Nokia Swim In London

I am really looking forward to taking part in the Nokia Thames Swim on the 1st August. It is a two miles swim down an amazing stretch of The Thames from Hampton Court Palace to just before Kingston Bridge. I have teamed up with Nokia to provide training tips and an interactive course guide http://www.nokiaoutdoorseries.co.uk/events/Thames-Swim.aspx to help you tackle the swim so make sure you check them out. I hope to see you there on the 1st of August for this great event.

Carnage in Canada

I think its fair to say that the World Championships in Canada have been one of the most extraordinary meets ever.

On Saturday, I raced the 10k – surely one of the most brutal open water races there has been. There were four red cards (two of which were for fighting) and five or six yellow cards. It was a real battle out there.

I must have led the race for about eight of the ten kilometres, but ended up coming 8th. I did manage to stay clear of most of the incidents but couldn’t quite finish it off in very difficult conditions. Obviously I’m disappointed with the final result, but there are plenty of positives that I can take from this and I have no doubt it will stand me in good stead in the future races. Better to get a result like this out of the way now than closer to 2012!!

The 5k took place earlier today and I was forced out of the race at the last minute due to severe stomach cramps. I was suited up and ready to go, but the cramps were just too painful and when I went to see the doctor he agreed that swimming would be the worst thing I could do.

Overall, the results in the water haven’t been what I would have wanted, but I am still in the World Top 10 for my events – so it just goes to show that even on my off days I’m up there with the best, which is one of many positives I can draw from my experience in Canada.

I’m flying back to the UK on Thursday and when I get back into training I’ll really realise just what a valuable learning experience this has been and that it can only make me a better swimmer.

World Championships in Canada

I’m currently in Canada for the 6th FINA Open Water Swimming World Championships.

I’ll be competing in Lac Saint-Jean near Roberval, which is in Quebec. I’ve never been to Canada before and it really does live up to it reputation – it is absolutely stunning.

Unfortunately I won’t be able to see too much of it though as I will be focusing on my races. The Women’s 10k is on Saturday July 17th with the Women’s 5k on Tuesday 20th.

Its always really difficult to predict how I’m going to perform in the races as there are so many variables in open water swimming, not to mention the fact that as it’s the World Championships so the field is really strong. But I am feeling confident, so let see what happens!

Sorry it has been a while since I last posted a blog - things have been hectic since I got back
 
I swam at the Great North swim in Windemere 13th September 2008, a one mile swim (1600m) in 15.2 degrees BRRRRRRRR!!!!
I finished 2nd just behind Cassie Patten. It was a really great event all the family were there and many of them swam
My dad swam in a time of 53 minutes finishing 1632nd - not bad for a 54 year old!
My Brother Mark did it in 30 minutes finishing 310th over all!
My sister's boyfriend Phil swam a time of 38 minutes he finished 924th over all - very good considering it was his first ever swim!!
last but not least my sister Janine swam an amazing time of 26 minutes she was very close to the lead pack in her race!! Well done Janine, she finished 106th overall!!
Well done guys you did amazing!!!
 
Next year we hope to see more people swimming the Great North Challenge. 

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WOW!!
 
I firstly need to thank everyone who has sent a message of support to me, it really is fantasic to know I have a great network of friends and family - Thank you very much!!
 
Secondly I am still in shock, it has not sunk in yet and i dont think it will untill I get home (which I cant wait for! I miss everyone sooo much) 
 
I had a few question on my message board (so Marion this is for you)
 
I was very impressed with the time we did for the 10K its about 3 minutes quicker than we have done on a course like this, the conditions were great so it was an easy race. The water was very warm around 28 degrees but it was alright I didnt really feel like it was that hot! I wore the new speedo suit the Lazer Racer - a full body open back suit and i was very happy with it, I didnt have to stop once to sort it out - which makes a change!!
 
As for the Russian she swam a great race there were no pulling on legs - just annoying tapping on feet for 9.5k's but she would have had the same from the girls behind her, so it didnt bother me.
 
I was very happy with how I swam, I wanted to get out in front from the begining and do my own thing, not get involved with the pack behind.
 
Again thank you very much for all your kind messages of support

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What an amazing Olympics so far for Team GB - Day 9

 

Great Britain are 3rd at the moment on the medal count

11 Gold - 6 Silver - 8 Bronze

 

2 of those gold medals are from our very own Rebecca Adlington who has a world record to go with it (the oldest standing female world record!)

We are all so very very proud of her and Jo anne Jackson who won a bronze in the 400 Freestyle

 

A few stats for you from the performances of the British Swimming Team

 

2 Gold medals

1 World record

1 Bronze medal

over 20 British Records

2 Olympic records

4 European records

 

we also had more finalist and semi-finalists in this Olympics than in the last 2 combined

 

What an amazing achievement

 

WELL DONE EVERYONE!! It has been a pleasure and an honour working with you all over the last 4 years!!

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Wow!!!

What an emotional couple of days. Great Britain winning our first gold medal for 48 years!! Not only that but we got a bronze in the same race! Rebecca Adlington and Jo Jackson have done us all so proud!!

I have finished swimming in the pool now and I'm a bit disappointed with my swims I really wanted to get into both of them finals, but it wasn't to be . . .this time!! I can fully look forward to the 10K next week (fingers crossed!)

I would also like to thank everyone who has left me a message or wished me good luck, it really means alot to me to know there are so many people supporting me out here!! Thank you xx

Beijing Olympics 8/8/08

 

Its finally here!!!! After an amazing opening ceremony, I'm going to have a good nights sleep then get ready for the big day tomorrow

 

Thank you to everyone for all your messages of good luck it really means alot to me

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Konnichiha Everyone!!
 
Its been a great holding camp so far in Osaka, Japan
The pool and hotel facilities are fantastic and the people here are so polite and friendly!!!
 
I went to see the Mayor of Osaka today, he welcomed us to Osaka, we thanked him for being so accommodating. He then gave us a medal as a suvenier in a very nice presenation box!
 
1 week to go until the opening ceremony so fingers crossed for the next day!!
 
Sayonara for now
 

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