Arch to Arc - the full journey

Thank you for all your kind emails and texts...a number of you asked for the full map of the route. The GPS tracker worked most of the way but we got a few odd readings during the swim in the middle and 3 hours when the battery failed! But it does give a good feel of the journey...I will update it further for other more accurate readings in due course. Enjoy!

Driving home in the rain...with thanks! (by Julian)

Well the team have been prised from their beds and are back in the minibus heading for Calais and Eurotunnel. After we finished yesterday, we had a long, long, long awaiting cold beer next to the Arc and then headed for our hotel in Beauvais. Someone forgot to reset the TomTom to "use Toll Roads" so it took an hour and a half...and our drivers were also tiring so it wasn't the smoothest drive!

Somehow we managed to delay the bed for an hour or so and grabbed some hot food and a few bottles of quality red wine before retiring. Then once those eyes were shut, nothing was going to shift any of us until those wretched alarms went off.

And so to the thanks. Thanks to all those who have texted encouraging messages or sent emails or added to the blogs. At our low points, they were there to lift us and were a huge help.

Many texts said "Congratulations. You did it." In reality "we didn't do it"...we just put one foot in front of the other, one arm over the other, one circuit of the pedals. It was the horde of helpers and supporters that "did it".

First our spouses - each in their unique way - were essential. Sharron and Ian planned the route, drove it the weekend before (with many "sweets and cigarette" stops!) and then for 50+5 hours stayed up to ensure we got there. Sarah watched swimmers whilst all others slept, motivated, filmed, videoed and helped people dress/undress. Jos had saintly hands that came out for pre and post massages in very unusual places across London - and one team member named them as the single biggest factor for us achieving this adventure.

And then there were Liz and Steph. Liz had prepared to come along as our feeder - but at the last minute, we had to go early to avoid the winds and so swum on a Saturday. Liz couldn't come and so despite the anticipation had to stay at home and take care of business. Steph similarly could and then couldn't come as the schedule moved around - in the end, she decided to stay at home to let Andy's mother, Jenny, join us on the boat. Jenny was a total star - she quietly made tea for each swimmer as they emerged freezing from the water and helped them dress. Jenny stepped into the role that Liz had previously filled so well - being the only one who would "go down below" to make tea or sandwiches. If it is hard to swim, it is harder to support and much, much harder to be at home or at work waiting for news.

Let's not forget our Channel Swimming & Pilot Federation Pilot, Lance Oram, observer, Tanya and crew, Chris. Yes they get paid for their professionalism and experience - but they also took a personal interest in each of our swimmers and in our endeavour that made the entire experience just more fun. Then there is the unpaid, highly committed beach crew...Freda Streeter, our trainer, is a legend in the channel swimming community - and that massively understates her impact on each swimmer that she helps. Barrie who stomps the shingle with a well rehearsed pot of vaseline and a glass of Maxim. Irene & Emma who keep everything under control and safe. The swimmers who return year after year like Cliff and Laura - who are an inspiration and also plain mad for continuing to do solos!

And of course, we mustn't forget our friends who helped out with childcare, with logistics or running children around to sporting events or medical appointments. So thank you Howard, Kate & Richard, Ann, Sally, Emma, Erika, Lisa, James, Hilda and many others in small ways that made a big difference. To Tracey for the full medical kit and seasickness tablets (BTW they worked this time...but then you weren't there to refuse to give them to me ;-D) - we were only sorry that you couldn't make it in person. And to my assistant, Imogen, for booking hotels and juggling the diary endlessly to ensure I was there.

But like any good Oscar speech the list doesn't stop there. Over the last 9 months, "archers" and "supporters" alike have been locked in the training and preparation. Our children and families have got on with life in parallel. To them we owe a huge debt of gratitude...so thank you to Alfie, Cameron, Charlotte, Chloe, Daniel, George, Georgia, Hannah, Heather, Jacob, Max, Megan, Molly, Phoebe, Robert, Tom, Tom and William.

So if anyone "did it" then these people "did it"...they are the true stars of "Arch to Arc 2010". When you see them, say thank you from us!

p.s. Those who have pledged, sent money by cheque or web...thanks are also due to you. Those with Spinal Injuries and in the Scout movement thank you.

We are here!! In 50 hours and 1 solitary very long minute (by Julian)

For those of you consulting the GPS tracker, Andy unfortunately left it in the bus whilst he made repairs to his rear wheel that got punctured on the approach to the Arc de Triomphe! At the last minute we realised time was ticking and the world record was going begging...

...so Andy borrowed a bike and I hightailed it up the Avenue to the Arc to try to be under 50 hours. But we were 1 minute too late. Perhaps if Andy's new bike is here by our next attempt (!!) then we can get in under the 50 hours!

BUT WE STILL TAKE THE WORLD RECORD FOR THE ARCH TO ARC!!! Confirmation was provided by the independent witnesses from the Scout Association at the start and the Arc de Triomphe security guard at the end! GPS will confirm that we covered the entire journey...and some!!

Thank you for all the texts. We retrieved the computer from the car (a long trek!!) and now are enjoying a beer and hot food...so that's enough blogging for now!!

And THANK YOU to Olivier, his wife & Marc Andre for coming out to welcome us to Paris with champagne...never has it tasted so good!

Please do keep visiting for further pictures on our return...and some video of container ships and heroic swimmers (not me...the rest of the team without genetic insulation). Also please, please do contribute to the charities - if nothing else cos otherwise the many and varied pains in every part of our bodies will be in vain.

Now for that beer...

Skyscrapers ahead of us!!!

Will Sue do the last 6.3 miles??? Or will we have to swap to Andy?

Sue is cycling in Paris

Sue is doing the last few kilometres into Paris from Pontoise. We are heading down the Rue de Paris in convoy with her (minibus in front, car behind). Soon we will turn off down to Paris...

...we didn't realise though that there are big hills on the approach. Sue is having to work!

Kevan just passed doing at least 100 mph

...well maybe a slight distortion but he is cruising. We are following closely now to avoid any further detours. But given the route is now "STAY ON THE D927" it isn't too hard.

We are only 40kms away now!!! Texts coming in thick and fast...HI TO THE AUSSIES (Fi & Andy) who are watching us from down under...

Just a few more kms to go - if we don't get lost in Paris

Cycling continues - sometimes in the right direction! (by Julian)

Slowly it rolled around to me again to cycle. This time it was in the daylight on a straight road with no turnoffs! Surely I couldn't get it wrong...and I didn't! Cycled hard despite legs of jelly, swimming rash between, saddle sore bottom and foot that probably has a microfracture...but then for this team, the only response you expect is "stop complaining!".

Alex takes over from me at the top of a long hill. He looks the business in his smart white cycling gear and he shoots off down the hill. In the meantime, we attempt more running repairs to Andy's bike so he can ride down to the Arc de Triomphe with everyone else. He has used up all his inner tubes so we try substituding a different tyre type...after all it only needs to survive briefly.

Mike suggests we check where Alex is on the GPS tracking - which is up and working again. Unfortunately it reveals that he is heading north instead of south. Now that means everyone has gone wrong...we ring Alex and dispatch a "search and retrieve" vehicle. Soon he is back on track but then it is Mike's turn to take over.

Only around 50 miles to Paris!!!

WHERE ARE YOU? They all ask! (by Julian)

It turns out that the SFR 3G network isn't even very good 2G...so we haven't been able to blog since we started the bike ride. And despite a battery change our GPS locator has failed too in sympathy. We hope to get it working in a minute but until then...we are in France.


The night has been "eventful" with running repairs to bikes, a lot of Garmin related detours (Sue went backwards, I went into a wood - involving a rapid downhill bit into the wood and a long uphill bit to get back on track!)

