Why?
This is really the only question I get asked frequently, and its a very difficult question to answer. Basically its because I want to experience life to the full; I want to test myself, test my limits. I want to know if I have what it takes to do these challenges, to push my body and my mind beyond what others accept as their limit. Do I have what it takes to get up early to train when everyone else is warm in bed? What will I do if I've been in the Channel swimming for 15 hours and I'm told there is still 8 miles to go?
Or maybe its just because I want to do everything. I have a life-list of 100 things I want to do in life which I started 4 years ago. I've done about a quarter of the things on it so far, and its already taken me to some pretty interesting places. I want to see where else it can take me through these challenges. So far its taken me to Whitstable.
Are you doing the challenges immediately one after another?
No. The bike is July 2009 and the run is April 2010. The swim is in August 2011. This gives me about 9 months to prepare for each challenge. Each challenge is extremely tough and to prepare for all three at once would be borderline insanity and certainly beyond my capabilities. In any case, because of the time of the run and the swim season it is logistically not possible.
Doesn't the swim stage usually come first in a triathlon?
Yes it does, and I planned to swim the English Channel as the first stage of the Ultimate Triathlon. However, my first attempt in September 2008 proved unsuccessful and was ended after 14 hours and 46 minutes of swimming. After some time to consider my options, I decided to continue with the bike stage in 2009 and the run in 2010 as these were booked and arranged in advance. I will return to the Channel once again in 2011 to finish what I started.
TOUR DE FRANCE FAQs
Coming soon...
CHANNEL SWIM FAQs
So why the English Channel?
Swimming the English Channel is the pinnacle of long-distance open water swims. Technically there are a few longer and tougher swims out there, but the English Channel is the most famous and most sought-after prize for the majority of long distance swimmers.
How far will you have to swim?
In a straight line the shortest distance across from Dover to Cap Gris Nez is about 19 nautical miles, 21 land miles, or 35 km. But the tides mean swimmers swim much further in an inverted S shape, and can also mean missing Cap Gris Nez and increasing the swim either side.
Is it dangerous?
I will have a support boat accompanying me on my swim - Anastasia, piloted by Eddie Spelling. Eddie is an experienced pilot who has overseen many successful Channel Swims. He will keep me on course and help me navigate across two shipping lanes hopefully avoiding all the ferries and tankers. On board I will have a support crew to moniter me and make sure I am ok and to throw me feeds every half an hour. The only realistic threat of marine life is from jellyfish who may sting, but the real danger is from hypothermia. My cold water training will be vital to overcome this but I will rely on my support crew to monitor me and pull me out if needs be.
And how cold is it?
When I do my swim in late September the temperature may be anywhere between 16 and 18°C but during the training throughout the summer will be a degree or two colder.
But you wear a wetsuit?
No, Channel Swimming rules state that nothing can be worn that aids with either buoyancy or warmth. In short this means only a standard swimming costume, a cap, and goggles. This is in line with Captain Matthew Webbs first crossing of the Channel in 1875.
But you cover your body in goose fat?
No not exactly. It is true most swimmers use a grease (lanolin/vaseline) on their bodies, but this is to prevent chaffing on certain friction points. Unfortunately, no insulating properties here either.
How long will the swim take?
The times individuals have taken to swim range from 6 hours 57 minutes to over 27 hours. It is impossible to predict exactly how long a swim will take because there are so many factors to consider. I am not a fast swimmer and will be happy with somewhere around 16 hours, but I must be mentally prepared to swim for much longer.
How many people have swum the Channel then?
Just over 1,000. There are usually between 100-150 solo attempts made each summer, with a success rate below 50%.
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