Lakeside National Relays - September 2013

At last, a chance to swim with my son Mark. 

Disappointingly, The Great East Swim at Alton Waters had been cancelled this year. I had been training my eldest son, Mark up for his very first outdoor swim and he was doing so well, so when we heard the news it was cancelled, having done all that training, we decided to enter the Lakeside 750m event instead.  Mark used to compete in his childhood but then the typical teenage phase of booze and fags got in the way and he became quite unfit.

It was whilst watching my video of the 24 hour swim challenge back in 2011, that he decided enough was enough.  If his ole mum can swim 24miles in 24 hours, then he's inspired to do something.

He sent me a beautiful text saying how proud he was of me and that he was going to cut the fags and booze, get fit and do something energetic! 

Here's a reminder of that epic (and sometimes sad) video of my challenge. 24 Hour Challenge You might need to put the kettle on before watching but if you want to see a grown woman break down, then just skip right to about minute 13.

Gary, my youngest son, was my swim buddy on this challenge and helped me through the night along with Chris.  Unfortunately, would you believe it but the tape ran out on the very last length so the grand finale was not caught on camera.

Anyway, that's old news.  Back to Mark.  The end of 2012 saw me without a job so I was able to devote 3 months to being Mark's swim coach.    Jeez, was he unfit on the first few trips to the pool.  All he could manage was 2 lengths max. before dying with exhaustion.  He trained his butt off for 5 months, we entered The Great East Swim and then just a couple of days before, we received the news that due to bad weather, the event had to be called off.

I don't think I have ever been so gutted before that a race had been cancelled.  Poor Mark was all hyped up and ready to go, it was so disappointing.

Unfortunately, he wasn't able to get the time off work to switch to The Great London swim, so I entered him in the 750metres at Lakeside instead.  By now though, he had lost his mo-jo.  I don't actually think he went anywhere near a swimming pool between June and September so when the day came to race at Lakeside, he was out of shape, but determined to do it.

I was in an 800m relay event and I had also entered the 750metres too so that I could keep Mark company (well he is my baby).

Chris was also entered into the 750 metres and when the gun went off, me and Mark were soon left far, far behind.  3mths out of the water, more booze and fags and he was rolling on to his back just kicking to get his breath and compose himself.

I told him not to worry about anyone else.  It was not a race, it was a challenge and we were going to complete it no matter what.  but I could tell by his face, that he didn't like being left behind.

However, funny how things take a turn for the better.  I noticed that we had been making some ground on another swimmer so said to Mark (as we had plenty of time to chat whilst we doggy-paddled round), hey look, I think you are catching a swimmer up.

To my surprise, of all people to catch up, it was Chris.  He was struck down with severe cramp and could not swim at all.  LOL, -- Come on Mark, we ain't gonna come last after all - HILARIOUS. 

We caught him up and I had a pang of guilt - do I stay with my husband who is in agony, or do I stay with my baby.  No brainer - See you laters Chris - we ain't coming last.  Apologies Chris, but Mark is only 28 years old after all and still needs his Mum :)

Mark was so pleased he finished, albeit it was not the swim he had imagined  He learnt his lesson, that you need to train for these things, so we have now entered the The Great East Swim again for f 2014, he has joint a Swimming Club and we are keeping fingers crossed that come June, he will get round the mile course without any hitches. 

Little bit disappointed that the first thing he grabbed when he climbed out of the lake was - A FAG!

Well done Mark.  Now it was your mums turn to have a tear in her eye and be so proud of you because you didn't give up - you did it and I am so so proud of you. x

BUDE Channel Challenge - September 2013

Tracy Russell - Pod Mate, settling in.

The busiest weekend of my life, I think.  Below - From left, Dave Southgate, Steve Knights, Jon Yorston, Tracy Kemp, Clive Hatch, Tom Durhsen and Tracy Russell.

So, including me, that makes eight of us, seven squeezed into one Galaxy (Dave went on ahead) with heap loads of wetsuits, towels and nutrition, and we headed off to Cornwall, ready to take on the Bude Challenge which was to swim the equivalent distance of the English Channel in the sea pool at Bude.  The purpose of the swim was to raise money to save the crumbling sea wall. 

