briefing, we stayed close to the Northern foreshore and about 1km down the river swam through the Northern opening under the 'Narrows Bridge'. Along the way are big yellow and red buoys marking the route and at all times we must swim between them and the foreshore for safety reasons.

After swimming past the historic 'Old Brewery' (now a restaurant), I was fortunate enough to swim most of the way side by side with a swimmer who has a similar pace to mine. What a difference this makes, both of us swimming strong and pushing each other along, even through the patches of white jellyfish with stinging tentacles and big brown, saucer shaped jellyfish - thud! on the head ... thud! on the shoulder .... UGH!! (how do you spell 'manawars').

I had a trip down 'memory lane' when swimming past the exact spot where Crawley Baths used to be based. The swimming baths was the home of The City of Perth Swimming Club when I was a member and plenty of wonderful memories are still with me of great times and great swims.....

Hey! stop memorising, where's that swimmer? Oh, there he is, just a short distance in front, get going Carrol and catch him up. Nothing like memorising and talking to one's self in the middle of a race.....Hmmm.

Carrol finishing the 4km Swim Thu Perth (Time 1:04:48)

At the finish we thanked each other for the company and a great swim together, then told each other to wipe our rather dirty faces clean!

This is approximately my 20th Swim Thru Perth and one of my favourite swims. It is always well organised and I congratulate all involved for the events tremendous success over the years. Results: http://www.claremontmasters.org/

Just keep swimming - a breathtaking experience

If You Dare!

2009-01-04T16:01:00.020+09:00

Happy New Year to all.

......and Happy Birthday to my grand-daughter Kristen-Jade .... sweet 16 on 1st Jan. 2009.

Shark Alarms
Recently there has been sightings of big grey white and hammerhead sharks swimming unusually closer to our coastline, making ocean water swimmers a little nervous and hesitant to enter the water for leisure or training swims. Some popular beaches being closed temporarily for safety reasons. The average weather forecast is 35+ degrees C. and most of the Perth population love to cool off in the ocean.

Max and I and a few friends had already made previous arrangements to start the new year with an early morning swim starting from North Cottesloe to Cottesloe and return past Nth Cottesloe SLSC to Grant Street and back. There were quite a few other swimmers already training, so with brave faces, we entered the water slower and swam closer to each other than usual! Today's weather was perfect, no breeze, warm sunshine and a calm sea which made our swim over the reef bed so clear, we could view small colourful fish and different types of seaweed flowing back and forth with the slight tide.

Cottesloe SLSC

Swimming along so peaceful, tranquilised and in my own world, when suddenly I was quickly jolted out of peacefulness. Yikes! what was that? Startled, I yelled out loud as I swam into something black and green. Wendy Smith! Wendy, wearing a black suit and green cap swimming in the opposite direction yelled out as well.......oh!....'thank God, it's only you', we echoed at the same time. Laughing, giving each other a hug and best wishes for a happy new year we then continued on....are we nervy? gulp, are we? The water and scenery continued to be magical, and swimming here never gets old or routine. Hey!! Mary-Anne, Tom, anyone, where are you...... swim closer!!!

Training area for many swimmers training for open water events

View from Cottesloe to North Cottesloe

Even with shark scares, we feel there is no better way to welcome the new year - starting off with a magical swim and yummy breakfast by the sea with wonderful friends.

Two Calender Open Water Swim events cancelled....

These were scheduled to take place this weekend - Sunset Coast Ocean Swim at Scarborough Beach and Water Corporation OWS Series #4 at Leighton Beach. Both events have been cancelled for safety reasons after consultation with the Water Police, CALM, Fisheries and Surf Life Saving WA. Sharks continue to be sighted along the coast and cancellation is in the best interest of all involved.

