Open Water Chicago » Podcasts

OWC Podcast 3 – Swimming the English Channel: An Interview with Mike Solberg

Steve — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:28:19 +0000

Fresh off of completing an Ironman distance triathlon, Mike Solberg decided to fulfill a goal 30 years in the making by swimming the English Channel in late 2009. But he also wanted to make it especially meaningful to a group of school children in Angola.

(www.SwimMikeSwim.com)

In this podcast, Mike and I talk about his amazing experience, and how the journey still continues despite him having completed this monumental accomplishment. Be sure to listen in as Mike gives his special insight into what it takes to swim the English Channel – and what it’s like to do it for a cause.

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Swimming the English Channel: An Interview with Mike Solberg

Key highlights:

(1:00) A 30-year dream in the making, and a chance to make a difference a world away

(5:20) Planning and preparing for a Channel crossing – financial costs, advance arrangements, scheduling

(11:05) Training and physical preparation leading up to the event – and an unexpected setback

(16:45) The swim start – the physical and mental experience of beginning the journey

(18:20) The Channel crossing – a strong start, encroaching fatigue, and a surprising second wind during a “hopeful slog”

(23:45) The swim finish – closing in on terra firma, the last 10 yards, and a landfall in France

(21:15) Epilogue – achievement, celebration, advice for other swimmers, and the continuation of the cause

OWC Podcast 2 – Swimming the English Channel: An Interview with Todd Paul and Craig Strong

Steve — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:49:55 +0000

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to swim the English Channel? In this podcast, we speak with Todd Paul and his trainer Craig Strong who spent the better part of 2009 preparing for what’s considered by many to be the ultimate long distance swimming challenge.

Join us in this fascinating story where we talk about the entire experience, and give you an in-depth look at what it takes to actually train for and complete the 21 mile swim from the cliffs of Dover to the coast of France.

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Swimming the English Channel: An Interview with Todd Paul and Craig Strong

Key highlights:

(1:00) Why swim the English Channel?

(3:35) Planning and preparing for a Channel crossing

(7:25) Swim schedules and workouts leading up to the event

(13:05) Nutrition, cross training, and managing the “inner game” of long distance swimming

(21:55) The swim start – from arriving in England to beginning the journey

(26:20) Todd’s first few hours – marine wildlife encounters and sensory deprivation

(31:40) Craig’s perspective from the boat – from a strong start to an uncertain several hours with the coastline just in the distance

(49:35) The beach landing – the last and most difficult mile, an unexpected jellyfish encounter, the thrill of touching the ground, and a brief but euphoric celebration

(1:00:50) The accomplishment finally sinks in

OWC Podcast 1 – Who’s Watching over Lake Michigan? An Interview with Todd Connor

Steve — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:46:14 +0000

Every so often cities such as Chicago, Evanston, and Wilmette will close down their beaches due to higher than normal bacterial counts. Have you ever wondered why that happens?

In this podcast, we speak with Todd Connor who is a candidate for Commissioner for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. Be sure to listen in as we talk about the history of the district, how it operates, and why we should be concerned about who’s watching over Lake Michigan.

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Who’s Watching over Lake Michigan? An Interview with Todd Connor