We split into two teams and I was especially looking forward to this event as it was a chance to swim with some of my old buddies from Blackwater Triathlon Club.

Back in 2004'ish I used to be the swimming coach and Treasurer of BTC.  And although no longer a member, I was humbled that they contacted me to make up their second team for this epic challenge.

Tracey Kemp - Pod Mate, settling in

Spirits were high as we set off for the eight hour journey with Tracy R in the driver's seat. 

I have to say that having only ever stayed in little less than 5*, not that I'm a snob or anything (but I do like my little luxuries), when we arrived at our little Glamping POD, I chuckled to myself that thank god Chris was not with me on this occasion!



 

Tom D, first off for my team going non-wetsuit
 

Well here they are (above right).  Looking like lots of little beehives all around a BBQ stove.  Each was equipped with blow up beds, ice box, electricity and warmth and more importantly, friends.

I shared with the two Tracy's and to say it slept 3 was a bit of an over-statement.  The three blow up beds were crammed in corner to corner and I think we were all grateful that there was no snoring over this weekend.  Well not from our POD anyway.  If only Chris could see me now.  This would have been his worst nightmare.

A warm welcome was well received as Dave was already there with the BBQ on when we arrived and we cracked open the beer and wine!  Yes, beer and wine.  Well, after all, it was only a channel crossing we were doing at 6am.  Easy Peezy. 

A little sparring match between Tom and Cassie Patten,
Olympic Medalist.

Olympic medalist, Cassie Patten was there to cheer the challengers on and even managed a mile herself.  Our very own Tom D got in and managed to stay on her toes for a whole lap, albeit he did look a little knackered and soon tailed off. 

Not sure which Tracy this is - hard to tell

Here's a few more photo's of our fab weekend together.  Both teams completed the challenge and the heavens opened at the end on our way to the Curry House. 

Great weekend.
Great challenge.
Great friends.
Great time. x.

Holding Cassies Bronze Olympic Medal

A nice birthday treat for Steve K.

TEAM DOE do The Clacton Triathlon

Dress rehearsal

8th September 2013.

This year saw the start of a new career for me.  I said good bye to the busy day to day running of an accountancy practice and headed off to Ernest Doe & Sons Limited, the largest agricultural supplier in the UK.

I also landed myself the role of PA to the Managing Director, Mr Colin Doe.  So, if any of my usual gang need a tractor or combine, you know where to come for discount!  http://www.ernestdoe.com

It wasn't long before I learnt that I had something in common with my new boss.  Sport.  He is a competitive cyclist, and with me being a swimmer, our daily routine soon included chit chat about the past weekends training regime.

It certainly broke the ice in those first few weeks when everything and everybody is so new.  It's nice to have some common ground somewhere.

Almost ready

It was during one of these conversations that Colin jokingly said, "if we had a runner, would that make us good for a triathlon".

He really did say it as a joke, because he never realised at the time that team triathlons do exist.

A few days later, Kerry Marsh from accounts popped in to our office and our previous team triathlon conversation resurfaced.  "So we now have a triathlon team, what a shame we are three people instead of one".

I explained that Team Triathlons really do exist and how about we enter one.  It was said a bit 'tongue in cheek' as I never thought for one minute that both of them would be interested.  Surprisingly they were, so that was it, I was now on the case to find a team triathlon that the three of us could compete in.


I'm second in from the right of the picture

Before they could catch their breath, TEAM DOE was entered into The Clacton Triathlon. 

The only problem was the date.  8th September 2013. Colin and Janet's wedding anniversary!  How could we get Janet to agree to spending her wedding anniversary watching a triathlon!   "Well, it is Clacton.  Tell her your taking her to the beach for the day" I said.  OK maybe that won't work".

So, I spent a few weeks advising my new boss how to stack up brownie points at home.  "You need to do the ironing this weekend, mow the grass and cook the dinner".  Basically, keep in her good books and stack up your points.  You then need to get the timing just right before you play your trump card.   The second she smiles and says thank you, -- PLAY YOUR CARDS, cash in those brownie points along the lines of "You deserve something really special for our anniversary darling, leave it to me.  I'm going to treat you to golden sands and sunshine" !!!!




