Jingle jingle pennies tinkle

Hello followers

Just thought I'd drop a quick line on the blog to let everyone know that I've managed to collect in all my sponsor forms and monies pledged.  Looks like I've managed to round up over £650; there's at least another £250 online at the donateinmemory site and Linda and Trina will be collecting in their forms/pennies too.  So, when we tot it all up and include the Gift Aid bits where applicable, I'm very much hoping we'll be able to get to the £2,500 point we thought we'd reach - it's an amazing achievement over the original £1,000 we initially looked to raise.

Everyone has been feeling the pinch in these difficult times and we are in awe of their generosity and support. 

We did it!!!

We've had some wonderful write-ups in the local press which was published today, I've thanked them for their support and have a few photos I can share with you all (thanks to Paul Cato for the pics) ....

Sarita from GMLC; Jan Mooney from Boston College; John Fitzgerald (Trina’s hubby); Trina; Lou; Frances Tree (my mum); Ian Clayton from Boston-Laval twinning committee; Trevor Bloxham (friend); Linda and Jo Gladski (friend)

Trina; Lou; Linda

Trina; Lou; Linda and Fizz!

I thought the one which would be blackmail material should stay off the site for now, until it's been shown to the subjects for their input on whether it should be eradicated from the face of the earth!

Day 30

Howdy peeps

Just been to the pool to cheer on Linda and Trina on as they finished their last day. 

A group of ladies from Linda's school were there to cheer her on which was super, and a young lass had made a big glittery poster for them which was nice!  One of Linda's quiz night friends was also in the pool swimming with them, so right to the end there's been amazing support. 

We've all agreed that it feels a bit surreal at the moment and lots of people have asked 'what are you going to do now'....

Now we have the hard task of getting all the donations in and totted up, but we are looking forward to that and will update the blog with how much has been raised as soon as we know where we are.

Trumpets a' tootin', flags a' wavin'

Saturday's Grande Finale went really well, swimmingly in fact!

We had a manageable crowd to support us, complete with French colours, berets, tashes, and waving flags.

We were very lucky to get photographers from both of the local papers and hopefully we'll get some good coverage of the next couple of weeks.

One of the highlights for me was meeting Ian and slurping the fizz he brought for us to celebrate our achievement.  Very kind (and very slurpsome!)

The manager and staff at the local pool can't have been more helpful and supportive, their input simplified our lives and Linda, Trina and I would like to thank them all.

It did seem a bit odd coming up to 11.30am today when I realised I didn't have to run out the office and across to the pool to get 64 lengths in.  Most people who've asked how Saturday went have asked me what I'm going to do next, I did think about a sponsored sit about and do nothing for a bit!

Thanks to motherduck and Jan for helping with the collection tins.

There were no fatalities with the helium canister either, although the noise it makes scared the living daylights out of anyone within the vicinity, including balloon filler!

Thanks to our friends who gave up part of their Saturday morning to come and support us.

Well done to my fellow swimmers for their achievements.  Linda swam 100 lengths in one go on Saturday which her body told her off for afterwards! 

And of course to everyone who has donated - your generosity is appreciated, thank you.

Online donations can still be made via http://donateinmemory.cancerresearchuk.org/0000950.

Later in the week, I should be able to put some piccies up of us in our fabulous floral caps, only if everyone promises to not use them for blackmail material!

TGIF!!!!

Never before have the words 'one thousand, four hundred and ten - COMPLETED' sounded so good!

Today's 68 lengths saw me virtually reaching the shores of Calais, mais zut alors, at the very last moment with the shore in sight (in my mind at the very least), it seems that the tide has started turning and therefore I shall be covering a mile in the pool tomorrow, Saturday - when we have our Grande Finale.

Hope to see everyone who's available at the pool tomorrow, as it should be fun!

Haw hee haw haw aw haw Les Rosbifs aw haw!

Marvellous moi swam 70 lengths today so only 68 left to go as I inch my way closer to the shores of Calais!

As a coincidental incident in the change rooms after the swim, a young French girl was chatting to me, whose name is also LOUISE!  Tres bien!  And she's a student at the college, and she knows about Boston's twinning with Laval in France.  And she informed us of a Mushroom Museum in a small village in France which is twinned with Swineshead (where one of my friends lives and which my friend mentioned to the French lass).

Sounds like we should definitely have at least one bottle of fizz lined up for the Grande Finale on Saturday.  That'll pop my cork!


And as more coincidence would have it, for my lunch I am eating a nice plate of roast beef, Yorkie puds, roast potatoes and gravy.  Yum Yum.  Balanced out of course afterwards with my freshly-prepared bowl of fruit salad.