3rd January 2009

'Think like an Open Water Swimming Champion' Perth seminar #2

By Shelley Taylor-Smith in conjunction with Swimming WA http://www.championmindset.com.au/

I attended this seminar and it was so good to come face to face with Shelley Taylor-Smith whom I have known for approx. 20 years. I was lucky to be one of the time-keepers who clocked Shelley finishing to win the Women's 25km Long Distance Event in the Swan River. She became the World Marathon Swimming Champion gaining the gold medal at the 6th Fina World Swimming Championships in Perth on the 10th January 1991. Great memories.

Myself, Shelley Taylor-Smith and Sue Oldham

Shelley kept us motivated and focused right from the start to finish of the 'dry' and 'wet' workshops. I have been involved and experienced all varieties of open water events and still managed to pick up on special points to better my open water swimming.

Barracudda members who attended the OWS Seminar - Renee Wood, Jessica Murray, Sue Oldham and myself

As strong westerly winds were in force, the 'wet' workshop was challenging for most of us but definitely a great opportunity to put the 'tips and tools' to practice.

During the 'Wet Workshop' Practising Open Water Techniques

Just keep on swimming, a breathtaking experience

The Festive Season

2008-12-31T12:37:00.002+09:00

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, happiness and hoping all personal dreams come true in 2009

As some family members are in Melbourne and Karratha we had a small gathering at my daughter Lorelle's place for a cold Christmas dinner of ham, chicken, prawns and crayfish (lobster) plus a variety of salads. Very tasty, followed by plum pudding, custard, cream and icecream! So glad this festive season comes around once a year, I indulge too much!

Boxing Day is for rest / sleep they say - but no, not for us ....... its more celebrations, food, birthday cake - its my eldest daughter's birthday!! Happy birthday dear Karen.

27th December

Scarborough Beach to Trigg Island and Return

A beautiful sunny day - 28 degrees C with mild to strong winds developing. My husband Max is on surf patrol during the morning for the Scarboro SLSC. This is usually an appropriate time for myself to have an open water swim as I can leave my swim bag safely in the surf patrol van.

The swim from Scarborough Beach to Trigg Island and return is approx. 4k. and is my favourite place for ocean training. Today the water is around 22 degrees and clear when swimming out past the breakers. I know when I'm swimming in front of Rendezvous Observation City Hotel as it casts a huge grey shadow over the water. As I keep swimming there are just a few small fish to be seen and plenty of board and body surfers, mostly wearing wetsuits and waiting patiently for 'the right wave' to arrive. The surfers' presence make me feel safe as I encounter six big rips making their way out to sea and also making that part of the water area very sandy and ripply to swim through. Returning from Trigg to Scarborough after a short break treading water, the wind and waves have become stronger making the time to swim back a little longer. It was a good shoulder and arm workout which will be very beneficial. Upon finishing the swim, I spent some time body surfing the waves. It's great to be alive...

View from Trigg Island to Scarborough Beach on a calm day - Rendezvous Observation City Hotel in the background approx. 2km away

A great morning. I was pleased with my solitary swim. It wasn't a long way but I felt strong, confident and pleased. Once again there were no stingers ...... so glad about this! they have a very nasty sting.

28th December

Mullaloo Beach

This is another beautiful beach north of Scarborough Beach and Trigg Island. The beach is situated in a bay and has some reef scattered in places but mostly consists of a sandy ocean bed. The sea is calmer than other Perth beaches making it a delightful place to swim and train.

Every Sunday morning at 8:30am there is always a number of swimmers gathered just north of the Mullaloo SLS Club to train for a particular open water event or just swim for the sheer fun and enjoyment. This morning four of us - Natalie, Alan, Steven and myself decided to swim to 'the point' southwards and return - approx. 5k. The other swimmers are faster and upon my arrival at 'the point' there were three heads bobbing, laughing and chatting - this is a great sport! Thanks for waiting guys. We all swam back to our starting place where Natalie and I decided to keep on swimming. The weather is hot - 36 degrees C.

The swimmers here are mainly members of Westcoast Masters Swimming Club, quite a social crowd who bring a variety of food for all to enjoy after the swim. May this good life carry on through 2009.