Kerry coming into the finishing line

And I'll be blowed but it worked.  He had his play pass and was now ready to take on the spirit of TEAM DOE.  He even organised team t'shirts.  Amemo was issued to all employee's to see if anyone else would like to put a team together.  Amongst 500+ employees, we must have other cyclists, swimmers and runners out there.  Before long DO-NUTS (from the Dartford Branch), were also keen.

Sadly they had to withdraw at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances, but what a great name eh, The DO-NUTS, hilarious.

We each took our gruelling training regime seriously as not wanting the let the team down.  I even managed to get Colin to take his nutrition seriously too by selling him, what he refers to as his chocolate muck!   As a Herbalife Distributor, I never miss an opportunity to sell 'muck' to anyone. http://www.slimmerswimmer.co.uk

Our heavy work schedule soon had to be adjusted to allow time for 'team pep talks', tactics and rules. We even had job roles.  Colin was Team Treasurer, Kerry was Coach and Mentor and I was Team Manager and Nutritionist!  God, we were serious.

We studied last years results to see how we each compared in each of our disciplines and the scary thing was, we were good.  We realised we were in with a chance to win this. :)

What a great 'ice-breaker' for my new career.  I was now part of a team triathlon with my boss doing the cycle bit and a lovely lady in accounts being our runner.

Race Day.

5am Sunday 8th September, and Team Manager sends the first text of the day.  "Good Morning Team Doe, the sun is shining and are we all fighting fit".

Janet and Chris were there to support us and thank god the sun was shining and the beach looked lovely, so at least Janet wasn't disappointed with her anniversary treat!

Our respective spouses wore the team t'shirts too and we really looked the part.

The swim was exhausting for me.  One of those really breezy days that create a lot of small choppy waves.  It was a complete battle to hold my stroke together.  What was worse though was that, having had both knees operated on, I am unable to run, but the swimmer had to run up the beach and up a hill, along the road before tagging the cyclist.  I think that bit hurt more than the swim.

I was third out of the water in my heat, and think the 7th fastest swimmer overall.   Colin did a fabulous cycle section with an overal result of 13th and Kerry did a very respectable 48mins for her 10k.  She looked absolutely exhausted at the end as the weather was so hot.


TEAM DOE came 4th out of 13 teams and our time would have won the event the previous year.

Lets hope that this was the first one of many as I would definately like to be part of TEAM DOE in 2014.

The Great London Swim - 31st August 2013

Well what an emotional day this was.  Life's been a bit strange over the past 8 months.  In a nut shell, we had a major kitchen overhaul which went drastically wrong and left us without a kitchen for 3 months, I had a cancer scare right bang in the middle of it and stress factor was flying all over the place, I had two biopsy's which thankfully I received the all clear, I was made redundant from my PA role of 13 years and had no work for 10 weeks and what with a severe lack of training due to stress levels reaching sky high, my head was in a really weird place for a while. So apart from the Southend Pier Swim, I've done jack all.

I've plodded along the seashore and the odd canal a few times but as for racing, no speed there whatsoever, so I decided to write this year off as far as targets go and enjoy a well needed rest.

Well in the midst of all this, my dearest, loveliest, friend Lizzie Wells,

who has often referred to me as a complete nutter that needs sectioning, decided she wanted to do something for charity.  Having lost her mum to cancer about 4 years ago and having had a little scare herself, what with my scare too, a cancer charity was the obvious choice.  What was not obvious was what the challenge would be.  You see Lizzie's only form of exercise in the past is weight lifting.  Many, many, many repetitions of lifting a glass of wine to ones mouth to tone up the arms.  And unfortunately she also suffers from a horrendous allergy know as exercise-a-phobia.  Exercise to you and me.  The thought of doing any exercise at all, or even so much as catching a passing glimpse of sport on the television, causes her to twitch uncontrollably and break out in a sweat.

It was during one of these severe outbreaks (and in the middle of a heavy 'Wine Weight Training set'), that having overdosed on the alcohol intake, she found herself mutter some words which she would come to regret later.  "Well, I could join you Bettsy and do an open water swim".  To which I have to add at this point, that I came out in a hot sweat and had to join her in her wine weight training session, as I was knocked for six!

Now the other thing Lizzie won't mind me telling you is that a year ago from the time of writing this article, she weighed an incredible 5.5 stone heavier than she does today.  Did I think she would stick it - No.  Did I think she would get in a cozzie at the start of all this dieting (cough cough) - No.  Did I ever think I would get her in a cold, horrible lake in a wetsuit - Hell No.

