Sometimes a day on the Lake turns into pain on the Lake. This season we have seen a couple of planned full distance swims reduce to learning experiences. Danny and Neil joined forces for a 1-Way Windermere with Neil having signed up for an English Channel Solo in 2020 swimming alongside Danny for the experience. Danny was due to complete his 1-Way in preparation for his Loch Lomond Solo later in the month.

Dave Quartermain also jumped into Lake Windermere wanting to get a nice long swim under his belt. With plans of An Around Jersey Relay Swim and his own English Channel Solo in 2019 this was a nice way to evaluate the training. All strong guys from strong swimming backgrounds.

Neil dipped in and out of Windermere as Danny progressed down the Lake, but after less than half way Danny started with lower back discomfort . With a history of this and his Loch Lomond several weeks later, Danny made the decision to end his swim to protect any further discomfort. A wise yet difficult decision. But on a positive note wife Debbie who was crewing had not been ill on the boat, after years of being plagued with motion sickness. So that in itself was worth a Medal.

Dave had started off like a train and had hit the halfway marker in just 2 hours 50 mins. He looked so strong and powerful in the water it was impossible to predict what would happen. After around 4 hours Dave started suffering from Hip Abductor Cramp and struggled to stretch this off in the water. Having to hold the ladders ( a big no no for any form of ratified swims) to get in a better position. After several minutes Dave set off again reassured and encouraged by myself and Boat Driver Andy. With only 5km to go, the end seemed the next stop. However just 35 minutes later Dave halted in the water with severe cramp returning again spreading to his quads and hamstrings making it difficult to relax and move into position for stretching.

After 5 hours his swim had ended. A super speedy swim highlighting the need to start a Marathon Swim having rested adequately beforehand and remember that gym work is vital.