Just keep swimming - a breathtaking experience

OWS Series 2008 - Mullaloo Beach

2008-12-18T14:35:00.001+09:00

Event Date 14th December 2008

Water Corporation Open Water Swim Series #3 (Includes Carolyn Burke Memorial Fundraiser) Distances of 1.25km, 2.5km & 5km.

The sun was out and not a cloud in the blue sky. Such a beautiful perfect day for open water swimming with the air temperature expected to rise to 38Degrees.
Sea temperature 22Degrees.

Mullaloo Beach

The ocean is smooth and huge orange buoys mapping out the 1.25km lap course can easily be seen. Tall flags were displayed at the finishing line.

Start and finishing line

After listening to the course briefing and applying sun block and Vaseline (just in case of stingers), approximately 250 swimmers consisting of all age groups from under 15yrs to over 50yrs of age headed out for a mass water start between two orange buoys.

The siren rang at 9am and swimmers trying to find water space between kicking feet and twirling arms headed off north in the direction of the first buoy. The orange buoys were easily seen for guidance and by the time I approached the first buoy the crowd had spread out. I was more or less left alone in the 3rd and 4th lap and could only see the odd cap or arms splashing somewhere off in the distance. I swam rather strongly into the beach, walked through the finishing flags with a timed result of 1hour 29mins. Hmm...maybe the course was a little longer than 5km !?! or I need to do more intense training...ohh!

It was a wonderful swim with very clear water, I could see small colourful fish, a few stingrays and some rugged reef scattered in some areas over the ocean bed. Usually Mullaloo beach is renowned for 'stingers' and I am thankful for only being 'kissed' once on the face over the 5km swim.

The weekly pool training must be paying off as I felt strong and confident during the four laps.

We finished a great day off by heading down to Scarborough Beach for 'Carol's by the Clock' and the brilliant fireworks display which lasted 15-20 minutes.

Some Barracudas Masters 5km successful swimmers (from left) Sue Oldham, Rory Toner , myself, Tony Parbery & Kathryn Phillips

Just keep swimming - a breathtaking experience

Koombana Bay Swim Thru 2008

2008-12-10T18:22:00.001+09:00

Event Date - 30th November '08

Koombana Bay Swim Thru is organised by the Bunbury Masters Swimming WA club. The 1600m event starts in the water to the north of the Dolphin Discovery Centre and finishes south of the Centre.

I travelled the 120 kilometres from Perth to Bunbury in comfort, keeping Eleanor Parsons and her dog 'Chelo' company and stayed overnight at Eleanor's parents beautiful home overlooking the Bunbury Harbour.

Lately, the weather has not produced its usual summer days, however, we were lucky to have a sunny morning for the swim making Koombana Bay look beautiful with its soft, very white sand and sparkling blue sea.

After the usual course briefing, the event started in the water and was underway at 10:00am. By the time I reached the first easily sighted huge silver buoy, the swim crowd had thinned out. At this time I was able to concentrate on my stroke and rhythm. The conditions were reasonably calm, near perfect making the event very enjoyable, even if I swam most of the way without company. I finished in 22nd place with a time of 23min 20sec. The course may have been a little short but I was pleased with the result and enjoyed my first open water swim for the season. Alas, there was no sighting of my favourite sea friends....the graceful dolphin.

Snappers AUSSI Masters member, Eleanor Parsons finished in 15th position with an excellent time of 21min 40sec. Is she flying? .... Hey, wait for me Eleanor!

Bold Park Masters member, Vic Paul never ceases to amaze all by his swimming talent. At 64yrs he finished 2nd overall with an incredible time of 18.mins 49sec.

Another great open water swimmer and mentor, Barbara Pellick finished in 5th place.

A great week-end away, a great swim and so good to catch-up with great swimmers from Perth and country areas.

Koombana Bay competitors: (from left) Eleanor Parsons, Vic Paul and myself

Just keep swimming - a breathtaking experience

Whats Coming Up - Proposed Schedule

2008-11-20T16:01:00.014+09:00

Ongoing pool training plus long open water swims in either river, lake or ocean - December onwards.