We continued to swap in strict rotation throughout the night - and taking any sleep as and when we could find it (not easy in a jolting minibus). We are now all on our last legs - literally and metaphorically. But we were slightly refreshed to find a BP garage with a shower - which for 2 Euros, we all managed a shower. Bargain!!

Now we are continuing to make slow progress and have just reached Grandvilliers. Andy is on the bike (which means I am up next) and we are around 120km from Paris. Ian is trying to get the minibus started - the key has been defective since we left! So although we have lost a few hours in the woods, we are back on track for Paris - in a sunny July morning in northern France.

Arc De Triomphe here we come!

Cyclist #1 Mike tries to find his way out of Calais

We tried maps. We tried TomTom. But the Bicycle Garmin solved it! A few stressful moments in the cars and we tried to sync ourselves with Mike and we were soon all following SatNavs. Don't be surprised if we turn up in Paris, Texas!

Mike says: "Lovely found the canal and followed it. Quiet and serene very pleasant. The Garmin picked out all the one ways which was great. The temperature though is dropping fast...trousers and long sleeve tops will be required!"

The transition from channel to bikes

Having swum into the beach at Wissant, we return to the boat and 1:15 hours later motor around to Calais Harbour to meet our support crew who have come under the channel by Eurotunnel - a lot easier and a lot quicker!!

We transfer our numerous bags and have a final photo with our Pilot, Lance Oram, and his crew, Chris with our observer Tanya and her daughter Alex. They were truly great all day - a source of energy and humour.

Next we load/unload and make some running repairs. We program the Garmin and get ready with the TomToms to set off. A few false turns and we figure it out. We are off to Guines and then Le Wast. Follow us on the blog.

Swimmer #3 Alex goes for the glory swim

Alex says: "I iced the cake that the team had baked. Kevan told me go up the beach like 007 Daniel Craig so I made love to several boyfriends, murdered some beautiful women and played with my gadgets"

Yup I think Alex has finally cracked. Great last swim. Everyone - including Sarah - joined him for the swim into the beach, although we had to stay behind him and not assist! It wasn't a problem - he was on a high and heading for the rocks - until we pointed out the nice sandy beach!

All seriousness on his last swim, Alex was joined by a small shark. We see this as his alter ego (whilst Mike's was a seagull??). Now to Calais and the bikes

Swimmer #2 Julian has to push across the tides

Julian says: The tide was picking up pace and we were at risk of missing the calm and sands of Wissant bay and heading past Cap Blanc Nez. We had to get over the sand banks and into the shallows. But that meant building on what Andy had achieved and sprinting for an hour. We all cheered him on chanting "kick, pull, kick, pull" and then it was my turn.

Imagine this as my last proper cold water swim, I put everything into it. After 13 hours of running as a team and 13 hours of swimming, we were all shattered but I just went for it. Stroke rate as fast as I could, remembering what Mike at Sevenoaks TriClub told me about my stroke and pulling for France. An hour is a very long time to sprint when you are knackered. But we made it into the shallows and Alex could pull for France

Swimmer #1 Andy returns to the water for his 3rd and critical swim

Andy says: "It was sunny with noticeably warmer water. As you approached coast, water went blue to green. Swam my heart out but was drifting to the left again [he just can't stay away from Belgium]. Wasn't cold when I got out but glad I wasn't doing a fourth swim and won't be doing any cold water swimming for a while.

Swimmer #1 Andy returns to the water for his 3rd and critical swim

Andy says: "It was sunny with noticeably warmer water. As you approached coast, water went blue to green. Swam my heart out but was drifting to the left again [he just can't stay away from Belgium]. Wasn't cold when I got out but glad I wasn't doing a fourth swim and won't be doing any cold water swimming for a while.

Swimmer #6 Sue returns to the water...is this the last time (by Julian)

Sue is succinct and through shrivering teeth manages to say: "LONG. The longest swim of my life." and then it was back to the chicken soup!

Swimmer #5 Kevan swims for France

Difficult to interview Kev since he is snoring away in full thermals on a sunsoaked deck!! But we are now in spitting distance of France

Swimmer #4 Mike seeks odd companionship

Mike says: "It was the first time that I have swum with a young and attractive bird - a buddy swimming seagull. The swim felt good, not much to report - just did my time. Didn't see much sunshine though"

Swimmer #3 Alex works his charms

Alex says: "I decided to swim faster to see if I could get warmer. That definitely doesn't work. I was encouraged by the fact that I could look up every so often and see France. But there was also more weed! But it is better than Mike's new spirit animal - the seagull...which was sitting behind and actually seemed to be overtaking him"

Swimmer #2 Julian is back with something to prove

Julian says: "It was nice and clear. With my goggles working properly, I watched the green grey water flow by, full of small plankton. Then in the depths a large bright light blue jellyfish passed by, probably 10 foot below. The sun came out briefly to add a sparkle to the water. Just in time to see a huge container ship pass by...ever so close. It all helps to pass the time - since counting was beginning to get tedious. Recovery instantaneous. Tooth ache waited for false convidence to rear its ugly head, then struck me down for 30 minutes of agony. Maybe I will give this cold water swimming a miss after we reach France!"

Swimmer #1 andy returns

Andy says: "It was fantastic to see what you were doing. The downside of being able to see was that you could see the jellyfish. There were fairly deep so I avoided touching any and settled into a nice rhythm. Almost enjoyable. But I was very cold at the end. Recovery probably took 45 minutes for the shivering to stop! Just one more to go..." He says hopefully!

Swimmer #6 Sue shows how it is done

Sue says: "I enjoyed the swim better than the first run. The first half was fine but it does then drag! I didn't hear anything for halftime. My recovery was very slow tho' so have new strategy for exiting next time- Gentleman vacate the deck! Everythings coming off so that I can get dry and put on a dry t-shirt. During the swim, was trying to think of song lyrics but couldn't think of any so I recite the Lords Prayer over and over!"

Swimmer #5 Kevan takes over in the "pooll"

Kevan says: “I think because it is calm and relatively warm outside, you think the sea is going to be warm. Then when you dive in you find it is COLD and you lose all your coordination. It takes at least 5 minutes to get your rhythm with your head moving in the right timing with your stroke. You flounder. The waves seem to come at you from the wrong direction and you swallow some water.

Then you settle down but my goggles fogged up so I couldn’t see anyone on the boat and lost track of time. Reached the end of my hour and I didn’t realise. Then there is the usual pain of trying to warm through afterwards. Physically in a muscular sense, it feels okay but I am cold in my core. You tend to look back on last time and remember the highlights. I don’t remember the cold. This time I don’t feel so tired by I do feel the cold – we are all more fatigued having run here.

But won’t achieve the Yellow Bucket award – I haven’t been sick yet!”

Swimmer #4 Mike takes over as your blogger snoozes (by Julian)

Mike says: “It was a little chilly – but that is probably because I was tired. But the swim itself felt very good. Loads of jelly fish about 20 metres below and the water was surprisingly clear. Recovery very slow – an hour and half and still not recovered.”

Swimmer #3: Alex dives in - show off!

Alex says: "I am worried that when I go in for my next swim the supply of gin will have run out by the time that I return. We are already run out of tonic!

It was chilly to start off with - but I was surprised how flat it was and the last 20 minutes I really enjoyed it. Took me a while to realise that I wasn't racing the boat and that I couldn't beat it.

But that second swim seems to be coming around really, REALLY fast!

