Just got back from an intense training weekend in the beautiful Carlingford in Ireland.
This is my second time attending HTW and it was lovely to see familar faces and meet new swimmers and share their adventures and aspirations.
Friday got off to a fantastic start with a Q&A where experts shared their experiences and adventures in the North Channel, such a privalige to have that opertunity to gain knowledge of that formidable body of water.
Then there was Yoga with Laura, followed by the seaweed ice bath (not a favourite) and dip in the bay but the amazing addition of a portible sauna – for one day only unfortunalty.
Day 2 Yoga with Laura again then a swim from Greers to Omeath then the Battle of Carlingford which had to be adapted to a 3x 2.5 circuit due to the weather being somewhat challenging – a little bumpy in places but fun none the less.
Day 3 Another great yoga session and then there was the opertunity to swim the Carlingford to Omeath course, then a 5k circuit and finishing with a 2k. Pleased with how I swam on these.
Day 4 10 hour challenge – blustery and very early start to the day but our little group were in good spirts /slightly hysterical. It was it was nice to see the sun come up as we swam around the bay but challenging conditions which ultimately were too much for me. I was pulled from the water after 9 and half hours for saftey reasons. and taken to hospital for a check over which resulted in some intervention and an overnight stay. Thankfully I was given the all clear in the morning and released but the incident has shaken me up a bit.
I was really disapointed in myself not to have completed the 10 hours and all the implications of that. To be honest I have’nt really processed it all yet, lots of questions and lessons to be learned I think.
The important thing is I’m safe and that is due to dilagence and quick reactions of the infinity Channel Swimming saftey team who were fantastic and stayed with me the whole time. I can’t thank them enough for their care and attention.
According to my watch I covered 30k on Monday and 57km over the 4 days. I met some amazing people, took part in awsome events in a beautiful part of the world. I hit the wall and I fell off the wall but I’ll get up learn from it and try again.
Some amazing performances especially from the youngsters who were immensely talented and destined for great things.
Until next time…