2008/09 Open Water Swims Calendar:

Link - http://www.mastersswimmingwa.asn.au/ Various swim events (approx. 32 in total) held between November '08 to April '09 - available from distances of 400 metres - 20 kilometres. My intention is to register for most swim distances over 3km.

Rottnest Channel Swim:

21 February 2009. Distance - 19.2 km. This event is organised by the Rottnest Channel Swim Association Inc. It is not just about swimming but about good, solid preparation - training and feeding plan.

I have registered to swim solo. This will be my eighth solo crossing, my last completed swim being five years ago! Hmmm.

Freo to Rotto Big Splash:

21 March 2009. This 20km swim event commences from Leighton Beach to Rottnest Island. This is a fun and friendly charity event and is made up of a number of different categories, catering for various fitness levels or degrees of participation. This will be my first participation, hoping to swim solo.

English Channel:

13-18 August 2009. My chosen tidal date for second attempt.

Channel Swimming Ongoing Training

Re-commenced training log 8th September '08. Recording daily and weekly kilometres completed in pool/open water. You may scroll down to the end of blog to view my total weekly kilometers.

For repetition training to help mainly with speed, stamina and strength, my proposed training schedule is:

Mon/Tues/Thur/Fri: Pool training (25m pool) - Churchlands SHS with Coach, Pauline Pratt and Barracuda's Swimming Club members. To round off the days swimming activities, a light weight gym session is done two times a week for overall strength. Pool users are very lucky to have a small gym with adequate equipment right on the pool premises. Tuesday evenings if my energy levels are still up!, I hope to fit in a session with my Masters group - Bold Park Power Masters Swimming Club. This is still waiting to happen.

Wed: Pool training (50m pool) - Challenge Stadium with Peter Tanham - Rottnest Channel Swim Group. I enjoy swimming in this 50m pool and have trained with this group of wonderful talented swimmers for the past 15 years. The group is mainly made up of swimmers training for solo, duo or teams (of 4) to participate in the Rottnest Channel Swim event.

Sat: Pool (am) - Churchlands SHS (longer sessions). Open water distance swims (pm) - River, lake or ocean, to commence in December/January.

Sun: Ocean swim - Sorrento/Mullaloo/Scarborough Beach.

Training is done six days a week only. I will have one day off with absolutely no exercise to give the mind and body recovery time, this is a must and so important. Its a day to really look forward to - "to do the things I love to do"! My body will tell me when to have this 'special' rest day.

Training at Churchlands SHS

Is it time for a 'granny power nap' yet??

Just keep swimming - A breathtaking experience

Is it 4:30am Already?

2008-10-23T15:36:00.050+08:00

Oh. no! That horrible sound - the alarm has gone off - wake up, rise and shine ..... it can't be 4:30am yet.

I'm in the middle of a wonderful dream...I am riding on the back of a dolphin, ahead of all the rest of the competitors and about to become the winner of "The Great Dolphin Sea Race".....across the English Channel - naturally....and now.... I will never know if I was heading to be the outright winner !?? or if my Dolphin and I even make it to French soil !! Now I say....be positive.

Oh. well, back to reality. The alarm goes off at the same time Monday to Friday. Its always a welcoming feeling on Saturday mornings, as I get to sleep in to 5:30am.

There is not a lot of traffic on the road this time of the morning so it's about 20 minutes drive from home to the pool situated in Churchlands. I love this time of day, the air is fresh, there is always lots of birds chirping and my swimming mates chatting, getting ready for their morning session. It's still dark when arriving at the pool and later on most mornings, there is a spectacular sunrise of red, pink and orange tones filtering through the trees that surround the pool....how lucky is that?

Some members of Barracudda's Swimming Club: From left - Myself, Sue Oldham, Kathy Phillips & Tony Parbery - 5:30am and ready to commence the training session - look at those smiles !

My health is starting to improve and am now feeling so much better after the terrible chest and throat virus. Fitness and endurance levels are down compared to this time last year... so ...keep attacking and keep going forward.