Finally it has to be a better way of getting to France than taking RyanAir"

Swimmer #2 Julian takes over from Andy pleased that a little light is entering the sky

Julian says: “I attached the red flashing button to my googles and the green stick to my trunks – looks like I am planning to land a small plane rather than go swimming. Although for my swim it is a bit academic since the sun is rising by the time I have finished. The water felt cold – but not as unbearably as in the harbour during training. But the body is tired and struggles more to generate the heat. However I strike out as fast as I can – trying desperately to remember how many I used to count to 15 minutes. Eventually I establish by trial and error that it is about 400 for 15 minutes. By counting I distract my mind and don’t spend every minute looking at my watch – on previous swims, I wasn’t allowed the distraction and it can be if you start looking every 2 minutes.

When I finish, it is straight downstairs – another novelty but the wind is so light that the boat is not rocking too much. I move the bags and make myself a bed…and it is head down for a few hours. My tooth kicks in after about 15 minutes and lasts 30 minutes…it is so, so painful. I am definitely giving up this cold water swimming – soon, very soon!”

Swimmer #1: Andy starts us off in the dark (by Julian)

Contrary to belief fostered by the GPS locator, we are not all at 150 foot on a huge billionaire gin palace - instead was sleeping (!) and then had to find a French 3G signal...but now we are far enough past the separation zone, we are back in touch!

Andy - in strict rotation - took the first swim. It was in the pitch dark starting at 03:06. He had 2 green light sticks - one on his googles and one hanging from his trunks. Quite a sight when he turned to relieve himself on the shore!! But with no heat of the sun, Andy could only enter the cold, dark water and push out for France, creating his own heat as he swam.

Andy says of his first swim: First 4 mins it was hard to get my bearings and get into a rythm. Very pleased to get out now. Felt like I was following the cliffs one second and then seemed to have drifted the other way. Jumping in initially was very disorientating and my feet hit the bottom. When asked about wh so far from the boat Andy said "I swam in straight line its the boat that went off course :-D" the cold water on the legs was refreshing. First time they have felt cool all day."

Th long run for Marble arch to Dover

Can I just say how proud we all were of team Arch yesterday. A perfect plan came together and all your hard work and training paid off. It was great to see you all fit and well, if a little tired in Dover.

I'll be cleaning the bus and in a few hours I'm coming to get you. Hope the Jelly fish are not stinging! Love to All

Mrs Manley

Runner #2: Sue takes over to the water

Sue took over in the dark and ran alongside Kevan for a while (protecting him from the scary things in the dark). "We even picked up some boys on route who joined us for a little jog. Finally we reached the water so now just to make our way to the marina. The sea looks really beautiful and calm - and I could have dived in there and then. But I didn't!"

Runner #1: Kevan returns yet again (by Julian)

Kevin says: "Running in the dark through the country lanes was nice and quiet with still air which was quite refreshing. Couldn't see much around you but very still and quiet with just the little head torch to light the way. It was excellent torch and the run seemed to go quickly. It wasn't as bad as the runs in the heat - still hot but I wasn't totally drenched. Now the legs feel a bit slow but I have a few hours to recover before the swim. Not as bad as I thought it was going to be after the second run."

Runner #6: Mike with miner's lamp heads off into the woods (by Julian)

Mike says: "I enjoyed the run but the articulated lorries kept beeping. It was definitely more than 6 miles. Peaceful but long."

Runner #5: Alex (by Julian)

Alex set off for the twilight shift. He says "Beautiful run through the Kent countryside as the sun went down. One little error in navigation around Bridge meant I missed the scenic ford over the river but arrived on time at the Red Lion to let Mike take over for the night run."

Runner #4: Julian sets new record (by Julian)

Julian says: “Wasn’t looking forward to the second run having dehydrated myself totally on the first. But Jos’ pre-run massage put a bit of life into the old body and when Andy arrived, I stepped into my stride.

The route was all lanes now so I was wearing a florescent strip. The sun was slowly going down behind me, lighting up the countryside around with wonderful hues. Listening to a good Kent band (Keane – Hopes & Fears) whilst running along lanes between sheep on one side and young cornfields on the other, it was easy to see why Kent is the Garden of England.

My run was scheduled for “6 miles” but at 40 minutes, I passed The George…clearly a minor error in the measurements. But I was happy to pass by the others with a cry of “9 miles an hour…9 miles an hour”

Runner #3: Andy returns (by Julian)

Andy says “Nice start at the top of a hill. Very hot still but turned off A2 into a little bit of a breeze. Running through Kent at its best – Oast Houses, apple orchards and a few unexpected hills. Made the next check point bang on the hour”

Runner #2: Sue sets the pace (by Julian)

We had technical difficulties with the Blackberry tracker - battery was flat! Once replaced it took 10 mins (literally!) to start again and another 10 minutes for the GPS to restart. We chased after Sue in a car and found coming out of the Sittingbourne one way. Hence you may have seen Sue "seeming" to move at 30mph!

Sue says: "It was better than the first leg since it was a bit cooler, more shade and I had my music with me (so didn't hear my panting!). I took Julian's advice - just thinking about finishing this run and not what would come in next few hours!"

Runner #1: Kevan returns to the fray (by Julian)

Apologies for the delay in posting...deepest darkest Kent doesn't have 3G (or indeed anything!)

Kevan says: “It was very, very hot. I dried out within about 15 minutes of starting and then my nipples began to get saw so I took my shirt off. Everyone else is running downhill except me. Why?

I should know better by now. I think that I am too old to be doing this. My legs are feeling a little wobbly. But it was good to see my sister and father. Family support is a great boost.”

Final runner #6: Mike completes the round (by Julian)

Mike completes our "round robin" of 6 team members. After Mike, we start again with Kevin. Mike has put us ahead of schedule with a long run.

He says: "I went past the official switch over point, the Star Pub, at 45 minutes and thought would head on to Tescos - every little helps!

Got halfway and thought how can it only be halfway. You have to force yourself to run a bit slower since we have a long way still to go."

Runner #5 Alex (by Julian)

The minibus drivers have remarked that it appears that Kent County Council have chosen this particular week to take up ALL the roads in Kent so we are spending a lot of time in traffic jams and traffic lights. But Alex moved us on through another tough phase.

Alex says: "It was absolutely fine except for the heat, the hills and the running. After I have done my second leg, I am never running again - sticking to cycling and swimming."

I can empathise with that!

Runner #4 Julian looks...well awful (by Julian)

Well I always knew running wasn't my thing...but hills in swealtering heat with no shade. I sweated like...well everything. Luckily a diet coke awaited at the pub when I arrived...and I was so exhausted that I forwent my principles and drank the "other brand"!

Now waiting until my temperature drops somewhere into the normal range - helped by a nice freezer block

Runner #3 Andy remains "cautiously optimistic" (by Julian)

Andy says: "A great start at the far side of shooter hill for the start of the third leg.

There were a few cheeky hills either side of bexleyheath, but the heat really takes it out of you - its got to be at least 25 degrees. Great to get the first run out of the way as it takes away the worry. I finished with the last 5 minutes rising up a hill out of Dartford up to the M25. Took on two litres of liquids in the next hour, and feeling good."

#2 runner Sue does the big hills (by Julian)

...up Shooters Hill - what a climb!

Sue says: "Should have taken water! Nice to have a break stopping for the traffic. No shade - but I only have black stuff to wear! It was just very, very, very hot (and sweaty). It was quite busy so enjoyed people watching. Spent the time thinking about the directions...and whether I was fit enough to be doing this!"

Blimey if she is worried about that then I have a tough hour coming from 2-3pm!!

#1 runner Kevan was faster than the minibus (by Julian)

Sue has left the minibus and is heading off to take over from Kevan. We are way behind stuck in traffic and roadworks. Is this why we had to pay Boris? For the congestion? We would be willing to go without!!

Kevan says "Stay in the shade. It is hot. The Scout Magazine reporter, Ellis, was left behind in Hyde Park at Buckingham Palace. I enjoyed the Changing of the Guard. Only challenge was dogging traffic. Being a Londoner I quite enjoyed it!!"