The first time I threw her in the River Chelmer she had a severe panic attack.  She couldn't breath, she was petrified and shaking with fear.  We doggy paddled up the river with our other close friend Ulieja (Julie) who was keeping a close eye along the bankside accompanied by Vinny the dog.  (Pain).   Totally convinced I was going to have to perform a resuscitation move on Lizzie at some point during the swim, I was definitely not prepared for having to rescue a bloomin DOG!   Yes, Vinny fell in.  And with mum, Ulieja, throwing a tantrum on the side, Lizzie gasping for breath, I leaped into my baywatch mode and rescued the bloomin DOG!  Then shot back to calm Lizzie down.  God, how the hell did I get involved in this one!

So, here we are now.  A whole year on and she's able to swim a mile a day in a pool but has not returned to the cold outdoors for over 8 long winter months.

A place called TRIFARM had just opened which is fairly close to where we live and is basically a lake where triathletes can train at the whole discipline in one area under the supervision of lifeguards.  An excellent venue.  So once again, as soon as we had some decent weather we had to go through the whole procedure of panic attacks and "Don't speak to me" whilst we doggy paddled around the circuit.  (At least this time it was without Vinny the Dog!)

Then a really weird thing happened.  I used to
jump in the lake at TRIFARM on my way home from work and with the fantastic summer we were having in 2013, I certainly made the most of it.  Then one night I turned up at the lake and to my surprise, there was Lizzie, in it, on her own !!!!!   What is the world coming to?  I could hardly believe my eyes that she had gone to the farm by herself to practise.  The same thing happened the following week, but this was even more surprising.  As Chris and I did our usual 2/3 laps, we spotted Lizzie - AND HER HUSBAND.  Jeez, this is crazy.  But then, the thing that completely knocked me for six was that Lizzie, of all people, turned up at TRIFARM in protest to 'KEEP OUR FARM OPEN' !!!!   Do-good jobs worths, with nothing better to do than try to close our farm down meant that we had to fight to remain there and Lizzie was on the front line!

So, here we are.  The day has arrived.  And whats more, Lizzie has raised nearly £2,000 in her quest to lose 5.5 stone and be able to complete THE GREAT LONDON SWIM.  She dragged all her friends and workmates down to cheer her on and was ready for her big day.


I was going to race it at 10a.m. and then jump back in again at 11.30a.m. to swim Lizzies mile with her.  Well un-beknown to me, whilst I'm racing my heat, my mum, bless her, has chatted up the man with the microphone, told him all about her me and that I'm swimming it twice today and all about my amazing friend that's going to attempt this mile.  So when I completed my mile, there he was waiting to interview me.  Amongst the crowds, Lizzie hadn't managed to find me or didn't see my epic swim (I say epic because amazingly I broke the 24min barrier for the first time ever) which was unfortunately but she did hear a familiar voice over the speaker system telling the world all about her.  She came rushing over with tears in her eyes and then promptly told me I got the charity name wrong!   Ooops. Must pay attention.

When our heat was announced, we stayed right at the back and waited for all the other swimmers to go in.  Chris was racing it so off he went and then, an extremely scared Lizzie, dawdled into the scary water amongst cheers of 'come on Lizzie, you can do it'.   AND SHE DID.  The last 20 metres or so, she welled up because she knew her mum would have been so proud of her. We spoke about her mum as we swum round the course and she said "if she could see me now, she would never believe what I have done".    A true inspiration Lizzie, I'm so proud of you.  And then as we climbed out the other end, there was our young man again ready to interview this amazing lady who was able to tell the world her story.  Fame at last.

And which proves, if you look for reasons and excuses why not to do something, then the chances are, you never really wanted to do it in the first place.

Lizzie wanted to do this for her mum, she wanted to make a difference, and so she did.

The Julie's fault, bettsy, ratty, doggy poo bin swim - 11 August 2013

Following the huge success of my Queen's Jubilee charity swim last year, Julie asked me if I was going to do another one this year.