For years I trained in a 50m pool so it took me quite a few sessions to get used to all the tumble turns required to train in this school's 25m outdoor pool. The sessions vary from day to day, covering all aspects of speed and strength work, skills, endurance swims and included in the program sometimes are push-ups on the side of pool - ouch!

Most sessions are over two and a half hours, swimming 4 to 5 kilometres. After these sessions I try to add an extra 2k of various swim strokes, practicing technique skills and kicking. If time permits, a short gym workout consisting of light weights, core exercise and more frequently, stretching for flexibility. Of course....making time for chat, fun and laughter is a must...all at the same time !?

I should add that I am enjoying retirement and therefore usually have the time for rest and recovery.

With all goals, there is the build-up plan. I like to keep a log book daily to give me a weekly total. At the moment I have built up to 20-30k pw and then the kilometres will increase each month. Having a log book keeps me in touch with my build-up progress. This seems to work very well for me...both mentally and physically.

Just keep swimming - A breathtaking experience

Pool Training For Open Water Swimming

2008-10-10T14:27:00.022+08:00

It is a bonus that I am training under a coach who is so passionate about open water swimming. Pauline Pratt has successfully coached several English Channel teams of 6 swimmers, children and adult teams plus solo swimmers completing the Rottnest Channel, The English Channel and Manhattan Island events. This year Pauline is very busy training two school teams (6 swimmers in each team) to swim the English Channel in July 2009.

Coach - Pauline Pratt

The 2008/09 Open Water Swims Calendar events commence in Perth early November so now is the time to develop swim skills in the pool. There are about 33 events in metropolitan and country venues - link http://www.mastersswimmingwa.asn.au/ I intend to make training more fun and to have a more lighthearted approach, at the same time make a real commitment to do the up and coming training sessions of smart swimming, hard work and dedication needed to this vital lead up to my English Channel goal. Along the journey I will select the longer swim events from the Open Water Calendar as extra training and to practice various feeds.

Because distances in the open water are not accurately measurable and conditions can vary greatly, the best place to develop cardiovascular conditioning is in the pool. As distance training is mostly done by the swim group, I/we count the number of strokes taken per length of the pool, making an effort to gain the greatest distance per stroke.

During training I need to:-

Stay focused and motivated
Be positive - say no to negativity
Work on my weak areas eg bi-lateral breathing!
Fine-tune skills, techniques, pull etc
Kicking, I love to kick - dolphin kick sets on back and front are great ab. exercises
Stay streamlined
Practice DPS - distance per stroke, long strong strokes - stretch
Mental skills - visualisaton, self belief
Work on speed, strength and endurance
Get the diet right
Dry land exercises - improves strength and performance...repetitive training with light weights, stretch cords, fitness ball. Walking. Meditation. Stretching for flexibility.

There is no time for boredom and I hope that most of the time, all the above will be done with fun and passion keeping in mind it will be setting a good basis for the coming open water season and my EC goal.......relax !

Just keep swimming - A breathtaking experience.

Another Ten Months Of Training

2008-10-09T11:13:00.024+08:00

Another ten months, another attempt to swim from England to France - August 2009.

I am so lucky to have another opportunity to swim my dream. With the right attitude I am going to treat my unsuccessful attempt as a valuable feedback tool. It has shown me what to do differently next year in order to succeed. I believe in myself and I am not going to get sidetracked by failure or disappointment of not completing the English Channel this year. I am not giving up! ....

So, there are several things I need to address before my next Channel attempt. Linked mainly to mental strength and more hours training in open water conditions. Another must is to practice bi-lateral breathing to even out wear and tear on muscles and to be more flexible as to positioning myself either side of the pilot boat when swimming to France. The boat can shelter you from oncoming waves etc. Being a unilateral breather all my swimming years, I find it hard to adjust to new ways. It seems to me so much easier to practice a two stroke cycle, breathe, then two cycle on the other side. We shall see what the outcome of this technique brings.