Just past Sue going well...

Photocalls over...Kevan starts running for Paris (by Julian)

So numerous photocalls later and we all start running together. Kevan has the long stretch to do...down through Hyde Park, past Buckingham Palace, across the river and down past the Elephant & Castle onto the Old Kent Road.

The tracking device is working so we can see Kevan making excellent progress. Faster than we do. First we collide windmirrors with another van in Connaught Place. And now we stopped watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace!!

That's London for you...let's see what Paris has to offer...

We're off (to Marble Arch) by Julian

Finally we are off. We have been watching the weather forecasts for 10 days now and they have been slowly getting worse...but throughout Saturday (i.e. tomorrow) has remained a window of calm. It doesn't matter much about the sun (although it is nice to have it on your back) but the wind is a killer...so in the last few weeks we have become experts at the "wind forecasting sites" like www.xcweather.co.uk and www.windfinder.com!!

The decision though was a killer...did we go for Saturday or hang out for a possible good day on Monday/Tuesday. The problem with Saturday was that we had to rearrange all our work schedules (difficult but not impossible - thanks to all our respective firms!). Unfortunately the harder schedule was childcare and entrepreneurial businesses like Liz's Stagecoach. By going on Saturday, we lose one of our key swim supporters - the one with all the experience who doesn't get seasick. This is a huge loss - but as the weather forecast for Tuesday deteriorated, we had one one choice. Go for it!

So we are now sat in London traffic heading for Marble Arch. We have a boat lined up for 2am Saturday morning and the route planned. Watch here for updates each hour!!

Return of the Jellies - deja vu again (by Julian)

So we found ourselves back in Dover on Saturday for attempt 2 at our qualifying swim. Sue and I got given 2 hours with the rest of the team getting only 1 hour 30 minutes - lucky things.

But the team wouldn't be divided. They all elected to do the full 2 hours with Sue. They surrounded her and swam up and down the harbour with her. Even if she wanted to get out, they weren't going to let her!

This time we went down the harbour and back in an hour. Then we went back down most of the way and back - but we were still 20 minutes short (little did Sue know!). As we approached the beach, it was time to drop the bombshell...that we had 20 minutes more to do. But it was too late by then...and soon the team were all "qualified".


And the lucky ones amongst us received a special tattoo to remember the experience - the jellies are back! Nice mark on my left arm...and as a first, I was stung on the left ear (painful!!)

The long drive from Marble Arch to Dover (by Sharron)

Saturday was the day that all the pieces of training, waiting, thinking and planning all seemed to start coming together. Congratulations to Sue who qualified to swim the Channel , she bravely spent two hours in the depths of Dover Marina. I and the team are so proud!

In the meantime Ian and I had to drive the run route from Marble Arch to Dover. Planning the stopping points for the team along the way and trying to figure out how far and how fast everyone would be. All the time reminding ourselves that we were not the one's running, only driving!

London seemed the easiest of the whole route to navigate and trust me that was a surprise! I have no doubt that plans will change and amendments made but we are ready to take on the challenge. I am getting excited now for the whole team, your routes will be printed and ready by tomorrow!

Go Arch to Arc!!!!!!

Qualifying...for a replacement body (by Julian)

Nearly 2 weeks ago and we were back in Dover for our 2 hour qualifying swim. No wetsuit. Just a normal costume and hat and googles. And 2 hours in the cold water.

And it was cold. It was long. It was tough. And we nearly all made it...but not all. Since we don't leave any one behind, we are back again on Saturday to do it all again.

In the meantime, we have to run and cycle. My foot has been playing up for a month or so - I thought that I had broken something or bruised the ball of the foot very badly. It doesn't get any better but the training has to continue. And by favouring the other foot, I developed cramp in my calf!

Definitely too old for this...but it is the dentist tomorrow to see if I can get the tooth fixed. One step at a time...but don't mention steps yet...

Run fatboy run. (by Kevan)

Good training week this week, Managed to do 120 lengths of the pool on Tuesday night, which is what I was doing before I had the shoulder operation. Shoulder was a little sore on Wednesday morning though

Wednesday night is running night. Managed a new personal best on my run from Brasted to Riverhead and back. 6 and a bit miles in 50 mins 15 seconds. If only I hadn’t stopped to tie my shoe laces twice, I would have beaten the 50 minute barrier.

Thursday night I was back in the pool, managed 100 lengths before I felt a funny sensation in my shoulder and thought I had better stop. It was a little annoying as I had planned to do another 120 but I’m not going to risk it in any circumstances.

Decided to take a break Friday so ran on Saturday morning instead, I needed to get another run in so, in the blazing heat, took to pounding the pavement again, a lot slower than Wednesday, really had to slog it out as my legs felt so heavy in the heat of the morning. If you see me running up and down the main road from Brasted to riverhead give me a cheering wave, The only encouragement I’ve had was from my children as they are ferried about, “run fatboy run” and “ lift those knees up lardie” from my two most loving daughters.

Polished off the week with an hour and a half cycling on Sunday morning.

Get back in....(by Kevan)

3rd cold water swim, the long journey back down to Dover

On the way down we muse over how much the water temperature has risen, could be by as much as one degree. Again a grey overcast day with the possibility of rain, but that of course makes no difference when you’re swimming.

Instead of swimming to a point and back, this morning we are told to swim for an hour, we register with the overseer, get our numbered hats and wait for the 10 o’clock start that comes too soon. The extra degree really isn’t noticeable. The cold water shock is still as utterly unpleasant. I lose Andy, my swimming ‘buddy’ almost immediately, goggles misted up as they hit the water, he’s nowhere in sight. I will swim on my own. Turning left from the shore with the current. It is very choppy, impossible to breathe to the right as if looking out to sea, the waves are too high, intermittent higher waves cover my right arm so it doesn’t leave the water, this breaks my rhythm. It’s a tough swim. I turn past the sloping pier and now head back against the current. Having been breathing to my left, I must now change and breathe to my right. I’m not sure why but my shoulder doesn’t like the constant breathing to the right. I push against the tide and head back along the coast past the point where I entered. As I look towards the shore I see landmarks on the promenade that pass so slowly. It’s a slow swim back against the current and onto the main harbour wall. The wall is reached eventually, my hands feet and face now hurt with the cold. Only the swim back with the current left, my focus is on getting back as fast as possible. I push on a pace. I reached the shore, as before my balance fails me from the cold and I crawl up the pebbled beach, the overseer is there to meet me “you are 15 minutes early, you’ve only done 45 minutes, go back out”. I’m not sure whether he’s joking, he’s not, can’t be only 45 minutes, my mind is confused. I submit to his instruction, turn round and crawl back into the cold, cold water for a further 15 minutes.



It took me around 30 minutes to recover, after which time we walked a few hundred yards into Dover, my feet weren’t feeling right, the blood had yet return, I walked as if drunk.

On our return to the beach it was time to do it all over again, another hour, this time I would go further on the first leg, harbour wall to harbour wall so as not to finish early.

When I got home I slept, in the middle of the afternoon, exhausted

Freezing water or mind numbing tooth pain - not a great choice (by Julian)

Saturday rolled around again and we were back on that delightful road to Dover. The car was chatty as we headed south - helped a little by the better than anticipated weather (i.e. it wasn't pouring with rain!). However as we came over the hill and began to descend down to the harbour, an awkward silence fell.

We had enquired - for planning purposes - of our trainer, Freda, how long we might be swimming. The news wasn't good. Perhaps she would have relented in the intervening days and would only gives a little bit more than the 45 minutes last time. And don't forget the water temperature had come up a tad...

But however you positioned it, it wasn't going to be good. We finally admitted defeat and got changed on the beach, ready to receive our vaseline from Barrie and our instructions from Freda. ONE hour...ahhh.

