Steve Foster - TNT shore-to-shore we can Challenge
Blog 2 - 4th August 2010
I arrived at Anderby Creek with Jon, to meet Heather for our third outing in the North Sea in preparation for the job ahead.
The water was considerably colder than the last time out and I felt I needed to 'Vaseline up' - something quite acceptable to the sea-swimming fraternity(!) - more than on previous occasions. It just adds a little bodily warmth and is supposed to stop the jellyfish from getting a grip so, on that basis, I'm a fan!
The tide is flowing in and out and swirling round like never before - all good prep for the swirling Channel challenge which draws ever closer.
I have long forgotten the perils of the weeds and reeds of the lake at Sandwell Valley, only to be replaced with disgusting tasting salt water, sand, and whatever the hell that mystery creature was that swam under me and took me by surprise on my last sea outing.
It went well today with a good solid hour in the sea. I now find myself happy in the sea and feeling more confident every time we go out.
Today was a bit of a red letter day in my life - my first passport arrived - I can go abroad for the first time ever. I can turn my back to the English shoreline and strike out for the continent but unlike most folk I'm not flying, driving or cruising. Oh no - there'll be no planes trains or automobiles for me, no Euro Tunnel sprint, all I'll have are my goggles, swim cap, speedos and plenty of Vaseline!.
Steve Foster, August 4 2010
Blog 2 - July 2010
We're heading for the Lincolnshire coast and a date with salt water swimming. It's a really humid day - 'muggy' 'close' - call it what you will and at this rate it might even be a relief to jump into the North Sea!
It's all very well living and working in Warwickshire but it's a real pain in the rear when you want swim in the sea, but needs must and we MUST be prepared when we take on the Channel next month.
We've had little or no time in sea waters so far and we're not quite sure what to expect. We've chosen a remote stretch of the east coast - Anderby Creek - near Skegness, because we're determined to swim. Last time out was a huge disappointment when the Irish Sea beckoned but the red flags flew and the lifeguards advised us, in the strongest terms to stay on dry land.
The conditions are much calmer than the Irish Sea but it doesn't stop the ferocity of the cold water attacking your inner senses once we hit the wet stuff.
We're straight into our breathing exercises and we -thankfully - quickly acclimatise and start swimming. 250 yards out and there's a dramatic drop in water temperature but we're so engrossed in the swim we don't let it get to us.
I swallow more salt water than I would have wished but I'm getting used to sea water conditions. What lies ahead in the Channel is daunting. It'll be hard but it'll be so fulfilling… I can't wait.
I'm looking forward to it - bring it on Neptune!
Steve Foster - July 2010