From this years experience I know I can tolerate the cold water, thanks to the acclimatisation sessions done here in Perth at Lake Leschenaultia and Hillary's Marine Harbour during our winter months, temp. ranging from 11 to 16C! Plus nearly three weeks in Dover Harbour UK. The channel water temp. during my attempt was 16C. The feeds given from boat could be improved and these will be practiced during the Cottesloe to Rottnest Swim. I need to train quality plus quantity swim sessions and to work so, so hard on mental toughness, my main weakness.

8 - 21 Sept 08

A week back in Perth I commenced training at Churchlands High School 25m pool under coach Pauline Pratt. The pool is situated outdoors, very pleasant surroundings with birds chirping while you swim...lots of Willy-Wag-Tails, my favourite....What else could you ask for? Ducks?.....Yes!

Churchlands High School Pool

Some swimmers who have working commitments commence at 5.00am, others at 6.00am. Training for me starts at 5.30am. to 7.00am and sometimes swim to 8.00am.

After two weeks of intense training averaging 22 - 25 kilometres pw I contacted a bronchial and throat virus, zapping my energy and hence the training went to being non-existent.

22 Sept - 1 Oct 08

So now what?

I thought about a friend of mine Gail Parsons who had previously set up a Blog for my last Channel attempt but I was reluctant to share my thoughts and feelings with the 'whole world'! So having sick time to sit around and just rest, I decided to use this time and go ahead ...... give it a go! It will be a way to keep me motivated, to chronicle my English Channel training and to easily share this journey with the people in my life.

After a couple of blog postings I found it rather interesting and a challenge to find the right words to express my thoughts and feelings....I hope my writing improves as time goes by. One thing in my favour is, I can type with all fingers!

2 -10 Oct 08

This virus lasted 10 days. My health is so much better after just resting! This week it was soooo good to be back into training with the group, a group who are mainly long distance/marathon swimmers and members of the Barracuda's Swimming Club Inc.

Just keep swimming - A breathtaking experience

Max Has A Go - The Dover Regatta 2km Sea Swim

2008-09-26T14:13:00.022+08:00

When Max asked locally about the Dover Regatta 2km Sea Swim Race, the organisers informed him that the event was closed and no more swimmers were going on the race list. Its who you know that matters and after much talking with swimmers, coaches and the organiser's parents... Max was finally allowed to swim!

The race day was Sunday 3rd August 2008 - commencing at 2.30pm.

The morning was free, so we went to Dover Harbour and did a light training session, and chatted with the Channel swimmers, many of whom we had met before. We bought lunch from one of the many Regatta stalls and then headed over to the Dover Life Guard Club Head Quarters for the briefing at 2.00pm.

After much controversy over what costumes were allowed .... 'leggings', 'all in one' 'this or that', it was decided you could wear what you liked. Max was happy - he likes his 'short' speedos! All swimmers must wear the yellow cap provided with their number on it. Max's race number is 12.

Max waiting patiently with other entrants -he's the one in the yellow cap smiling!

The entrants lined up on the beach and the organiser, Lee Wakeham, called out each swimmers name in numerical order to swim out to the yellow buoys. I could see Max squeezed in amongst 63 other entrants, not much room between those 2 yellow buoys!

Swimming to yellow buoys at start of event

The starter in a speed boat raised the yellow flag, and BANG! They were off. Arms and legs going in all directions...spectacular to say the least. Its quite rough in the harbour, I hope Max is not being 'bashed' around too much.

Max came around the finishing buoy, sprinted to the end, ran up the beach and crossed the finishing line in 57th position-time 39.44. Well done Max. He enjoyed the fun and challenge.
That evening we enjoyed a light meal and ice cream on Dover Beach then stayed on to watch the wonderful fireworks.

Max completing swim - well done

A Dream - Still In the Waiting

2008-09-22T21:57:00.020+08:00

Another year of training, another attempt to swim from England to France. I'm lucky to have this opportunity again. This years attempt was a huge learning experience and to meet great like-minded swimmers who had interesting tales to tell was invaluable. I am, believe it or not, rather keen to do the necessary training all over again.