Once again I was swimming with Sue who despite suffering the worst from the cold - that will teach her not to get so fit running and cycling...you need those extra fat reserves in the swim - was still at the front of the team heading into the water.

From my previous week's adventures, I was not looking forward to following her in. The cold water is horrible - but my body soon goes numb. It was the tooth that I was worried about. I had taken a couple of Nurofen in anticipation but I knew that an hour later when I finally emerged from the water, I would have 15 minutes of shrivering before I was rendered horizontal by tooth ache!

So why hadn't I seen my dentist? Well I had. His verdict - probably microfractures from grinding my teeth or a nerve which was freezing and then defrosting. He tried artifically freezing it - and the experiment worked...a painful tooth resulted! To resolve the issue, I had 3 choices: 1. whip the offending tooth/teeth out; 2. major reconstruction work; or 3. Lots of Nurofen. Not being a fan of dental work, I opted for the Nurofen.

And so I struggled up the shore after an hour, got dressed, took 2 more Nurofen and promptly passed out. 30 minutes later I was able to converse normally again - albeit my team mates were generally still defrosting.

75 minutes after the first swim and we went back in to repeat the entire exercise. Sue achieved a personal best this season of another 30 minutes and then I headed down the harbour to complete a full circuit to both walls. This took me an extra 45freezing minutes due to the wind, waves and tides - making it in total a very long 2 hours 15 minutes of training.

But somehow the extra 45 minutes of freezing swimming wasn't quite as bad when it delayed the inevitable- 30 minutes of tooth pain. And what was worse, I calculated that I had now had the maximum dose of 6 Nurofen in a 24 hour period.

You know things are REALLY bad when you sit staring at a packet of Nurofen considering whether taking another 6 pills - and suffering the consequences - would really not be preferable to having to wait for the tooth pain to subside...

Oh well...we get to do our 2 hour qualifying swim soon. Ahhhhh.

Ironman? Decaman? Or MichelinMan? (By Julian)

At the TriClub each Sunday, everyone discusses what marathon, half Ironman, Ironman or Decaman they are planning next. To do a marathon, you need to be fit. To contemplate an Ironman, you need to be seriously fit. And to do a Decaman, you need to be really, really, really fit - and completely certifiably mad!

So what do you need to be to do the Arch To Arc? I thought about that as I stumbled around my little 1 hour hill climb, wincing at every right step (I think I may have microfractured something in the ball of my foot...). It turns out there are quite a lot of right steps in a 1 hour run!

The main challenge of the Arch To Arc is clearly the swim. With no wetsuit, the cold water is the major hurdle...and it is a major advantage to have a few layers of natural insulation (read - subcutaneous fat).

Then after the swim, you have to ride a bike for hours - avoiding punctures in your tyres. Rolls of fat. Tyres. The only name that really fits this event is "MichelinMan".

So to make it really work - this "MichelinMan" event - I think we will have to run, swim, cycle and then dine...at a 3 Michelin Star restaurant. We will need to replace some fat after all?

Back to normal? (by Kevan)

Back in the luxurious water of our local municipal swimming pool last night after Saturdays miserable swim. Wasn't particularly looking forward to it as the cold water from Dover had left me feeling pretty negative about swimming generally. But I knew I must go, I've still got a lot of catching up to do with the swimming training. I have set myself a target of two swims a week increasing the number of lengths I do each time. After last Thursdays 80 lengths, last night was to be 90 lengths (I'm not including the two hour long swims from Saturday in my plan as that just confuses my focus). So in I went go to about 60 and the shoulder started to give me a strange pulling sensation. One thing about long monotonous swims is that it give you loads of time to work whether you are doing yourself damage or doing yourself good by extending yourself. Anyway thought I would go for it and see what happens, and it was fine, in fact the stretchy feeling died away and it felt fine. The rest of the swim went really well, in fact I noticeable sped up. Got home feeling rather pleased with myself. And this morning, no bad consequence…... Result!

Just come back from Dover (by Kevan)

That was possibly the worst experience.

The trip down to Dover was the usual, upbeat team bus spirit, 7 of us in Mikes 7 seater, luggage crammed into the top box and Andy's lunch box taking up all other available space, (maybe that’s not the best choice of words). On arrival in Dover there were flickers of sunshine poking through the clouds which seemed to make quite a difference to our wellbeing physically and mentally. But by the time we had reached the beach the skies had darkened. The sea remained fairly calm but looked cold, dark and uninviting.

Time to prepare, all performing the well known swimming trunk dance on the pebbled beach trying to maintain ones modesty which in most cases was a battle already lost standing in Speedo's on a cold spring morning.

.Instruction from our overseer came through that today's swim was to be much longer than anticipated, a triangle, from the beach, to the slopey pier, to the harbour wall, back to beach, a round trip of about 55 minutes. This is a lot further than anticipated - not in a distance sense, we had all been doing the time and distance in the pool - the challenge was the time in the very cold water. Apparently the sea temperature is particularly cold this year, a shocking 9.5 deg C.

The walk down into the sea is awful, you know what’s coming but you cant stop or even hesitate or common sense will get the better of you. Your team mates know it also but it remains unsaid and we all walk together, the steps get shorter in the deepening water, then the decision as to when I stop walking and dive in is taken away from me as my swimming partner, Andy, dives in, I must follow.

From there on it’s survival, suddenly your breath is pulled from you, as the cold water envelops you, you try to swim, cant get your breath, flap around, anything goes as limbs flail with very little actual forward movement, dynamic water-treading. My head won’t go in the water. I cant hold my breath long enough to actually put it in the water, all I end up doing is lifting my head mid stroke with a gasp for air that seems to synchronise with a wave swell. A mouthful of the dark, salty and…. oh god what else was in there….gets swallowed. The thin neoprene swim cap apparently does help but not nearly enough.

Since all dived in together, in close proximity, the chances of hitting a team member with my uncoordinated windmill arms and can-can legs is high and it takes a few moments before I managed tospacemyselfoutsufficiently. We then head straight out to sea, beyond the metal edged wave breakers that have been placed specifically to rip apart any swimmers that venture too close to the sanctuary of the shore. After a minute or two of thrashing about I chance to look up to try and find Andy with whom I am supposed to be partnering for safety sake. Yes, even channel swimmers get into trouble in these types of conditions. Luckily we are still remarkably near each other.

The cold really is shocking; it doesn’t get easier for me. My goggles fog up but the sea is so dark anyway it just makes it more difficult to stay in visual contact with Andy. We reach the slopey pier, its taken ages since we swim against the flow of the tide. Now the longest leg, back past our entry point, where awaits me the comfort of my clothes, my coffee flask, my Mars bar and my wife (I may have got that order wrong!) but no stopping here, no giving in for me, onto the harbour wall. The harbour wall is reached, some touch it as a point of achievement, I don’t, it’s slimy and nasty, I’m cold deep inside me now, I can’t really feel my hands or feet but only the swim back to the entry point left. I see Andy and we both know its full speed back.

I scramble onto the stony beach. The cold has affected my balance and I can’t stand, I find it easier to crawl out of the sea on all fours until a friendly hand reaches out to support me upright and place a towel round my shoulders. For safety, the overseer asks me my number written on my cap firstly to check me back in and secondly to check I am not delirious from the effects of the cold.

The need to get into warm dry clothes and get a warm drink inside me is now essential before the shivers take hold. It takes me around 30 minutes to stop shivering and shaking, the Coffee and the Mars bar taste of salt.

After an hour, instructions from our overseer come through. We are all to do it again. The swimming trunk dance starts again but slower.

I couldn’t get warm for hours after, had a hot bath in the middle of the afternoon and did nothing for the rest of the day.

