Hi Everybody
Just a brief post to let you know that we're on for July, for sure!
I just returned from the annual cold water camp in Melbourne. Epic torture including six swims, approx 50km, and one 8 hour swim.
I knew it would be the acid test of readiness, and was concerned that my lack of training due to travel and illness would be a problem. Thankfully I managed the cold (13-15 degrees celsius water), wind, darkness, and chop well.
I learned something really important too. The eight hour swim was simply torture, and I spent the whole time wishing I was not swimming and contemplating reasons not to get out. The reasons were many, and included friends, family, supporters, Opportunity International.....the list goes on. The problem was not that I didn't want to achieve the goal (i.e. swim the English Channel), rather that I couldn't see a reason to swim around in 2km circles for 8 hours. I had not realised how critical a training swim it would be both mentally and physically. I had not planned the swim mentally (I was all organised practically with a wonderful team of nuts and squirrels). I had not dissected the "elephant" into manageable meals.
Next time I will. We all need small pieces, to enable small victories. Whilst the goal will be physical and I have to cross a channel to succeed, I will definitely break the big goal into lots of little ones, hour by hour.
Importantly, it's now goals that will get me through the next 65 days:
1. Recover from Melbourne
2. Don't get sick
3. Increase stroke rate (stop over-gliding)
4. Stick to the programme
5. Be grateful for the opportunity.
Thanks in advance to all of you whose support I will depend on in so many different ways, it’s much appreciated!
There is a facebook page and I would appreciate "likes", "follows", "shares" and anything else you can do to help get some steam behind the campaign. I will again attempt to raise $50k for Opportunity International. If you have donated to the last challenge, please don't feel obliged this time, but please do help me reach others.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/EnglishChannelChallenge
Website: www.benschannelswims.com
GoFundrais: http://personalchallenge.gofundraise.com.au/page/HuttB
Just a brief post to let you know that we're on for July, for sure!
I just returned from the annual cold water camp in Melbourne. Epic torture including six swims, approx 50km, and one 8 hour swim.
I knew it would be the acid test of readiness, and was concerned that my lack of training due to travel and illness would be a problem. Thankfully I managed the cold (13-15 degrees celsius water), wind, darkness, and chop well.
I learned something really important too. The eight hour swim was simply torture, and I spent the whole time wishing I was not swimming and contemplating reasons not to get out. The reasons were many, and included friends, family, supporters, Opportunity International.....the list goes on. The problem was not that I didn't want to achieve the goal (i.e. swim the English Channel), rather that I couldn't see a reason to swim around in 2km circles for 8 hours. I had not realised how critical a training swim it would be both mentally and physically. I had not planned the swim mentally (I was all organised practically with a wonderful team of nuts and squirrels). I had not dissected the "elephant" into manageable meals.
Next time I will. We all need small pieces, to enable small victories. Whilst the goal will be physical and I have to cross a channel to succeed, I will definitely break the big goal into lots of little ones, hour by hour.
Importantly, it's now goals that will get me through the next 65 days:
1. Recover from Melbourne
2. Don't get sick
3. Increase stroke rate (stop over-gliding)
4. Stick to the programme
5. Be grateful for the opportunity.
Thanks in advance to all of you whose support I will depend on in so many different ways, it’s much appreciated!
There is a facebook page and I would appreciate "likes", "follows", "shares" and anything else you can do to help get some steam behind the campaign. I will again attempt to raise $50k for Opportunity International. If you have donated to the last challenge, please don't feel obliged this time, but please do help me reach others.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/EnglishChannelChallenge
Website: www.benschannelswims.com
GoFundrais: http://personalchallenge.gofundraise.com.au/page/HuttB
