Gosh I can't believe how upset and bitterly disappointed I feel. In training I have swum over 600miles and couldn't even managed 21miles!!
I started out in glorious sunshine and even though there was a swell I made good progress with the Folkestone Angler (and my support crew) keeping an eye on me! Ann Sloan was my observer from the CSA. I was loving it and felt sure I could do it - I felt strong and fresh but at 4 hours the waves started to get higher and rougher and the wind blew up from no where! I was trying to think how best to swim but my lack of experience in these conditions my stroke rate dropped and I was being blown off course! We made it past the Varne bouy but were in the ferry seperation lane (boy they are big!). At 5 hours I fed and told the crew I was struggling! I continued but then took 2 big waves and inhaled a lot of seawater! I looked over to the boat and suddenly felt despair - I could see the look on Johns face - it had to end!! I managed 13 miles (be it some off course) and before the weather change I was on for a 16hr crossing!!
So what's next.....?
Well the channel will still be there next year so I am going to do a relay with John, Helen (an old friend) and Oliver (a 14 yr old - don't worry we are friends with his parents!!). We are going to go in september so watch this space. I will keep the blog going as I think it will be an interesting year training - John can't do the front crawl!!!!!!