Whilst I was delighted with last years turn out and the success of it, the stress levels of organising a river swim for 30 people with kayaks, safety crew, not to mention clearing it with the authorities all by myself proved somewhat more stressful that I had originally imagined.  Not because I couldn't organise it, but because if anyone had decided to die on that day, I'm not sure I could have ever coped with the trauma.  I certainly don't think I would every have been able to swim again.

So when Julie asked me, my initial thought was definitely no, never again.  I slept on it for a few days and then thought, what if I scale it down, just invite say about 12 swimmers and combine it with a BBQ party round our house afterwards.  We were having such a beautiful summer, that it was a shame to waste it.  It's what us swimmers would consider a perfect day.  Long swim in a river, BBQ, wine, music and great company.  

So that was it, the inaugural Julies fault, Bettsy, Ratty Doggy Poo Bin swim was about to take place.

It's called the Julie's fault.......... purely because, we swim as far as the poo bin then come back again - simple.

The sun was shining, the food was fabulous and the company was even better.

The first of many I hope.

Southend Great Pier Swim - July 21 2013

Ben Jacques, Helen Wildin and me.

For the third year running, I have entered the Great Pier Swim at Southend.  Chalkwell Redcaps train at the Crowstone in Chalkwell and this year we had a new route for the Great Swim.

Instead of starting at the Sealife Centre and swimming towards Thorpe Bay, we will be starting at the Crowstone in Chalkwell and swimming towards Southend and straight under the longest pier in the world to the finishing line.

I have swum this route along with my fellow Redcaps, many times before.  The Redcap challenge back in 2012 comes immediately to mind when we covered the distance 6 times over on one tide.

As usual,I dragged mum out at this ungodly hour to come and watch and Mark, living and working at The Borough Hotel was also able to pop along and greet me at the finish post.

Being encouraged in ready for the race

A particularly windy day, (but not anywhere near as bad as last year), we gathered patiently awaiting the usual safety briefing.

Myself, Jane and Helen decided to pop in for a quick warm up to acclimatise first, which was a blessing, as the water was still a tad chilly so taking the opportunity to lower the body temperature lessens the shock when the time comes.

We also had the floating start this year whereas in previous years, we have run in from the beach.  I assume this was partly because the beach is somewhat stony at Chalkwell and very painful to run in.  As usual the racers are not allowed to wear a wetsuit and they go off first, followed by several waves of wet-suited challengers.

Jane Bell, Me, Helen Wildin, having a warm up

I have had a particularly bad time since the end of the open water season last year.  Not to mention being made jobless, not being well and hence suffering from a severe lack of training  I was really testing my fitness levels in this one.  3k is not a great distance when you are fit, but with the lack of training, I was in no way prepared for what lay ahead.

2012 had seen me competing or challenging most weekends but this year I have only entered 3 swims and this was the first.

The water was particularly choppy and my lack of fitness sure took it's toll.  It's not like me to 'wish it was over' and struggle for breath but those final metres swimming under the pier were exhausting.  I could hear the echo of my own wheezing over and over as I struggled to get some air.

They changed the award system this year too which I was pretty pissed off about.  Not because I am in any great need for another medal but purely out of principle.  If you want to swim a challenge, then that is what you are doing.  You enter challenges to challenge yourself to complete something.  If you want to race, then you are swimming to become an outright winner.  That's why we enter races, in the hope that we will prove to be the fastest and subsequently suitably rewarded for our efforts.  But this year, by popular demand, they chipped the challengers too.  Nothing wrong with that, as even challengers like to know how long they took to complete their challenge.  But to give the rewards to the challengers and not the racers, where's the logic in that?  So hence, my category, the veterans was won by a much slower swimmer than myself !! Crazy. So, I guess in hind site, had I read the rules properly, I could have kept warm in a wetsuit, taken my time, had a nice leisurely swim and walked away with first prize.  How crazy is that.  I spoke to several people who were extremely upset by this decision.  I think the organisers will be in extreme danger next year of all the racers entering the challenge category, because us real competitive people, love a trophy, don't we. Slightly contradicting my earlier statement, but true.    In particular, I spoke to an elderly gentleman who had trained really hard and was keen to win his age category, but like me, he didn't read the rules properly and his trophy went to a chap that was several minutes slower than him.  Daft if you ask me.

It's not cold honestly, we'll be fine once we've stripped off !