Swanage Training Weekend - Aug 2007 002.jpg

James M, James S, Jamie, Nick, Alan.

With just three weeks to go before the 42mileswim Team swim the English Channel we had our final training weekend. This took place in Swanage, on the weekend of 11/12 August. The weather and sea conditions were perfect and it was, without doubt, the best weekend we’ve had.
The sea temperature remained bearable throughout (16/17 degrees), and the sea was flat and clear. The sun shone, and if not the sun, then the moon and stars!
The guys swam a total of 5 hours 10 mins over a 23 hour period. They swam for over an hour on four of the sessions to ensure that their bodies were capable of doing that, meaning that 1 hour during the challenge would, hopefully, feel comfortable.
Approx session times are:
Session 1: Sat – 2.05pm – 3.20pm
Beach crowded. Weather hot and sunny. Sea calm and clear, busy with boats, jet skiers, and bathers.
Session 2: Sat – 7.10pm – 8.25pm.
Sea warm, and quiet.
Session 3: Sat – 12.05 – 12.35am.
Beach almost deserted. Clear, starry night. Sea calm and quiet. Beautiful!
Session 4: Sun – 6.30am – 7.35am.
Beach quiet, except for the athletes preparing for the start of the Swanage Triathlon. One of our team, James Stuart, took part in this event, before continuing with his Channel training! Water still warm, calm and quiet. Wonderful time to swim.
Session 5: Sun 11.55am – 1.00pm.
Still warm and calm, but with a little more sea traffic!
We tried to replicate the conditions we might encounter on the boat. We camped in a very basic campsite and only had a few hours sleep before the early morning training session.
The sea sickness was harder to prepare for, but the bumpty track to the campsite came pretty close!
Breaks in between swims ranged from 3½ to 6 hours. In the Channel they will each have 5 hours in which to recover before their next swim.
So far we have raised just over £2,600 in donations for Marie Curie Cancer Care, but still have a long way to go. If anyone would like to make a donation, and has not already done so, please see our website www.42mileswim.co.uk. You will also find training information and photos, along with information on how you can become a sponsor.
With thanks,
Karen Gutans
Swimming Coach