I can smell the croissants - that'll keep me going!

The End is Nigh

Despite the will to swim as fast as possible to the end, it again seemed so hard to get my 64 lengths in today.  I managed it though; it was tough as the water again wasn't particularly warm and I don't think the central heating ducts are working as you definitely felt a chill on any bits of your anatomy which came out of the water as you propelled yourself from one end to the other!

It was slightly disconcerting in that today I was sharing the fast lane with a chap who must be some serious pro who's training for some mega event.  There were no fisticuffs and it was all very civilised, but I tried to keep up to start with thinking it would get me motivated and focused.  After about two lengths I was pooped and gave that up for a laugh!

Still not too sure how well plans are slotting into place for Saturday's Grande Finale.  I do, however, have some French hand wave flags so that's a start!  Am crossing fingers that by tonight I might hear back confirmations on the tentative arrangements and very much hope it will go according to plan.

Now have clocked up 1272 lengths and have just over 2 miles to go!!!

Mr and Mrs Slowcoach-Joinedatthehip-Smythe

Boy was it hard going today in the pool, for a number of reasons.


1  I really didn't feel like I had any energy and it seemed to take forever to do each length
2  I think the evils of hayfever are setting in as breathing through my mouth doing crawl made alarming wheezing noises and as I don't have a cold/flu and have done a few violent sneezes over the last few days, I do believe spring is boinging its way in
3  The pool was jolly cold.  I don't think the room heating was on, neither were the lights, and the water temperature was barely tepid.  It wasn't as bad as jumping into a loch in the middle of winter (as if I ever would...!) but I was glad to get out
4  About half way through my 64 lengths today, a couple joined me in the lane.  But, they were very slow and insisted on swimming side by side, I do believe Valentine's Day has been and gone, so not sure why they had to swim and gaze into each other's eyes


The end is in sight I guess, I'm looking forward to the Grande Finale on Saturday and seeing a few friends all wearing moustaches and berets and crying from the onions around their necks!

Happy Valentine's Day

As I was off work today, I decided to go swimming in the earlier session to leave the rest of the day open to do whatever I so wished (and be pampered, spoilt etc etc)

I didn't rush to the pool for the start to deal with all the hardcore 'I own this bit of pool; drown or move out my way' swimmers.  I let it quieten down a bit and got there to start just after 8am.  It was still pretty busy but by about 8.20 or so, I had the lane to myself and managed to get my 64 lengths in with no problems. 

When I got back home I had a lovely surprise as I'd got a lovely bunch of flowers, a teddy, a ginormous card for Valentine's, and some nice pastries for breakfast.  So we put a nice pot of proper coffee on and had a lovely breakfast whilst deciding what to do with the day.  It started off deceptively sunny, but the breeze seems to have blown in a lot of clouds, so I think it's just as well we didn't head to the beach or anything for risk of exposure or being blown across the sea to Calais ahead of time!

Probably just chill or see what takes my fancy today.  Enjoy your Monday all!

Better late than never...

In all the excitement of finally finding some rubber glue to restick my poor posies to my swimming cap, I seem to have overlooked the time and apologise for not getting my blog down sooner!

A lot is going on to get the Grande Finale organised for Saturday 19 February, I just hope it'll all come together as it'll be a good laugh if everything slots into place.

I managed another 64 lengths today and my total now reaches 1080 lengths.  Just over 5 miles to Calais now; on a clear, fine day in calm waters I might just be able to spy France on the horizon!

Lincs FM did a nice mention this morning during Trina and Linda's morning swim, has got a few people talking about it which is the whole idea.

Hope Trina's knee is feeling less painful after the fall on Wednesday - it sounded sore Trina!

Linda managed 64 lengths today as well.

We are, none of us, the life and soul of parties at the moment.  We tend to nod off in front of the telly by around 6.30pm at the very latest!

I'm looking forward to having the French-themed event on Saturday 19th.

Anyone who is available and would like to come along, you're all VERY WELCOME.  We'll be there from just after 9am, the press should arrive around 11am and it should be nearly done and dusted by noon I would imagine.

Signing out for now me mateys!

Hip hip hooray!

A lot of cheerful, positive stuff today!

My self-appointed motivator got a generous donation for the sponsor form from a Judge - no less, who heard about it and straight away asked to support the cause.

Then, at length 48 today I REACHED THE 1,000 LENGTH POINT!!!!  I carried on to 64 to bring it to another mile and have now clocked up 1,016 lengths or just under 16 miles.

