A chilly Winter Training? Perfect prep for a 2 Way Ullswater
October to March- a Season on its own
2019 brings us another Dover Souls Team - Team Golf. The team consists of Neill Hughes, Deborah Stevenson, Rebecca Drake, Su Shortt and Ben Clarke-Davison. The team have been training extremely hard over Winter . Following a tailored programme set by Uswim they have gone from strength to strength. T60 tests, hypoxic work, sprints and drill sets, all focused on tweaking their techniques and becoming as strong and efficient as possible. Why? Because in September they are swimming the English Channel. With each individual raising money for the charities dear to them.
On Sunday 12th May Team Golf were nervous and excited for their first Relay Swim together, a 2 Way Ullswater. We choose this swim for teams because the Lake is stunningly picturesque and it also offers a challenge with its fluctuating water temperature. Leaving our larger boat Gemini Warrior, we opted to hire a smaller boat ensuring the team would need to bond and learn how to work together in a small environment. With strict instructions to bring 1 allocated box of kit only on the boat the team were raring to go.
The team order was Su, Ben, Rebecca, Neill and Deb. Not in any speed order just alternating female male for support with changing etc. 30 minute swims to ensure each had several emersions, which is the best training for relay swims. The conditions were stunning and it certainly didn't disappoint by being still and quiet, with just the Cruisers passing now and again.
Su , is all about the medal , if she knows she going to get one at the end , you know the job will get done. Totally dedicated and leaving her son on his birthday she was waved off proudly by her family. A super mum juggling work, training and a young family.
Neill was dying to get in and is the most positive person ever who even if it hail stoned would say " I'm living the dream". Neill is the calm chap of the bunch, extremely logical, practical and keeps us all amused with his A and E dramas (confidentiality maintained of course) . Working shifts, training and family life means he makes every swim count.
3rd swimmer was Rebecca who takes everything in her stride, this girl has battled bigger wars than a 2 Way Ullswater and a minor detail of 11 degrees wouldn't deter her either. Rebecca is a very busy bee running a dog rescue home and has spent the last 12 months getting as strong as possible following a rough battle with Cancer which with her kick ass approach had now beaten it. A superb positive outlook on life and a heart of gold.
4th Swimmer was Ben, at 16 years old this young man is a phenomenal swimmer and has big open water swim dreams. A very exciting future ahead. Juggling studies, training, working and doing his coaching qualification, he restores faith in the youth of today.
Last but by no means least was Deborah, the lady whose main focus is to get the Instagram shot and has amazing timing for belting out the biggest smile and thumbs up for a picture. Deborah never rests and when shes' not swimming can be found hunting for trigs along a 10 mile trail run.
8 hours and 51 minutes - Team Golf had conquered 14.4 miles of Ullswater. A brilliant day on the Lake and lots of fun had.
Whats next ??? Watch this space to see the Fantastic Fives next step of their training.
