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.
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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[gplayer href=”http://openwaterchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/OWC_Podcast_MikeSolberg_123009.mp3″ ] Swimming the English Channel: An Interview with Mike Solberg [/gplayer]
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
Okay, I should have said “no cold SALT water…” Sorry!
? WHAT THERE’S NO COLD WATER FOR 1000 MILES ? I GUESS LAKE SUPERIOR IS MUCH TO WARM FOR HIM AND FALL/WINTER/SPRING SWIMS IN LAKE MICHIGAN ARE NOT COLD ENOUGH EATHER ! THAT DID IT I WILL TRY TO SWIM WITHOUT A 3MM TO GET IN SHAPE FOR THE CHANNEL THIS WINTER.