It was tough as there was no nutrition during the swim. After 4 miles on the first leg I fell straight into a head wind and started to rapidly drift off course whilst treading water for only a few seconds. A canoeist caught up with me and said to swim flat out straight into the wind and waves regardless if I move forward or not. I did so. After 10 minutes of giving it my all I had only covered about 50 metres. Luckily though it was only temporary. But I remember thinking only of chocolate. On dry land I had a stash of supplies ranging from Twix, Boost, Double Decker and Mars bars to bananas and sandwiches. The craving was unbearable. I compared it to playing Mario Brothers, your life line depleting with every hit from the enemy. I had nothing left in me. 3 and half hours with no food and drink at that temperature put me in a bit of a state. I was fortunate enough to have the waves help me land on the shore. When I got to the swimmers shelter I didn’t even head for the lucozade. The Double Decker was the first to go, then the Mars, then some biscuits, coffee and finally the Lucozade. Within about 60 seconds I started to feel much better, Mario had now been given some gold coins and an extra life line.
I completed the 9 mile course in 5 hours and 30 minutes with my final mile in a personal best of 25 minutes. That’s just under half the length of the Channel (21 miles as the crow flies). I remember a fantastic swimmer called Olivia who pushed me on my final mile. Olivia Brown I wish you luck on your Channel Crossing next year!!
Swimmers Beach - Dover
