Before we decided to make the Enduroman Deca's swim open water, I was taking things at a leisurely pace in relation to the swim stage.  I had reached the 3hr mark in the pool and I had planned a 4, 5, couple of sixes and an 8hr before the big day.  Although, the swim would be far from 'easy' it was very manageable - water temperature would not be a problem, toilet facilities etc.  My thinking was that this training along with what I still have in the bank from last year's channel swim would see me through. 



The open water decision has changed everything.  Yesterday's swim was a big step for me.  My club (Sandwell Channel Swimming Club) was organising another 6-hour qualification swim for swimmers to gain their tick in the box before a channel attempt this year, and with only 10 weeks to go I needed to sort my sh*t out.

Before the swim Dan presented the Mike Reid trophy to me which listed all 3 successful channel swimmers from the club.  The swim went quite well. 

I completed 23 laps of the 800m lap lake which meant I completed almost half the Deca distance (48 laps).  Apart from the fact that my shoulders were very sore I was happy with my progress. 




During my channel preparation last year I completed the same amount of laps after considerably more training.

Out of the swimmers below, I was disappointed to find out that only Andrea and I had completed the 6 hours. Helpers from the club were good enough to provide safety and support for the day so it was a shame that more swimmers didn't turn up.  I wish the very best to Andrea who is attempting to swim the channel later on in the year.