I now know that I need to train much more and harder in the sea. To do more interval training in the sea to keep my speed up. I will continue to have a training log book and record the metres and hours I swim each week, this helps me mentally. I am usually a highly organised person with everything having to be just right, if its not, anxiety and panic occurs! So to keep calm, still train hard and if a training session is missed, don't give myself the usual hard time....as much.

At the moment I am really enjoying training in the pool in preparation for the summer season. Speed work is very important as it is great to have good base of fitness and speed before hitting the open water. At the moment I am trying to swim around 20-25k a week...and loving it.

Having a break before the next training set

I hope next year is my year. I am ready to go, ready to swim. Swimming half way over the channel this year was not good enough. So here goes......stroke - stroke - stroke - breath.

A Dream - not fulfilled this year

2008-09-22T16:33:00.067+08:00

For the past two years I have devoted most of my time training to attempt the ultimate long distance challenge (my dream) the English Channel which is approximately 21 miles (32 kilometres) - the shortest distance from England to France. It's not just the distance that is the challenge, it's also the variable conditions that are likely to be encountered. These may vary from mirror like conditions to wind force 6 and wave heights in excess of 2 metres. The water is cold, there are jellyfish, seaweed and maybe pieces of driftwood and oil slicks.

Andrew, Arron, Tony, Max and Carrol - cold water training at Lake Leschenaultia, Perth

Training, training, training....between July '07 to July '08 my log book is showing a total of 1280 kilometres swum either in the pool or open water (six weeks swim trek in Croatia plus a holiday not included). Dedication and self discipline are required to rise out of a warm bed at 4:45am to start a training session by 5:30am. My training has now come to an end here in Perth and I thank all the beautiful people who helped me along the way and all the best wishes given!!

BBQ - Front of Varne-Ridge Holiday Park

18th July 08, my husband Max and I flew to the UK and eventually arrived at Varne Ridge Holiday Park, Capel-Le Ferne, fabulous place situated between Folkstone and Dover. This will be our home for three-four weeks. http://www.varne-ridge.co.uk/ The park overlooks the English Channel and on a fine day France is visable. Most people who stay here are channel swimmers, so lots of channel chatter goes on! We are very fortunate to have Perth swimmers Tony, Karen and Arron staying here. Steven, Karen and family also from Perth are staying at parents place just down the road from us.

Carrol, Tony, Arron and Steven - cold water acclimatising at Dover UK

On our first weekend morning on Dover pebbled beach there were at least 30-40 swimmers disrobing and getting ready to begin their Channel swim training. Some are swimmers who will be attempting their second crossing, others long Distance Swims (Manhattan), members of relay teams or newcomers like Arron, Tony, Steven and myself preparing for a solo swim.

Dover Harbour

Training is run by Coach Freda Streeter, referred to as 'The Channel General'. She has a beach team of very handy helpers who stand at the waters edge handing out feeds (warm Maxim, maybe half a banana), check to see you are OK and sends you off again. Freda is the mother of Alison Streeter MBE. Alison has completed more channel swims than anyone - 43 solos, duo crossings and the only female to swim a trio crossing. She now has her own pilot boat 'Rocco'.

We continued training, mainly to acclimatise to cold water in Dover Harbour which I believe is 1.4km wide and 2km long and temperature between 15-16C during August/September. Would you believe it could be possible to bump into another swimmer - well I did, yes, you named him....'Wheres MAX?' When you least expect him, BUMP, there he is. How hilarious is that! As well as Max...hmm...the harbour is shared by channel swimmers, several small colourful yachts, anchored boats scattered here and there and a few practicing rowers, all of these have to be looked out for. Also to look out for and look forward to is swimming at the ferry end of the harbour, as it is an absolute delight viewing the magnificent White Cliffs of Dover. Makes it well worthwhile training!!