Second freezing of the season (by Julian)

Doesn't 2 weeks fly by when you are enjoying being warm. But inevitably 8:15am Saturday rolled around and, despite a very late night (or more accurately early morning!) with a hangover to boot, we were back in Our Glorious Leaders car heading for Dover.

The one good news was that the sun was out and we hoped that this might mean the water was warmer...pleassse. By 9:30am we were in Dover and waiting for a local arcade to open for a comfort stop (Dover does have public toilets but typically don't open them to the "public").

It was nice to stand in the sun basking for a few minutes but then it was down to the beach, collecting our numbered swimming caps (only 2 of the team remembered their club cards!) and a quick change into costumes. Barrie Shingle Stomper did the honours and we were ready.

Cliff told us Freda's orders. Out from the beach, turn left and down to the second pier then all the way back up to the Hoverspeed wall, touch and back to the beach. This seemed an awfully lot longer than the first swim (which was just to Hoverspeed and back!).

Sue zipped into the water before nerves gave in. And we were chasing to catch up with her. Was it my imagination or was it colder than 2 weeks before? Then the reality set in...it was going to be a long swim down the harbour, even longer on the way back (because you have to swim PAST the beach to get to the wall...when all your instincts say "let's go home for a nice warm towel and some coco"!

About half way around, this must have occurred to Sue and she indicated a strong desire to leave the water. Luckily she was incoherent and so her mean swimming partner (me!) made her "sprint" for 50 to warm up. Then we were catching the others and with a, not quite totally truthful, "we won't go right to the end if you work hard for the next 100 strokes" we chased after them. Nearly at the wall, the mass began to return for the beach so we also turned back.

Now things were getting really cold. Despite the sun on your backs, it doesn't feel any warmer. The urge to stop and give up is huge - but then you would really be giving up. Permanently. So we struggled in to the waiting arms and Sue & I stumbled back up the beach.

Everyone was shaking just as bad as the first week...but recovery times did seem to be faster. That being said, no-one was looking forward to the second swim at noon. But noon duly came around and it was "same again guys" as the instruction. Great - an other long view of the Premier Inn hotel down near the second pier.

The cold was really bad. The swim long and tough. But I had completely forgotten that I appear to have a cavity in one of my back right hand side teeth. The salt water hadn't though and 45 minutes of cold salt water froze the nerve until I was slowly warming up on the beach, when BANG...the real pain set in, flooring me. An entire pack of Nurofen later and I was able to make it back to the car.

Remind me to go to the dentist before the next swim in 2 weeks time. Or at least buy 2 packets of Nurofen!

Routine training (by Kevan)

Now I'm back at work I begin to realise what an amazing drain it all is on my time. When you get home at 6 or 7 at night having been up since 5:30 the last thing you want to do is go out exercising. But, have settled into a sort of rhythm now with the training, Monday is and remains football night, not going to let the training get in the way of that, so training starts in earnest on a Tuesday with the Tuesday night swim, running on Wednesday, and another swim on Thursday because I need to catch up. Friday is my night off, a bag of Bombay mix and a couple of cold beers, luxury, I tend to really look forward to Fridays.
This Saturday will be swimming in Dover harbour all morning and I'll polish the week off with a run Sunday morning. Other than that my times my own!
And still I wont get a cycle ride in.
This weeks training has gone well to date, a couple of good runs for which the times seems to have settled at 54 minutes to do my 6 and a bit miles, which I suppose is good considering that when I first started this escapade I could barely manage 2 miles which took about 20 minutes and bent double wheezing which also took about 20 minutes. Also did a couple of swims, increasing the number of lengths I do each time so as not to overdo it on the shoulder so a 60 and a 70 this week. Shoulder holding up well.
Not looking forward to tomorrow in the sea.

Catching up (by Kevan)

Even if the legs were a little tired on Monday felt rather smug after achieving my goal of two one hour runs on. sort of makes you feel good having achieved a target. I'm a lot more confident that I can last the run and that the training is beginning to pay off.

Back in the pool tonight after last weeks failure after 34 lengths with the shoulder giving me some jip. But tonight, success, up to 70 lengths now. I will continue to increase the number of lengths I do to catch up with the others. The operation to the shoulder, or more accurately the recovery from it is still a concern to me but I must push on, with another swim planned for Thursday and another (the second cold water swim in Dover harbour..Brrrr) swim planned for Saturday will have certainly done my quota for the week

That was hard work (by Kevan)

Well after this mornings hour run, usual list of Sunday jobs, had to don the running shoes and get out there for another hour run. It was exhausting, ankles were strangely sore but legs seemed OK (ish). But made it, thank heavens that over. Mind you it gives me a little bit of confidence that I can do it. Thanks to Jos for giving my legs a quick going over, that sports massage course is beginning to have some payback.

Sunday morning time trials (by Kevan)

Done the first leg this morning at 8:30....first run of an hour. Next one due at 2:30 really looking forward to it. Its the only way to spend your Sunday

Thursday night swim (by Kevan)

Extra swim planned in this week, need to do a lot of catching up with the swimming after the shoulder op. So after 60 successful lengths on Tuesday intended to do 70 tonight. But got to 34 and the shoulder was really giving me some grief so decided to stop there. Very frustrating, but can't risk going backwards in the recovery.

First swim (by Sue)

Brrrrr, The photos say it all....The swim was was ok. Thought I did well - it was the "getting out" that was a disaster!!!

How come everyone else recovered so quickly. When I finally came round the rest of the team had popped into town. If I'd known there was going to be a shopping opportunity, I may have recovered quicker!!!!! Can't thank Sarah and Jos enough for looking after me.

Now my kids are growing up into teenagers, look at the extreme lenghts I'll go to to get a cuddle these days!

Alex "the new boy" Manleys training so far (by Sharron)

Sevenoaks Tri 18/4/10 400/m/25km/8km

Equalled my Sept time 1hr 54mins, 1 minute faster on the swim (6.38 400m) 1 minute slower on the run but considering I had a knee op at the start of December its not too bad. I would have been faster if I hadn't been so girly about drying my hair before the bike but it was cold and I didn't want to get ice cream headache. Anyway like most of my school reports said, "could do better" so lots more running

Wiggle ups and downs 24/4/10

Not an instruction a 100 mile bike ride around the surrey hills starting in Dorking. The BBC said it would be the hottest day of the year with not a cloud in the sky so I turned up in my new 6xl white tee shirt and set off in the pouring rain and howling wind with Mark Smith and Phil Payne.

The first 20 miles were very hilly The steepest was before the first food stop at about 25 miles every time I stood up to get more drive my rear wheel spun so I sat back down to get grip and proceeded to pull a wheelie, cue lots of swearing but I managed to stay on and to keep going . Then with the summit in view gasping for oxygen (its the altitude) a car came past me and the passenger shouted "come on thunder thighs you can do it". laughing doesn't help you breath in these situations so I will avoid it in the future. I made it up and round the rest of the course although we lost Phil who took a detour.

Got a puncture in the last 10miles and with the help of Marks CO2 inflator still managed to get round in in 6hrs38mins. Respectable but no Lance.

Dover 2/5/10

The first channel swim at Dover with the team who have been telling me for weeks how cold it was going to be, Kevin even recommending that I take a photo of my wedding tackle so that I could look at it in the future and remind myself of glories past. I was surprised how many other idiots there were there all doing the cold water acclimatisation swims but I was pleased to see that there were plenty of athletes like myself of the chunkier physique, channel swimming must be to swimming what sumo is to martial arts.

