swimforstarlight

I have been training to swim the English Channel for two years, with the last year intensive. My swim date, subject to tides and weather, is 10/11 August 2015.

[swimforstarlight @swim4starlight]

About to drop out of wifi range so will sign off. Nothing left in the tank, and the crew are looking forward to a Boddingtons.

[swimforstarlight @swim4starlight]

Motoring back now. Mark is getting warmer. Can't quite imagine how he is feeling.

[swimforstarlight @swim4starlight]

Channel swimming association observer Paula gives the thumbs up - 14 hrs 24 minutes!!

[swimforstarlight @swim4starlight]

50 metres out. That was insane.

[swimforstarlight @swim4starlight]

400 metres out

[swimforstarlight @swim4starlight]

It's tough out there. Coach Matty has jumped in as a pacer to help bring him in.

[swimforstarlight @swim4starlight]

This is a Tough mental space. France 1.85 km away but it doesn't look like its getting much closer to Mark.

[swimforstarlight @swim4starlight]

Inching closer to France - Mark has been in a challenging space - great to have someone whose been there too with Tim Denyer on the boat.

[swimforstarlight @swim4starlight]

The wind is quite a bit stronger now - coming at him diagonally from the front left. Progress is tough.

[swimforstarlight @swim4starlight]

This is a sign he's been waiting for - out of the shipping lanes and into the French inshore. GO MARK

[swimforstarlight @swim4starlight]

Cameraman Jeff Tseng from Pixel Frame with France in the background.

[swimforstarlight @swim4starlight]

Marks stroke rate has picked up - looks like he's feeling cold though. Warm Ovaltine and two nurafen at the 10hr 30 mark.

[swimforstarlight @swim4starlight]

Getting close to exiting the shipping lane - Marks stroke rate has picked back up after dropping to 54. On a good heading.

[swimforstarlight @swim4starlight]

Been informed the Magnesium in Endura could create a few "gut" issues a for Mark tonight. Brother Dave sharing the room and is concerned.

[swimforstarlight @swim4starlight]

10 hours down - still a long way to go. Mark is running at about 54 strokes/minute now. Captain Fred about to give mark a position update

[swimforstarlight @swim4starlight]

This was what the separation zone was like

[swimforstarlight @swim4starlight]

Back in range after 4hrs in dark. 9hrs in and 2/3 of distance covered. All going to plan but tough going in the water.

[swimforstarlight @swim4starlight]

First band of jellyfish behind for now - but the "separation zone" is still ahead.

[swimforstarlight @swim4starlight]

Some jellyfish now - we thought they would be further on. Light Surrounding You currently on the playlist.

[swimforstarlight @swim4starlight]

Big ship to stern - 800 m away - starting to warm up and Mark should be feeling sun on his back. Still early days.