Claire Russell – Channel Swim (part 12)

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]En Route to France…   The Swim

The waiting was agony.

First, we thought Sunday, then Monday, but then the weather looked better for Tuesday. The 6pm forecast the night before showed patchy fog. So even when we set off at 5.45 on Tuesday morning, we weren’t certain that I would be swimming.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]If the fog was there, then the swim would be postponed until Wednesday, and the weather was due to hold for a few days.  We had No1 son, Elliott, ready to film.  Sister Nicola and hubby Robin had come to see me off.

Thank fully there was no fog! Hurrah. I was like a coiled spring at that point, just wanted to get on with it.

My crew were all ready. From L to R… Pam, Nicola, Sarah and Ali. We loaded the boat and sorted the paperwork. First were the passports, we all had ours but immediately my heart sank. I had forgotten to tell Elliott to bring his passport. Without it, the French border control have the power to stop the swim and send us back.  We had to pull away and leave him on the jetty.

I felt awful, but Elliott was amazing. Clearly disappointed, but he took it so well. I was very proud of him for dealing with it so well. My job was to not dwell on it and get on with the swim![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”88183″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”88182″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]On the trip around to Samphire Hoe, the girls started getting me ready. Second application of P20 sun lotion- it was forecast to be in the 30’s and I could easily burn.  Then came the Vaseline. Pam was in charge of the lube pot, she is a proper ‘Mother Hen’ and enjoyed every minute.

By 8.15 I was ready, jumped off the side of the boat, swam to the beach and cleared the water. Robin, Elliott, Nicola and special swim buddy – Margot were waiting to see me off.

I had visualised this moment for months…Excitement, anticipation, I felt ready. I didn’t hang about, a last prayer, kiss and hug. The horn sounded at 08.20 and I was on my way, just as the tide was turning to take me with it.

A photo of mum was attached to the boat, so I could see her every time I took a breath.

The sea was a very comfortable 19.6 degrees. It was a bit choppy, but nothing I’m not used to. I tried to swim my normal pace and not get anxious about and go too fast. Swim MY swim. I was aware of another boat- The Pathfinder supporting a swimmer- overtaking me. He was going so fast I expected to see a water skier on the back of the boat. I later found out that he was a 16-year-old lad from Paris. He finished the swim in 9 hours… very Impressive. The record is just under 7 hours.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]There were plenty of jellies around, but most of them were quite deep. I was stung only 4 times in all. Much less than I anticipated, but it still made me swear!! After a couple of hours, the sea became much calmer, the Dover cliffs were no longer visible, and I was having a blast swimming the channel. I was thinking about all the people who were tracking me, and the many that had sponsored me. Especially patients that had just stopped me in the surgery and put a £20 note in my hand- many of them pensioners!

Wonderful people.

Stuart was very complimentary about my swim stroke and said we were on target for approx. 13-hour swim… I found out later!!

At about the 7-hour mark things started to go wrong, I started to feel nauseous. I don’t think the diesel fumes helped, but mostly it was sea sickness. Even on a calm sea there is still a swell. I had anticipated this and was due more seasick tablets. Sadly, I brought them back, then started vomiting back my feeds, and then fluids. My pace was dropping. I wondered if the travel-sick pills were making me feel sleepy, but in reality, that was partly the motion sickness.

Without any fuel to work on, naturally my stroke rate dropped, and I was slowing down.

It was great when Ali jumped in to buddy swim, but I realised how slow I was going, just by watching her pause in her swim stroke. Normally I would give her a good run for her money!![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”88181″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”88180″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]I swam for several hours like this, just determined to keep going. Stuart came to the side of the boat to talk to me. I needed to pick up the pace to catch the tide. My head was in it to win it!!!

There is no way that tide was going to push me back, so I dug deep and gave it everything. Not sure how long for- It felt like an hour- The crew were all singing and dancing on the side of the boat, clearly having a great time. I could see France and I thought…’This is it, I’m going to get my pebble!” I really gave it everything I had- which wasn’t much to be honest, I was running on fumes![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Then they revealed to me that we had missed the tide. To land the swim would mean swimming another 5-6 hours. I didn’t like the prospect but wasn’t ready to give up. I gave them the thumbs up and carried on swimming- IF you could call it swimming by then, more like zig zag floating!!No fuel or liquid for nearly 6 hours, it was getting dark, I was cold and completely knackered. I was called to the side of the boat, so Stuart could look at my eyes, dutifully I pulled up my goggles and that was the point that I thought, I’m done. The crew and Stuart had already made that decision. The ladder was down, and I was on that boat before I knew what hit me. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SOOOOO GRATEFUL OR HAPPY to be back on the boat.

