Team Rees take on Ullswater!
We always pride ourselves on giving our Swimmers the best and like to say we know what they are going through. Well this week both myself and Dave decided to support our Channel Swimmer in training Gareth Rees and take on a Solo Ullswater each. Then it was over to Gareth to pull out a 2 Way with brother David having his debut as feeder.
The weather forecast kept changing, and as usual with most of my swims there was no sunshine around, a cloudy sky and a bit of a breeze. All in days work. With DQ on the boat as support the Lake was simply stunning. This swim was truly a milestone for me this year and with not specifically training for a 7.2mile Challenge I was extremely happy to have completed this. No dramas, no pain and no cramp. Just over 5 hours after setting off from Glenridding I reached Pooley Bridge. This is one of my favourite Lakes with the most stunning scenery.
The next day it was time for Team Rees to form as a 4 for the first time. Gareth has been training hard for his English Channel Solo attempt in August this year and now it was time to make his big splash on a 2 Way Ullswater. On the boat was myself and David (Gareths brother). He had the vital role of learning about Gareth's feeds and was under the watchful eye of myself ensuring feeds were on time and measured to perfection. Both boys jumped in at Glenridding with Dave joining Gareth for the first leg of the swim.
Gareth and Dave are strong swimmers and both remained the same pace for the entire 7.2 miles. No fuss on the feeds, a super fast Grab Gulp and Go and they were off. After a supersonic 3 hours 38 they both arrived at Pooley Bridge with Dave jumping back on the boat after making his 1 way look like a warm up , and Gareth turning around for his 2nd leg.
The Lake decided to shake things up a bit on the way back with an increase in wind blowing into Gareths face, making it a little bit more exciting and a little bit more challenging. Perfect for Channel training! Gareth continued at the same pace and completed a superb 2 Way Ullswater in 8 hours and 3 minutes.
