Sunday 7th July came around and it was my turn to stick to the programme and complete an 8 hour training swim. It is fair to say that neither myself or Dave felt like a long day on or in the Lake. The day before was our MediaCity UK Swim Challenge along with usual session which saw over 600 people visit the Dock. Fantastic, Inspirational and Fun but very tiring too. However with no other opportunities left to do this we had no choice. Off to Windermere we went.

As it was a training swim we didnt bother looking at the wind direction or the weather, what would be would be and its all hours in the bank. We set off with the Rib from Ambleside and as I looked out I was thinking "8 Hours?, really". My longest swim was last year when I completed a 1 Way Windermere in 6 hours 30 so today was a real step up. I have been completing longer swims usually getting in the Dock at 0600 and swimming 3-4 hours a time but had been pretty independant regarding feeds etc. Just grabbing something from the Dockside every few laps. Today was my opportunity to drill down the feeding plan and test the mental strength.

My Jersey to France Solo is a couple of weeks away and a huge Challenge. This is a perfect milestone swim for an English Channel Solo which is something I have never wanted to do , until recently when it keeps just popping in my head unexpectedly . But lets get to France from Jersey first.

The wind was against me from around hour 2 and it was quite a battle to get passed Bass Rock and through the Lillies. At the half way marker where the Chain Ferry crossing the wind continued making getting to Storrs a never ending battle. However once upon a time this would have frustrated me, but I didnt let it impact me negatively. I laughed as the waves from passing boats knocked me out of rhythm and changed my breathing side when the jet skiers decided to fly passed at top speed. Sunday is not the best day for a bit of piece and quiet on the Lake. It was very busy with lots of sailing boats taking advantage of the wind. But all good fun.

Once we reached Storrs my triathlon buddy Heather jumped aboard to give me a boost .Heather always up for a Challenge herself joined Dave for an hour before getting in for a swim herself. The busy Lake continued to cause lots of movement in the Lake but before we knew it it was the return leg time and back to Storrs Hall I went. A better direction regarding the wind and I seemed to fly down to the end. 8 hours and 6 minutes (they all count) and my training swim well and truly completed.

What I learnt that there is always more in you than you think!