Pam went into Mother Hen mode and I proceeded to vomit my way back to Dover.

I was dehydrated and showing signs of hypothermia. It was the right and safest decision.

Robin would have been a ‘bit upset’ if he didn’t get me back.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”16506″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]So…. I swam the channel, well most of it.

I did swim from England to France… the wet bit at least.

Naturally I am disappointed, but the English Channel is only 21 miles.

I swam 46k (28.5 miles) in 13.13 hours.

And my Mum watched every stroke from the side of the boat. Always was and always will be such an inspiration.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Thanks to so many people that have sponsored me. YOU have raised over £2000 for  The Heart of Kent Hospice

Thank you all from the heart of my bottom x xx

Massive THANK YOU’S

To the crew and Stuart for keeping me safe; To Deb and Restoring Health for keeping me working; To Ray Gibbs for awesome technique coaching; To G and the Monday masters training squad for pushing me so hard that steam escaped from my bottom; The Dover training group of volunteers for getting me ready- plus all the fantastic swim support. I have made so many wonderful friends on the way; My work colleagues deserve a vote of thanks for putting up with me banging on about swimming for months.

Lastly my family, who believed in me all the way and especially Robin who deserves a medal for his patience.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

3 and 2-hour swims for me this weekend, not a great deal of need for lube, but it’s a shame to deprive them of so much fun!

The theme this week was obvious by the uniform and we had the real thing briefing us as we all stood to attention- in our swimwear and caps. I’m glad it wasn’t for real – we would all have been court marshalled for giggling an insubordination.

It was a delight to have Anna back on the beach today. She had an epic swim last week and landed on the cap,( Cap Gris Nez) officially a channel swimmer. A title that can only really be claimed by successful soloists. The first time they return to the beach is a big occasion. The boss shouts, ‘Channel swimmer on the beach’ Whistle blowing and much clapping. What a fantastic atmosphere!!    Congratulations Anna![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”88170″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”88169″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”88168″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]After my swim I went to meet Stuart – the pilot of The Sea Leopard. He happens to be a good friend also, its him that got me into this mess!! (not entirely, but I will blame him anyway!)

He will be in charge of my swim. It’s his job to keep me safe, talking to the other traffic in the channel. It’s been likened to escorting a snail across the M25. The big ships have to avoid us… we don’t swim round them. Thank God[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]My crew will be Ali, Pam and Sarah. They are amazing – all volunteering their time and taken annual leave to do so. It’s their job to feed me, encourage me, throw missiles, entertain and poor sods probably get to dress me afterwards.

A dream holiday!!![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]And just had some good news… My son Elliott is a videographer. He is coming to film the swim.

What a blessing! Thanks Son[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Only 2 weeks till my slot opens 20-27^th July, and I am officially tapering.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]I had the pleasure of practising with my swim buddy Ali this weekend. We have been swimming together since our first channel relay 10 years ago and we are part of an informal group of friends called

‘The Blue Tits’   Pun intended.

CSA rules state that the swimmer is allowed to have a buddy swimmer for an hour at a time. Ali mustn’t touch me or go ahead of me. So, we wanted to practice our positioning, and remember… no hugs or high fives or my observer will not ratify the swim.

I really expected another back to back this weekend. I was shocked and stunned when I was told only 4 hours. I thought I should do a 6 so disagreed with the beach boss. Ali sent me back with my tail between my legs and told me to do as I’m told. OK, so 4 hours it is.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”88163″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”88166″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]We also had a full complement of Deaf penguins. Elaine, Sue and Caroline, modelling their dry robes!

All this glorious sunshine has meant the water has warmed to a fantastic 17 degrees, but it comes at a price… The jelly fish have arrived.

You hardly ever see them, but you can feel the little beggars. It feels a bit like a nettle rash, but thankfully the pain doesn’t last very long. By the time the next one stings you- the previous one is forgotten- usually!

After my little 4-hour swim, I got out and enjoyed the sunshine… proper gorgeous, and opportunity to get some sunshine on the front for a change.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]After a bit of sunbathing, 2 more Blue Tits arrived, Sarah and Fiona. So, we braved the jelly fish and did another hour, although it was mostly head up breast stroke, talking all the way. I nearly got banned from the beach for that.

