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!

Great North swim in Windemere

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.