Also, when I mentioned that our Grande Finale (which we were hoping to get sorted for Saturday 19 February) would be French-themed as the locals welcome us to Calais, my motivator had a few more brilliant ideas which I'm exploring.  If they come to anything, I will put more details down in the blog asap.

It looks like we're on track for having the press photographer to cover the event on Saturday 19 February and he'll be there at 11am.  That should give us time to get organised, get some swimming done, give our supporters time to get to the pool to rally, cheer and look like convincing Frenchmen from Calais. 

Have all sorts of feelers out at the moment to see if we can borrow flags, bunting etc etc but waiting to hear back at the moment.  Any supporters who are available to cheer us on next Saturday are VERY WELCOME.  We will probably be there from just after 9am so come when you're ready.  Please support the French theme - the more original the ideas, the better!

I had a nightmare last night.  I was trying to get from A to B (can't remember where or why) but everyone insisted that I had to swim there.  Which was fine, but I didn't have my ear plugs or goggles and I was pretty miffed that I was being forced to subject myself to a likely dose of ear and eye infection!

One, two, miss a few..... sixty four

I must say starting off with today's swim was quite hard for some reason.  My muscles weren't stiff/sore as such, but when I was on only my 2nd length it felt like I'd come up against that treacle pudding again.  I think once I got going though, my muscles adjusted and I got the full 64 lengths done and dusted.  My total is now 952 - the 1410 lengths are slowly whittling away.....

37 minute mile!

Moi, encore une fois mes amis!  Practicing my French for when I arrive on the beach in Calais!

I planned to do 64 lengths during my lunch hour and am pleased to say I managed it today.  Took just over 37 mins so not bad going I don't think. 

That brings my lengths so far to 888 - isn't that some sort of lucky number, maybe I should get a lotto ticket for tomorrow!

Au revoir, a demain!

60 length swims!

I have just calculated that as I'm slightly ahead of where I need to be at present on my challenge, I'll be able to still get it done over this week and next, Monday to Friday as intended!  And, the added bonus is that I won't have to do early morning swims unless I want to.  I might try going on Wednesday as that morning wasn't so busy last week when I tried the early session - and at the end of the day, I don't mind doing a bit extra as I've become quite attached to my fetching cap!

So glad I'm not flying across the Channel!

Cor blimey it's blowey out there.  I hope when I get home that my fence is still standing; I know a few people whose fences met a blustery end this weekend.

Luckily, the swimming pool is protected from the extreme elements and I was able to splash my way closer to La France.  I can't say that the water or room temperature was particuarly high, but maybe that is because the weather is slightly milder at present.

So, 60 more lengths which brings me to just under 13 miles or 824 lengths in total so far. 

My self-appointed motivator is going to rally around and get some cheerleaders ready for my last day - sounds a bit scary...

I think I prefer exercise in the form of Virtual Channel Swimming to that experienced at the weekend of Virtual Great Wall of China Building.  Moving gravel and bricks from one spot to another spot just slightly to the left of previous spot didn't do my back any good.  I think the swim has helped loosen some of the stiffness, thankfully no need for smelly Heat Rub just yet.

Leaves on the line

The De Sirocco blowing through has distrupted normal service timetables, so I was only able to get to the pool just before 1pm and managed to get 50 lengths in before the schools came in to use the pool this afternoon.

On the plus side, I've heard that quite a few people visiting the pool have noticed the cap and pledged/donated which is excellent.  Also, my blog is being read far and wide - please feel free to leave comments so I don't feel I'm conducting a monologue!

Hope we don't get blown away this weekend, or if we do it's to somewhere hot and sunny!

Duracell Dolphin

I'm very chuffed to say that I've just gone past the 11 mile, half way point!  I was even more pleased to get a round of applause from my self-appointed motivator and another lady who swims.

It seemed a bit surreal as I felt like I could just keep swimming and swimming in this session.  I did 60 lengths in around 35 mins which seems pretty good even if I do say so myself.  I do feel my biceps and triceps are about to take on a lifeform of their own though.

Our lady in the Marketing department at work is working hard to arrange a photographer/the press to be at the gym either Saturday 12 or Saturday 19 February to take photos and do a short review of the challenge for us.  We'll probably spend some time in the gym/swimming pool reception areas in our flowery caps and 'swimming to save lives' tshirts to raise the profile of what we're doing and why we're doing it.  As soon as I know more, I'll put the info on the blog.

Put my flippers up

No double swims today, yippee!  I'll do my usual lunchtime session today and tomorrow and that will keep me on track for my weekly total.

