I was elated when I completed my Isle of Wight swim (#swimiowplasticfight), but somehow I felt I wanted to push myself further! We had trained for a 20+ hour swim but could complete it in just 15 hours thanks to incredible tidal planning. Although it was challenging, it didn’t push me beyond my limits. I felt like a fraud calling me an endurance swimmer until The Grand Swim. This swim was my greatest accomplishment. I’ve never felt so small in water.
Sometimes I felt ready and almost longed for something to lift me out of the water and transport me into the depths. The swim was a test of my mental and physical strength. I was prepared to die when I entered this swim.
THE MISSION…
These swims can only be made possible if the mission purpose is clear. The state of the oceans was what I fought for on May 16, 2022. Although it’s been talked about more than ever, words mean nothing when governments do little to limit single-use plastics.
Not only are the oceans vital for life, but they also have a profound impact on the global system. It is unforgivable what humans do to this beautiful ecosystem. Consumers must demand that this ecosystem is restored. Plastic is only used once, and it’s cheaper than buying one container and taking care of it repeatedly. The environmental impact is immense.
I started The Grand Swim to raise awareness and money about ocean issues. It creates a buzz and inspires youth to bring the subject to their attention. The swim had a political impact. Premier Wayne Panton invited my team and me to Cayman. He promised to implement a plastic ban this year.
We look forward to the rollout of this initiative!
To create awareness and a buzz, I want to inspire fellow humans to make better-informed decisions. It’s easy to get into a zombie state and choose the exact product daily. Take a moment to think about your choices and not just your habits. My goal is to encourage people to make conscious decisions.
SWIM PREPARATION…
Swimming for hours is the real deal. My training included swimming up to 80km per week in the winter pool and swimming ten hours+ in the sea in summer. It could be better, there are issues with chlorine, and you have to turn every 25m. But we do the best we can. I knew I was physically under-prepared for the swim I was about. Due to a shoulder injury, I had to stop swimming for several weeks. I also didn’t swim one meter for the first two weeks.
I DID A LOT MORE IMPORTANT TRAINING DURING BUILD UP to THE SWIM, AND I’VE BEEN RIGHT BACKING ON IT SINCE I RETURNED TO THE UK.
I have been practicing flexibility and mobility work and stretching regularly. My weight training routine is also essential. I do as much cardio as possible in addition to my swim training to keep my heart healthy. As I am concerned about my knees, I avoid running too often. A friend of mine is a personal coach and helped me with training plans before I went to Cayman.
My plant-based diet has been a massive help in my recovery and training. A plant-based diet has many benefits, not only for me but for the planet. I know from experience that I suffered for years from IBS and restless leg syndrome. My previous conditions have disappeared since I switched to a plant-based diet. Learn more about becoming a plant-based athlete.
APART FROM THE PHYSICAL PREP, IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO PREPARE MY MIND FOR EACH TASK.
My mind is very active, and I am constantly moving rapidly. Meditation is one of my mindfulness techniques.
A lot of the Grand Swim was spent in meditation.
The day before the swim, I needed to get fully covered in sunscreen. I had one chance to layer on protection. It had to be thick enough to protect me from the Caribbean sun. !