It couldn't be avoided and as Julian had driven us down in his car I couldn't run away and in just a pair of speedos two rubber hats and a pair of goggles, in we went. It was mind numbingly cold 9 degrees , my common sense screamed at me to just get out! Luckily my inner idiot the pig head one that my darling wife so loves made me just get my head down and swim hard and surprisingly after a while it wasn't so bad. I was buddied up with team captain Mike (he had obviously seen me eyeing up escape routes). I tried to talk to him but my lower lip felt like I had had an injection from the dentist and I couldn't sthpeek poperly.

We swam about a 1K in 20 minutes got out, got dressed drank hot chocolate and tommy soup and had to wait for 2 hours to warm up before going back in for the second stint. Hero of the day goes to Sue who only just stopped shivering in time to get in for the second swim which showed real character. Andy won fall of the day when his legs didn't work on exiting the second swim but he soon regained his composure.

3/5/10 30km Bike + 5km Run with Mike and Dave Cummins

Lost Dave on baileys hill, he is doing the London to Paris bike ride so he is probably starting to realise what he has let himself in for.

It was pouring down and Mike and I decided that seeing as we were wet and cold already we might as get the run done which at 27 minutes was my fastest yet. Probably Mikes slowest!

4/5/10 10km Run in a bleeding hail storm there is a pattern to this weekend and I want an end to it now bring on the sun.

First swim of season (by Julian)

Well we couldn't avoid it any longer...Saturday rolled around and we all rolled out of bed at the unearthly hour of 7:00am so we could be on the road in convoy by 8:15am. An hour later and we were approaching Dover...entering the traditional fog that over surrounds the harbour.

Once we arrived though we found that it was only the hill that was in fog...the harbour was in sunshine. And 113 other swimmers were queueing up to register in the new fancy safety system (which proved itself later in the day!).

By 10:15 formalities were done, we were changed and ready for the first swim. Cliff gave his safety talk on behalf of Freda and we lined up along the beach. Then we were off, down the stony shore into the 9C harbour water. Our instructions were easy - out past the channel markers, turn right and head for the end of the harbour, touch the wall and back. A leisurely 30 minute swim.

But at 9C there was no "leisurely" about it...we swam as fast as possible and after about 5 minutes even attempted putting our heads in the water. Quarter an hour later we were touching the barnacle encrusted wall and heading for home, a warm towel, chocolate and sugary tea. Except we had another 15 minutes swimming to do!

Finally we stumbled up the shore and stripped (literally in some cases) to replace our wet costumes with dry warm layers. Then the shivering begins, making pouring tea from the flask quite an exciting new challenge. Getting it to your lips, shows you the true meaning of "many a slip between cup and lip"!

But an hour and a half later we were just stopping shivering and warming through nicely...when we were ordered back into the trunks and repeated the whole exercise again!!!

Finally after 2 swims and lots of shivering, we were back in the car for the hour long journey home. Our support team had prepared a chilli to warm us through...and a few bottles of red wine later and we could nearly joke about the shrinking effects of the cold water. Nearly.

At least it is 2 weeks before we do it all again! Photos are on Facebook at the Arch To Arc Supporters page or Arch To Arc 2010

Lest we forget (by Julian)

Reading through the various blogs from the team brought back strong memories of the 28th April 2006 when "Channel 5" did their first swim in the sea.

So I went back to my computer and had a quick glance through the photos...and came across this video. Lest we forget what it is like in the sea without a wetsuit at this time of year, it is worth watching this interview with Sue after a swim in late May 2006...

Quiet your mind (by Sue)

Just read a great little pice in Tri magazine. This must have been written for me and I guess we can all do with some 'quieting of the mind' in our lives.

“Mental Chatter: You can practice this in every session. If you find yourself going through the mental chatter when the workout gets tough (it’s too long, I’m too tired…), just tell yourself to “shut up”. Silence your mind. Find that place inside that stops the thinking process, but is still aware. Be aware of the world around you; this takes your mind off you and helps you to be internally quiet. I practised this over and over. When races got tough and I started to sabotage my performance with negative thoughts, I would remember to “quiet my mind”. It may not happen immediately but it would happen. When I was quiet, suddenly hope would come back and my body would start working easier and the entire race dynamic would improve.”

It time to go back in the water (by Sarah)

Once again in the Arch to Arc, I have been able to enjoy everyone’s company and cooking at the team dinners. This has made up for the reality of the training schedule, which, as predicted, is quite gruelling and impacts family life. With the long hours he works, Julian often has to do the majority of his training at the weekend. After a long run on Saturday and a longer cycle on Sunday morning I often look forward to a bit of family time on Sunday afternoon, forgetting that just as we are settling in to it, Julian has to leave again for swim training at tri club.

Sunday evening is then a wipe out as Julian collapses on the sofa, barely able to move! We have certainly had our tense moments over this, when I have to remember that I did have the previously mentioned "opt out" clause. The most notable of these was on the day of our youngest daughter’s 5th birthday party in January. As I rushed around getting ready for a party of 20 children in the village hall, Julian’s main concern was organising his cycle training and ‘did I really need the car to transport food, decorations etc to the hall because he wanted it to transport his bike to meet another member of the team’! To be fair he did eventually abandon and come and help me - but only because he had a problem with his bike.

The time consuming nature of the training is set to get worse as the team head down to Dover this weekend. Jocelyn and I are going as drivers: the cold I mentioned before means it’s not safe to drive directly after a training swim in the sea in May. I am partly doing this to support the brave team, but also because Julian has never let me forget that I missed the first training swim of the Channel 5 relay in 2006 as I was on a girls’ weekend away. Never mind that I attended other Dover relay training swims and numerous of his solo training swims, including his first ever training swim in the sea – yes I know that stony Dover harbour beach very well indeed!!

Apart from the vicarious cold swimming, I have also had a tiny (more physical) taste of the training schedule of our intrepid lady participant –Sue. I have started to go to a spin class with her, on a Wednesday morning. In the first session, a few weeks ago, I was feeling quite smug, after being complimented on not vomiting by the teacher -apparently some people do when they first start! ‘It’s really not too bad’ I was thinking to myself, when suddenly I realised that when the teacher said ‘turn a circle’ she did not mean turn the bike (I had wondered HOW you could do that on a stationary bike) but increase the resistance. As we took a drink rest and Sue turned back her resistance knob about 20 circles I realised I had been freewheeling the whole way! Power to you Sue.

Good luck to the fantastic 6 on Saturday – your dedication so far is inspiring.

Spring Training Camp (by Julian)

So just back from "Spring Training Camp" - otherwise known as Miami. Unfortunately I saw very little of the sun since it was work from 4:30am to 10:30pm in a windowless hotel. But I did manage a swim in the sea and a run along the beach...



The swim wasn't exactly like Dover...the water was probably 70-75F rather than below 50F. The water was a blue rather than green colour. But the waves did bring back memories and after 40 minutes, I could feel the salt beginning to bite under the arms.

Somehow I doubt on Saturday Dover will be like Miami. For a start the BBC weather forecast for Dover says "Heavy rain showers" with a 13mph wind. So should be lots of fun in the "washing machine" that is the harbour, when the wind blows.

Where do the hours go? (by Andy)

Training since January has been a challenge to fit in four hours a week around work, travel and refurbishing a house. The last six weeks have had a constant ache across shoulders from swimming or calves from running. The worst has been getting to Sunday lunchtime knowing there was still another discipline to complete before the end of day light.

As April comes to an end, is the end in sight? Not really. From training for the first Channel Swim the Open Water swim was a clear milestone when the training routine changed to be less often but longer (and colder). At the moment I know the water is 1 degree Celsius below the seasonal norm and its going to be Cold, and I know that each do three hours a week of the other disciplines on top of that as well. I am sure after my second swim the event date will seem with reach and some of the mental milestones will have been crossed.

To most sports training I would have been happy to have stripped off 10lb and dropped two belt sizes, but I know that for the Open water I need every ounce of extra padding that I can get so I have managed to eat a few more pastries !