There is a strict ‘NO BOBBING’ rule with the Dover Training Team![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”88164″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Read Part 8[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

This weekend sees a change of venue.

On Friday 29^th we had the privilege of seeing our enormously talented daughter graduate

( VERY proud and not at all biased!!)[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”88158″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]It was promising to be a very hot weekend, and we had a 4 star hotel organised on the cliff top for a fab mini break. Except swim training stops for nothing. I’d pre-organised to meet up with the Durley Swimmers. I was looking forward a different location and a SANDY beach!!

By this stage in my training I have prep down to military precision.

I line up all my drink and feed bottles the night before. Ready for filling at 6am the following morning. I take seasick tabs with 2 cups of tea. Walk the dog. Drink low carbohydrate strawberry smoothie on the M20 listening to Tony Blackburn- Sounds of the 60’s. He may be cheesy, but we are best mates now! By the time I get to Dover, I’m ready for a comfort stop in the seafront Premier inn. Thank you for never stopping me JUST using your loo!! I live I fear of starting a swim needing a poo! There are no bushes in the English Channel, so doing a Paula Radcliffe is not an option.

No familiar routine for me on this glorious Saturday morning. We reconnoitred the beach the night before… so at least I knew where the loos were. Everything else was upside down.

Hotel breakfast didn’t start in time, they tried very hard to accommodate me, but just couldn’t understand that I didn’t want a mountain of carbs. So I managed with a chopped apple and some very sour natural yoghurt. Not a patch on my full fat yummy smoothies.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]I will do a blog just on food. I get loads of questions about it. We all differ, there is no right or wrong, but my way works for me….
More on that another time[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]After a very pleasant early morning stroll along an empty seafront I was the first to arrive and I still managed to be the last one ready! I realised at the last minute that I had not taken the travel sickness pills- I was distracted by the granny smith- So I took them just before I got in.

Oh how different it is to Dover harbour.  The waves lift you all the way up and then drop you all the way down again. Great fun! Except the visibility was soooo wonderful that I had an amplified sea bed rushing towards me and the zooming away seconds later. It was thrilling, but the effect on my insides was potentially disasterous, so I tried swimming with my eyes Closed. I don’t recommend this.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”88157″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”88156″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Thankfully the tablets kept my stomach contents on the inside and I had a wonderful 4 hours swimming up to the pier and back. Forgot the Vaseline and had my first experience of chaffing. Not funny!

After the swim was a channel training first for me…..It was soooo warm I didn’t need the eskimo fancy dress costume. What a delight to enjoy the sunshine and sand after a swim. Very little thawing out required.

We rushed back to Kent with a tired daughter, and half her worldly goods preparing to invade us.

Back in time for my familiar routine prep for a Dover swim. I had a lift this Sunday from 2 of the 3 deaf penguins… a relay team from South Africa.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”88155″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]I was expecting a 3 hour and was quite surprised to be given 5. Emma said with a big smile… ‘I’m messing with your head’.  It’ll happen on the day… dig deep and keep swimming.

A quick conflab with my driver… they 3 a triple dip! So, I could do my 5.

Half way through the swim a delicious Israeli gentleman swam alongside me. We got into a gentle rhythm together. It really is a pleasure swimming with someone who matches your pace. I learned later he is called Bambi- because his real name is un pronounceable. Sadly, he’s gone home so I won’t get to swim with him again.

It was pure luxury being driven, I fell asleep in the back of the car coming home.

My swim buddies can be very cruel. There is photographic evidence… but I’m not daft enough to show it to you lot![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Wednesday…. Sitting on Hythe beach with my swim buddy and crew member Ali. The water is still very choppy, and I’m not at all disappointed when she decides for me that it’s not worth going in. Usually I would argue, but not today. Still feeling battered from the CofC’s.

It wasn’t a completely wasted journey, we collected our team hoodies.

On the return journey it was agreed… I would go home for a nap and Ali would go and swim a Union Jack![/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]So what have I learnt so far on his crazy journey?

• I get sea sick even when I’m swimming
• Fatigue is a stage of motion sickness
• Caffeine makes me more tired not more energetic
• It’s a great time to start menopause! Cold water and night sweats…My thermostat is completely knackered.
• Hairspray stops your swim hat from moving.
• Manuka honey relieves salt mouth.
• Foggies are THE best anti fog wipes for ya goggles.
• You cannot do this thing without friends.

