Swim 22 challenge - swimming the channel!

[HiccupHaddockHorrendous]

Slightly misleading title. The challenge is the equivalent of swimming the channel but we have 3 months to do it and can share the miles between the three of us in our team.

I haven't completed a length since I was about 13 so it is quite a challenge for me . However, as a team, we have managed 3.5 miles so far and we're just over a week in.

My friend and I have been going to the pool at 6 am, three times a week but it is quite busy which is really putting me off because I'm not very good or fast.

I think I'm going to go for a couple of lessons to help improve my technique...i especially need help with breathing. I can start off with my face under the water and hold my breath for half a length but as soon as I lift my face out to breath I lose my rhythm and can't put it back under.

i like this idea - is there anywhere I can go for more info about distance etc?

It's organised by diabetes uk Here is a link to their page.

I did something similar for the Aspire charity last year. I was an occasional swimmer before, but had only ever managed 30 lengths. I quickly found that once past 30 lengths it got easier and was managing 60-100 lengths twice a week (I did the swim on my own) The biggest motivation was the amount of money everyone had sponsored me. I focussed on letting the sponsors down every time it felt a bit tough.

Don't worry about anyone else, you're as entitled to be there as they are. Keep going and good luck.

Wow! 60-100 lengths is amazing!! As is taking the challenge on by yourself!

Sponsorship has been a little slow from my friends and family. My two friends have raised 2/3 of our target already so I really must start encouraging my lot to sponsor us.

We have three pools in the local area and I think we have settled on the most novice-friendly now. I know we have as much right to be there but the swimmers in the other pools all look so professional and intimidating...I know this is my issue rather than theirs and maybe once I can consistently swim in a straight line, without looking like I'm drowning, I will venture into the other pools