White Cliffs of Dover

The first two hours were fun and exciting and just being here amongst these special people was exhilarating, the water is rather flat in the harbour and as I usually breath only to the left, tried to do some bilateral breathing. If only I can achieve this breathing style....keep training...once I have the rhythm of breathing both sides, the challenge becomes a little enjoyable. We are all getting used to undressing and dressing on the beach as there are no changing rooms!
I envy my Perth swimming training mates, Arron, Tony and Steven so much. They have just completed their solo swims. I feel so, so happy for them...Congratulations! I realise not for the first time that we are all desperate for not only our own success but for each others.

After two weeks of acclimatising to the cold water conditions in Dover Harbour and the last swimmer from Perth yet to swim the channel (temp. around 15-16 degrees Celsius) I received a phone call from my pilot, Neil Streeter -(support boat 'Suva'). My booked tide was 7-16 August '08 but Neil insisted that tomorrow 31st July '08 is a good day.!. start time 8:30am - great, daylight time.

Max and I organised the remaining equipment, food etc. with help from David and Evelyne, owners of Varne Ridge. The next morning, after an incredibly, unexpected sound sleep, we had breakfast of porridge and bananas and set off to Dover Marina to find our support boat. We were greeted by Tony and Karen Parbery who previously agreed to be support crew, how lucky was that! I couldn't have had a more experienced crew.

The starting place is to be Samphire Hoe, a beautiful pebbled beach about 15-20 mins. south of Dover Harbour. During this trip Max greased me up with 'channel grease' to stop friction burns from the prolonged exposure to salt water. Contrary to popular belief the grease has no insulating properties. He liberally applies grease to my armpits and inner arms, back of neck and shoulders and I felt he took too long and used too much grease between my legs...Yuk ! A green light stick was then pinned on the back of my bathers for safety reasons. After swimming to shore and free from the water, the hooter sounded from the boat and my journey commenced. An incredible, nervy, exciting feeling. I'm ready, I'm confident and pleased with the crew and weather.

It was a cloudy day, quite calm, water temperature tolerable and the first 2 hours went very fast and smoothly. Feeds OK on every half hour and there was always a crew member watching me with full of encouragement. After 4 hours I was feeling nausea and having a mental downfall - oh no! Tony swam with me for an hour to perk me up. 'Think of all the people' he said. I remembered all the positive things people have said to me and all the amazing people I've met along my journey. I was still feeling sick, weak, having negative mental thoughts - all I wanted to do was get out and onto the boat. Max waved the Australian flag - The Boxing Kangaroo (given to me by Rotto Channel Swimmers I train with in Perth). This, if anything, should have spurred me on, but it didn't! After three attempts to grab the boat ladder (Neil kept accelerating the boat). 'How dare he, I thought. How cruel. But at last I was able to grab the ladder and was so disappointed to end my swim, right there after only 6 hours - almost half way across the channel.

OK, so there were no calls/emails of congratulations, but within myself I know I haven't failed. The Channel might have won this year, but next year will be a different story.

Max, crew and I are all disappointed. We know that I:

Am able to physically swim the distance
Must work very hard on mental side of the swim - my main concern
Train longer and more sessions in open water situations
Get the food/drink correct
Did I forget to enjoy, have fun and smile?

The confidence is with me and I know I can achieve this challenge - so Max and I have booked for another attempt in August 2009 ! Never give up.

A dream is still waiting.....

We thoroughly enjoyed the rest of our UK holiday. With a rented car we B & B'd through lower end of England. Cornwall was just beautiful...colourful flowers everywhere and the coast line is stunning. After a week we returned the rented car and caught a flight to Guernsey Island. We previously arranged to stay with Mike and Evelyn Bamfield who showed us most of the island and a very enjoyable time. They are members of the Guernsey Long Distance Swimming Club and we swum every day in open water and afterwards, a few drinks and chatter were enjoyed at the local pub....of course.

Max (white cap) with some of Guernsey Long Distance Swimming Club members

Tide is out at Guernsey Island