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Saturday morning is an optional 7am start. I know it will be best for me to get on with it but I’m anxious. This weekend is time for the next big milestone: Back to back big swims.

Signing in Emma says 6 or 7 (hours) followed by “You will be doing a 7 this weekend… you choose, today or tomorrow?” I admit how nervous I am, having had a rubbish recovery from last week’s Industrial wash at the Champion of Champions. Emma simply ‘You can do it’[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”88152″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]I had taken my seasick tablets. I’d fuelled properly,applied sun lotion and the appropriate quantities of swimmer’s lube! The sea was behaving itself and I was flippin’ well going to give it my best shot!

Brain! … how to engage brain so I don’t think myself out of a good swim? I’m not proud… the only songs I could remember the words to were nursery rhymes. But it gave me the most wonderful memories of Mum singing to me. I was in my happy place swimming from feed to wonderful feed.

At the 5 hour feed I bumped into Hayley. We have swum together before and are a similar pace. We swim the next hour together, which was her 4^th, my 6^th. It so lovely to swim with someone, as Hay said… ‘It makes it feel like you are actually moving!’[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]We stop for our next feed. Hayley was due to stop at 4 hours, but she offered to do another hour keep me company.. BLESS HER COTTON SOCKS![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]My last hour flew by, shoulders feeling strong, but very happy to finish. Hayley forgot to get out!… I’m on my way up the beach feeling proper chuffed with my 7 hours- expecting Hayley to be behind me.  But no, she carried on. Now I feel bad for not keeping her company! Hayley’s 4 hour turned into a six, and her solo isn’t until next year! With that attitude she is going to be awesome![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”88151″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”88150″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]By 5pm I was lying on Debs couch having the most wonderful massage. It was halfway between recovery and preparation because tomorrow I was going to do it all again.

On Sunday I had Pam there for morale support. Pam is another of my crew, tried and tested! She takes no prisoners- there at every feed telling me to ‘get on with it!’ On the day I will just be swimming to the next feed. The art apparently is to switch your brain off, keep your arms turning until you run out of sea![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I was delighted to finish my first back to back. Injury free and feeling so much better, than I usually do after long swims. Windermere 2012, Torbay 2017, CofCs 2018 and my first 6 hour swim, all ended in me with my head in a bucket. Previously I blamed it on ‘Poweraid’ sports drink. Can’t touch the stuff now. But what a difference the travel sickness pills have made. I can even dress myself!!     No more vomiting on the beach for this little swimmer!![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Claire Russell – Channel Swim (part 6) …………..5 weeks to go

En route to France..

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”88145″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Saturday 16^th June … training was still in

Dover, but in an event called the Champion of Champions, organised by the British Long Distance Swimming association (BLDSA) an iconic event recognised as being particularly tough.

It consists of 3 swims; 5 miles, 3 mile and 1 mile, with a break in between each swim. The faster you swim, the longer you have to recover before the next one. This event was my main focus last year, but now it’s ‘just’ a training swim.

The sea was beautifully calm at 8am and after my 6-hour qualifier last week, I was feeling confident. Hey… you get breaks! It was overcast, and I forgot to put on sun cream.

During the first swim the wind picked up and the sun came out: a mixed blessing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]The conditions got tougher and tougher, I was working really hard to maintain pace AND continue breathing. I quite enjoy swimming in the chop but, I was really glad to get out after the 5 miles. (3 hours 20)

Swimmers had already started pulling out because of the conditions, and the kayakers were finding it hard going. One even capsized. Nonetheless I prepared for the next stage… ONLY 6 laps this time.The organisers were struggling to keep the marker buoys stationary and I really felt like I was swimming backwards when the buoys weren’t getting any closer. Sighting was almost impossible, all I could see was a wall of water, followed by a face full when trying to breath. My goggles were dislodged a few times by a few ‘wave- slaps’ I was being pushed and pulled and buffeted by the water and starting to feel not very safe.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]On the 3^rd lap I really wanted out, but…. “I’m swimming the channel soon! I must press on I can’t wimp out now!”
So, I made myself do another lap, by then realising that it will never be this rough on the day.
Windy conditions are one of the main delays for channel swims.
There is no rhythm to the water movement as it bounces off the walls… that’s why Dover Harbour is nicknamed ‘The Washing Machine’ I think I was in the spin cycle.