As a result of not being in the pool this morning, I cannot report on whether or not Permatan Man has made a reappearance or not, perhaps a wicked spell has transformed him into a real amphibian and he's lurking at the bottom of a body of water somewhere feelin' groovy.

Enjoyed the film and pizza last night, hopefully will swim the calories off today and tomorrow!

Hasta luego amigos

Peas and tranquility

That was a very civilised swim session this lunchtime.  I managed to do 58 lengths without any stress - the first few my hips were protesting 'you've swum already today, what are you doing?' but once I got into the flow of things, there were no aches or pains.



 The weathermen said it's 8 degrees today; it might be, but I think they mean for somewhere in the southern hemisphere.  It's cold enough out there to freeze your peas!

I shared a lane with another lady who was also swimming quite quickly and there was no splashing or crashing.  Should feel pretty chilled this afternoon with any luck, hope I don't nod off though.  I'm going to see the King's Speech with my fellow swimmers and a few pottery buddies tonight after work and then a cheap and cheerful meal, so I have to be alert and with it later!

The mysterious disappearance of Permatan Man

Hie die Hi followers!

I must say that this morning's early swim session was amazing.  The two worst offenders for ignoring pool etiquette were not present for some reason, and amazingly, the 'swim anti-clockwise' rule worked very very well.  I got a further 54 lengths in within a decent time and without any stress.  The pool was still pretty busy but if we all follow the rule and swim at a similar speed, we don't get in anyone else's way.

Weather report says it'll be 8 degrees celsius today, it certainly didn't feel anywhere near that temperature when I left the house, or when I came into work - still, we might see an improvement yet.  We didn't have to scrape ice off the cars this morning so that's always a bonus.

I've printed off a map of the Channel and stuck it up on a corkboard in my office and take GREAT delight moving the pin every time I've done more lengths.  So far, I've covered just over 9 miles, or 40% of the distance (until I move the pin again after my lunchtime swim!)

Swimming with Royalty

Another successful session in the pool, and for the most part - stress-free.  I had some lovely ladies asking me how I was getting on and encouraging me to keep going, and I had a swimming buddy who joined me from work so it was nice to have someone to smile at and have a brief chat when I stopped to nurse my stitch!

I'd managed to get around 40 lengths in before my lane became pretty busy.  There were 3 fast swimmers and one of the Queen's cousins swimming along with us.  Well, I assume she was a member of the Royal Family as she appeared to own that specific part of Boston and in particular that bit of the pool.  She must be very important because the faster swimmers had to keep stopping to go around her as she propelled herself through the water with her very Royal Wave!  When it was suggested that she have to swim in an anti-clockwise direction like the rest of us, one was told that there was no need if the rest of us kept swimming as we were (i.e. around her!)

Anyway, it didn't upset me, I had a bit of a giggle about it.  I also managed to swim 58 lengths as I tried to speed along at the end.  So, over 8 miles now.

Early morning dip

Another 54 lengths in this morning despite the slowcoaches in the pool who are also pretty grumpy, maybe they're a bit more cheerful as the day wears on.

It's very fresh I must say, and at one point the side door was opened to let in some early morning frosty air which definitely gave me goosebumps every time I came up for air. 

I think my body did enjoy the swim as I'm feeling pretty chilled at the moment.

Might have a swimming buddy when I go for a dip at lunchtime, depends on how her workload pans out this morning.

Until later then, tarah!

980 lengths to go...

Splish splash - my 2nd Monday in the pool.

I did think I'd really struggle having not swum for 3 days in a row, as I went away for the weekend to celebrate achieving another year of wisdom.  I must admit, I didn't go for my early morning swim today as my eyes wouldn't open or focus when the alarm went off, and I thought it might be dangerous for me to drive in that condition to the pool first thing!  However, the lunchtime session went, well, eh hem, swimmingly.

Pool wasn't too busy and I only had to share the lane with one other swimmer and as we were both going at a fairly constant pace, we didn't get in each other's way.

Also, word about the Flower Power Cap is spreading as people see the cap and straight away say to me 'are you one of the ladies doing that Channel Swim for charity?' and I was chuffed that people know what we're doing.  A couple of more ladies will sign up on the sponsorship form too which always gives you a boost.

So, I swam 56 lengths this session - to add to last week's total of 374.

I'm hoping to get to the pool for an early session tomorrow morning, hope we don't have too many lane-rage incidents as it's too stressful a way to start your day!

A big tick in the box for my first week

Have returned from a most enjoyable session at the pool and got a further 54 lengths in, so that's 374 for this week. 

I've had to really push myself this week because I won't be around at the weekend as I'm off to go and play to celebrate my birthday.  Let's see if I can keep myself away from pools for 3 whole days!  I might have to have a little practice in the bath.

