Ailsa Craig Swim Challenge: 2010

Sunday January 31st 2010

Hello friends it has been a long time and I have had time to reflect on my achievement. I must admit that I have had feelings of 'burn out' as the swim became very intense especially the stop start nature of things as we waited for the right conditions. On the day we were confident and excited and it never occurred to us that we would not succeed. We had trained hard and we were ready. I did not feel daunted by the task ahead.

Only after 6 wonderful hours when the unexpected swell pushed us so far off course did the pain and doubt begin. Everything hurt from my head to my toes and my mind was wandering. I knew that Harry would stop me if I went completely batty and he kept pulling me back to reality. I nearly gave up and I tried to concentrate on knowing that the minute I stopped swimming the pain would end. Some people live with pain forever.....

Things that went well and that I was pleased with were
My body worked really well
No back pain until the difficult last 2 hrs
Goggles perfect
Eyes no pain or problems
Stamina great
Attitude and atmosphere unforgettable
The Crew were perfect
The seal was magic, magic magic.
The welcome on the beach was amazing
I just hope I have thanked everyone to helped me.

Overall I never expected the whole thing to take off the way it has. The support has been phenomenal and I have had a great deal of publicity and I hope that continues if it means we can increase support for Alzheimer's and Dementia

2009 was the best year of my life.

Here's why