I have never pulled out of a swim before, but this time it was necessary. I was risking injury by staying in, and I have bigger fish to fry.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”88146″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Only 56% of the swimmers completed… huge respect to them.
Hay Ho. I still have my hat from last year![/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”88148″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]On the Sunday, forecast was for more of the same.

Still feeling bruised and burnt – Surprise! Surprise!

I decided to swim at the lake. This time remembering my P20 factor 30.  The water was wonderfully flat, not a wave in sight….Thank you Jesus!  I was able to stretch out and really enjoyed my recovery swim. I made a new swim route which will be known as The Union Jack!!

I was hoping to do my first back to back (6 hours and 7 hours) this weekend so being in the lake felt like a bit of a cop out.

The pressure is on for next weekend![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

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Claire Russell – Channel Swim (part 5)

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En route to France……………..6 weeks to go.

Friday night…. The eve of our dawn swim.

I love my bed, so it must be something special that will drag me out of it, in the middle of the night to be on the beach at 4am ready to swim!

It has been the fastest month of my life EVER, going from 20minute swims up to 3 hours one day and 4 the next. That is just the beginning though, training is going to get REALLY serious now with just 6 weeks to go.

This week I have had my last 1:1 session with technique coach Ray Gibbs. He’s shown me a tweak in my timing that will give a little extra speed, without any extra effort. Get in!!

My stroke has improved so much since I started coaching sessions with him a year ago. ( Ray Gibbs Canary Wharf- see link below)

Poor technique burns more energy and is likely to cause injury, which is why I went to see him in the first place.  I have tried to be the model pupil and do ALL my homework; the end result is a much more streamline stroke that looks effortless. Don’t be fooled by my lack of splash though…… like a swan, there is a lot going on under the water.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]So far I have been lucky not to chaff while swimming, but I won’t get away that for any longer, so I will be joining the ‘lube queue’ tomorrow morning.

That will be a strange one to explain to the police…. in the dark, on the beach with a vast pot of Vaseline.

ITV Meridian are coming to film me tomorrow… not sure which I am more nervous about, the 6hour swim or the TV cameras?

I think about lot of things while I’m swimming….
Food, the next feed is a great motivator.
Concentrating on technique; there are so many different aspects to think about.

The plan is to get into auto-pilot where my mind can wander. In the tough patches I have started using a simple mantra: “I can and I will, watch me” the slogan on our hats.But tomorrow I will be looking forward to my post swim massage with Debs.

Post script. I completed my 6 hour swim in 15.4 degrees. The last tip from Ray made a huge difference to the recovery stage of my stroke, so my arms didn’t ache as much as usual. This swim means that I have qualified to swim the channel WooHoo. The massage was truly wonderful… Thanks Debs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”88141″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Link below for the piece in the local news:
http://www.itv.com/news/meridian/2018-06-09/nurse-plans-to-swim-channel-in-memory-of-mother/

http://www.swimcanarywharf.com[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”88143″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]This weekends theme was pyjamas… in honour of our early start. We must have looked dodgy, because at 3 in the morning we were approached by some lads looking for drugs! A six hour swim would give them a high they would never forget!![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

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Claire Russell – Channel Swim (part 4)

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En route to France..

Week 3 and still no sunshine. Dover gave us a foggy welcome, all the sunshine is in London for the Royal Wedding… which incidentally was our theme this weekend. I had acquired the appropriate head gear. On Saturday I was tasked with a 2-hour swim, which I was plotting with a GPS watch that I’d borrowed to try. Water had just tipped over 12 degrees, but the air temperature was still only 11 degrees.

The water was quite calm so getting in, acclimatised and on my way was good. I got to the harbour wall and checked the watch, expecting 30 minutes. I was very disappointed with 20 minutes. From then on, the head demons started talking to me. It felt like I was swimming backwards although I managed 3 full circuits of the harbour. The watch said I still had 5 minutes to swim, but I needed to get out. I thought they were going to turf me back in the water to finish. I was greeted with a stern telling off, not for being early but for being late!

Apparently, I had over swum by 20 minutes, and they were concerned about me.

No wonder I was cold!

On Sunday… I was taking no risks. A watch on both wrists, to be sure, to be sure.

I secretly hoped I’d be given a shorter distance after over achieving the day before.

No chance…2.5 hours.

