A Journey Ended with Disappointment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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