Dover Harbour beckons! (by Mike)

How easy one forgets the pain of the first open water swim in the freezing cold waters of the English Channel. Dover harbour may protect you from the waves but there's no escaping the ice cold grip of the cold dark waters. 4 years ago I recall entering the harbour down the pebble beach thinking how bad is this going to be.

Well the answer was .......very bad, very bad indeed. You soon forget the discomfort of walking barefoot on the polished surface of the pebbles as you visibly recoil from the shock of the sea water as if swooshes round your feet. Everyone looks at each other in semi disbelief at what lay ahead. Fortunately peer pressure and the sight of some truly crazy individuals who dive straight in is enough to keep you edging forward. You move in further and find your instinctively walking on your toes. Finally you have to take the plunge!

Those first few strokes and breaths are like you have never swum before. A mild panic flashes across your mind as you try to warm up by moving arms and legs quicker whilst keeping your head above water which is not a natural style. Your body starts to ease into its new icy environment and to swim properly you have to let your head drop into the murky waters. Next is the ice cream headache across your forehead but you accept that and the erratic breathing. You buddy up and start to focus on the task ahead....

Swim done getting out is as hard as getting in, only this time your body is so cold some lose motor functions and the ability to balance on two feet. Others need to help you dry and put clothes on. Others stand towelling off as though getting out of the bath.

The good news is that you have an hour to stop the uncontrollable shivering before going back in again!! Great!

Roll on this Saturday, whats not to like :o)

Training so far...(by Sue)

I've woken up to a beautiful sunny day, it's supposed to be a rest day for me but I really want to go running!!

So training is going brilliantly. I feel fit and strong. I'm eating well, drinking less and not smoking at all (finally kicked that habit).

Being the only girl on the team, I'm very determined not to be the weak link. So physically I'm good but mentally I'm scared of 'hitting that wall' as they say. On the Channel 5 crossing in 2006, I was the only team member who caved in. The only one who said "I'm not going in again" and I meant it with every fiber of my being.

Luckily we reached France and I didn't have to go in a fourth time! What if that happens again? The boys do seem to be made of more grit (don't tell them I said that) than me...or being male do they feel the same only don't say it?!

The first dip down in Dover is fast approaching. I'm kind of sacred, kind of excited. I'm telling myself I've done it before and I can do it again. It's only freezing cold water afterall!

I'm really looking forward to the team being back together, enduring the cold and most of the warm, half asleep drive home having survived. And then eating a massive lunch having burnt a zillion calories.

Really like to say a huge thank you to Ian for supporting me again through this new challenge which he does with a big positive attitude which we all love him for. We have been through the mill over the last couple of years, in our financial meltdown, the Sound Sanctuary not working out, moving house etc etc. I'm so glad he is part of the support team this time. When I hit the wall, he will be there to push me over it...

We have a plan...or do we? (by Julian)

The ArchToArc2010 team met for their monthly meeting at Mike & Liz's for dinner. As usual a veritable feast appeared which was nearly as large as Mike's agenda. We discussed logistics, training (well done Sue on winning the month's training prize - a "head torch"!), the plan for the route and, of course, the most important question - when exactly will we do it?

The entire event relies on the swim - it is the hardest part by far and entirely dependent on the weather. A nice warm day is great. A small tidal flow is perfect. Mike had sourced the relevant tidal information from an expert within the Environment Agency and we established that based on that, Tuesday 6th & Wednesday 7th July are the ideal tides - nice and low 3.3m "height of tide". This means that the flows of water up the channel from the Atlantic into the North Sea will be as small as possible and therefore the minimum drift as we make our way to France.

But the most important thing is the lack of wind. Because wind on tide, creates wonderful waves as any sailor knows. And waves and swimmers aren't great bed fellows. So whilst we will hope to perhaps "Run on Sun, Swim on Mon and Cycle on Tuesday" at the start of the July...it will all remain in the lap of the gods as to whether the weather will let us.

So unable to plan the exact date for the event, we turned to the route. Our objective is to have the fastest runners run the most times and then put the strongest swimmers into the channel first so that they will swim the most times on the day. We found a great tool on the internet in "MapMyRun" and plotted the entire route in from Marble Arch to Dover. The site provides great information like the elevation along the route (see graphic below):



A few spreadsheets later and we had the right order. I run least. Mike & Sue run most. I swim most along with Mike & Alex. Perfect. Except now it appears that I am running up all the hills...oh well back to the drawing board.

Rain & punctures (by Julian)

I cannot believe it is a month on from the Winter Training Camp and it is back to snow, ice and now continuous drizzle. February was a great month - I finally triumphed in the monthly training competition by being "green" on every single discipline over the entire month.

The "reality" of being "green" on each and every week is punishing. If the week is busy with meetings, travel and dinners then it is tough to fit in 1 hour 40 minutes of running, 1 hour of swimming and 2 hours of cycling...so the weekend becomes like a training Boot Camp with 1-2 disciplines each day!

This works fine - until the house is warm and the rain is arriving in curtains of drizzle outside. But eventually you have to get on the bike and out for that 2 hour cycle ride. An hour and a half in and you begin to see the end in sight. The rain has finally lapsed and you are ready for the last big climb back to Ide Hill...

...when the bike hits one of the many, many, many potholes in the roads around us and the tyre bursts. A call to the emergency services - otherwise known as Stu Gosling - and the bike is garaged, the bedraggled rider is returned home and a "green" for cycling is missed. Ahhhhh

Winter Training Camp (by Julian)

As the training schedule set by our glorious leader gets longer, it is increasingly hard to go out in the snow and rain to do an hour or so running or cycling. Luckily half term intervened and a long planned trip to our "winter training camp" with the children...

...to the Caribbean for diving courses. It was hard to get the bike on the plane but new running shoes were purchased on the island and the running/swimming schedule was stuck to rigorously. Running along 7 miles of sandy beach is hardly the same as the ups & downs of Ide Hill. Swimming in the sea is hardly the 20 strokes, turn, 20 strokes, turn.

But it turns out that Winter Training Camp is not all sun, sand and sea. Sand is tough to run on and an hour slipping on it kills your calves. Sea brings with it salt burns and once again those lovely friction burns scars return. And add in a bit of wind and it felt like being back in the "washing machine" of Dover Harbour - being chucked around by the waves for an hour.

GREAT fun and so much more fun when the water is 70-80F!

Snow stops play (by Julian)

A few centimetres of snow and the whole country comes to a halt. Admittedly it was more than a few centimetres up in Ide Hill but did all transport countrywide have to stop?

Unfortunately cycling up hill is hard enough without it being covered in sheet ice. Running doesn't work as well either. And swimming is hard to get to. So "snow stopped play" for training as well.

Whenever the weather did break over Christmas then it was back out there. Christmas Day I cycled over to Speldhurst for Christmas lunch with Granny & Grandpa...owing to Sarah having to turn back for the presents, I actually beat the rest of the family. But this was a short lived burst of enthusiasm before more snow set in.

Eventually snow cleared and last week training was back on...except of course, work also needed catching up on. The result - no training until the weekend...and then a 1 hour cycle, 1:15 hour run and 106 lengths in 2 days. Exhausting.

But critical - because we had a team catch-up on Sunday evening...and it appears that it wasn't only me that put a burst on to have one week of "green" against our training programme! Everyone was a flurry of "black" (completely missed!) or "purple" (our team leader's tactful way of "red" or below target!)...until that week when lots of "green" suddenly appeared.

Continuing the trend, this week I was out every night for school or work related activities and achieved a big round ZERO on the training programme. But a cycle yesterday and a run today, with a swim to come this evening will hopefully see me slide in under the bar!