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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[gplayer href=”http://openwaterchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/podcasts/OWC_Podcast_ToddPaul_CraigStrong_102609.mp3″ ] Swimming the English Channel: An Interview with Todd Paul and Craig Strong[/gplayer]
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
I ALWAYS WANTED TO SWIM THE CHANNEL BUT NOW THE RULES WILL NOT ALLOW MP-3 PLAYERS DURING THE SWIM AND I CANNOT FIND A RECORD PLAYER THAT WILL PLAY WITHOUT SHIPPING IN THE WAVES SO I DECIDED I WILL NEED TO WAIT UNTILL NEW TECHNOLOGY COMES OUT .
I MUST SAY IT IS A GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENT TODD, CONGRADULATIONS.
Steve,
Thanks for doing this. It was great sharing the story and being able to look back on it in this way.
tpp
Hey Todd, you’re welcome!