I got into my rhythm really quickly, feeling comfortable in the water, concentrating on technique to minimise injury.After about an hour I really got into my stride, something happened in my shoulders and I just went into auto-pilot. It felt amazing- no room for head demons today, I was powering through and not feeling cold.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]No double dipping today, hurrah but recovery is the usual entertaining combination of fumbling and desperation to get the thermals on. As the swim hat comes off- the woolly hat goes straight on. This has an interesting effect on my short spikey hair. Hair care by Solvite!

After today’s swim I was visiting my dad in Tenterden. Finding myself incapable of driving I pulled over in Folkestone service station. An hour later I stroll into the loos, still in my padded trousers and 16 layers plus wallpaper paste hair and a backpack.

I deserved the strange looks, I honestly looked like a tramp!

A change of clothes, head under the tap and Kentucky fried chicken later,   (no chips!) I feel vaguely human and ready to be part of the great British summer.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

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Claire Russell – Channel Swim (part 3)

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En Route to France…

I was so delighted to be in Dover for the first week of training in the record breaking bank holiday sunshine, but week 2 was an entirely different matter. Where had the sunshine gone? One week later the water temperature had risen to 11.2 degrees and you’d expect it to feel warmer. In fact, without the sun on your back it feels so much colder.

Still mastering the art of double dipping. On Sunday our first swim was 1 hour, during which the air temperature dropped from 14 down to 10 degrees and the wind picked up… still no sunshine. Our challenge is to get out and dressed within 5 minutes before the shivers take hold of your body. Bras are unnecessary ‘faffage’ in the race to don 16 layers and become one of the many Michelin men on Dover Beach all doing a peculiar style of Irish jig to warm up.

An hour later we are all dreading having to dis-robe and do it all again. Emma recognises our reluctance and delays re-entry for a further 15 minutes. Then offers us a game.

All we had to do was get in for 10 minutes. As a sort of race to the last marker, to the red buoy, the green buoy and home. We could then choose whether to get out or swim on.

We all thought… ONLY 10 minutes- we can do ONLY 10 minutes.

Getting undressed whilst still doing an internal version of the Irish jig and wading back into the water is the most unnatural thing in the world, but within minutes I was acclimatised to the water again, swimming freely with a buddy on either side. We raced round the course and back to the beach. We chose to go around again, and then again. 45 mins all together. What a clever trick! Only 10 minutes, but glad I did it. Character building for what is to come. I wonder if the same mind game will work for the big day…. Dover to Calais….

Its only 1 width![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”88133″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The ladies either side of me are part of a relay team from South Africa.

We can all do the Irish Jig

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“En Route to the French Coast…….”

Swimming the Channel for the Heart of Kent Hospice, to honour my mum[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Swimmers Beach, Dover 5^th May 2018. Dead flat and sunny. What a blessing!!!

It was an important start line for me. Hard core training starts here.

Organised by an amazing crew of volunteers. The tradition was started in 1982 by Freda Streeter MBE also known as The General.  Freda is the mother of Queen of the Channel – Alison Streeter MBE, who has swum across the channel 43 times under Freda’s guidance.

After 34 years of helping hundreds of swimmers to achieve their goals, Freda has handed the baton to Emma France (no honestly, that is her real name!)

Emma heads up the volunteers with wisdom that comes from a very impressive swimming CV. and it’s growing every year.  I was very grateful for Emma’s advice 3 weeks into my recent injury. All is not lost. “Just make sure you are fully recovered, then wait a few more days before you start training again”

I did as I was told and consequently I have just enjoyed my first weekend training.

We double dipped. Which means swim, get out, recover for an hour, then get back in and swim again. Saturday 20mins/ 30 mins Sunday 30 mins/ 50 mins. The water was only 11 degrees. I had only just stopped shiveringso the last thing I wanted to do is remove my fluffy socks and woolly jumper. The first of many acts of will power. It is an unnatural thing to do, but what Emma says goes!

The crew had themed the weekend… Back to School, the class of 2018. All the volunteers were dressed in teachers gowns with mortar boards. Gold stars and prizes were handed out for good behaviour or creeping in my case. I became teacher’s pet, because I got Emma a cup of tea…..big cheesy grin.

It’s really good to be back in the water!

For more info go to     www.doverchanneltraining.com[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]She will be raising funds in support of the Heart of Kent Hospice.
Please help support this vision  HERE[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”88129″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]

Claire’s Mum Pat

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