The not so good news on the horizon is that the weather will be poo this weekend, I just hope I don't get too much snow to ruin my fun!

Happy swimming to my fellow swimmers this weekend and TTFN from me!

Latest ideas for Hollywood

Today's early morning session has inspired me to write some scripts for sequels to Night of the Living Dead, namely:

Night of the Living Dead in the Pool; and

Night of the Living Dead on Ice

I've already seen some potential males who could take on the lead roles and suspect they'll be clawing each others eyes out to get chosen for my movie.  They are certainly pretty brutal when it comes to the morning swim and there's not a lot of room for sharing, so they would be perfect for the part!

Still, I managed to get 50 lengths in, so now a total of 320.

TTFN lovies!

Swimming through treacle pudding

Boy did I find this session hard.  By lap 34 I was really feeling I couldn't go on, but I hit the wall, slowly swam over it and by the time I'd reached 40 the end was in sight.  The last 10-15 laps seem easier to get through.

There was a lot of support today which really bouyed (eh hem) me along.  Three 'good luck/good-on-yer's and another three donating/sponsoring and asking about the background as to why we're doing the Channel Swim. 

There was only one chap in the pool when I got in and I think he took one look at my fancy cap and got out pretty quick!  Not sure if there's a connection, but there wasn't much lane rage with us gals swimming which made the session a lot more enjoyable.

AND, last but not least, I've now done 270 lengths (64 lengths in a mile) and so by my calculations, I've done over 4 miles.  Brilliant and that will keep me focused.

Splash Navs

So, another 54 lengths done and dusted.  I wasn't feeling particularly gung-ho first thing but am pleased I got it done and hope the feeling of invigoration will overwhelm the 'I want to curl up for a snooze somewhere quiet' feeling.

Pool was pretty busy when I first hopped in and there was, I sensed, a degree of testosterone-fuelled lane rage, or there seemed to be in my lane, as I was the only gal in that lane today.  I hadn't realised that men won't stop and ask for directions even in a pool.  The etiquette is to swim in a clockwise direction.  However, the smaller print, of which I was not aware, must have included the clause 'except for the last 8ft where you shall change to the other side for some reason and expect people in front of you to have eyes in the back of their swim cap so that they can see this manoeuvre'.

Thought I'd share with you a pic of a similar pair of trunks of which I had an eyeful today:

All of a Sardine

Another 54 lengths successfully completed, although no mean feat as it was very busy in the pool, and we were playing Sardines in the change rooms at the end of my swim.  Wonder if I can get the fish to join the campaign...???

One lane was also taken off us, after everyone had hopped in and were into their stride; apparently they needed it for assessments - one whole lane for 2 peeps.  Anyway, we all squashed up and managed.

There have been several admiring glances at my fetching cap and no less than 3 people have asked me where they could purchase such a creation. 

Also remembered to put up my 'I'm swimming' notice board, and also remembered to put it away at the end - Health and Safety!

Hope I don't nod off in my meeting this afternoon....

Tuesday Snoozeday

As I'm wolfing down my Fruit 'n Fibre, here's my latest update.

Got up when the alarm rang out this morning, instead of waiting for the news and weather report to be over and done with.  As I'd been prepared last night and packed my work clothes and swim bag before hitting the sack, all I had to do was get up, into my cozzie and out the door.

Sounded so simple, a bit harder to do in reality.  Normally don't do anything without at least a cup of coffee in the morning, but my morning routine was very different today.

Got to the pool and althought it was only just past 7.30am, the place was already packed.  I opted for one of the lanes and managed to get 54 lengths done - goodo. 

Will still do my lunchtime session, so I imagine I'll be nodding off in my evening class tonight - but I won't be the only one as my fellow Virtual Channel swimmers Linda and Trina will probably also be pretty tired!

Monday - inaugural swim!

Complete with flowery swim cap, ear plugs, goggles and nose clip off I went to the pool during my lunch hour to start my first batch of lengths towards my 1410 target.

I soon discovered that the nose clip was too uncomfortable and hampered my breathing, and therefore my muscle efficiency, so it was removed.

Today I managed 54 lengths in the Geoff Moulder pool in 35 mins.  I'd like to be able to work up to 64 a session as that's an entire mile, but as I've only been training for 10 days, my body will gradually get used to the idea (it's not liking it much at the moment!).

I've been looking forward to the actual start as the planning and training has taken up a lot of my spare time - now I'm actually DOING the challenge and hope my efforts will help raise lots of money for Brain Tumour Research at Cancer Research UK