Kerry's View - Fourth Dip at Dover

This time it was a 5.30am start to get the 7am train to Dover! Ooowww!

5 of us headed down this weekend being myself, Jen, Tom, Tony and Mike. I in particular was not in the mood for this at all (maybe as I'd just got back from a 2 week holiday in Cuba where I'd got used to swimming in the Caribbean).

We arrived at the beach just after 9 to interrupt Freda's first cuppa of the day (we were not in the good books). We were instructed to swim for an hour. I was very worried after having to get out early two weeks earlier due to what I can only describe as "feeling like someone might like to start mining for salt in my mouth". The nausea this caused for painful and I didn't want the same to happen this week.

We managed our swim but conditions were tough (very rough and windy very salty although the temperature was bearable at around 14 degrees) and there were some casualties on the way. Dizziness from Jen which forced an early departure. And vomiting from Tom which caused a stir on the beach. These two casualties only highlighted the still ever challenging task we were up against and the difficulties our bodies had to overcome. In true fighter style the two casualties were back in the water for a second swim just 90 minutes later and both excelled in doing the full challenge set by Freda.

It takes quite some guts to get back into water that has caused dizziness, nausea and vomiting so good job guys! I'm sure it's this kind of perseverance that pays off in the end.

Tony had an excellent swim as well doing 2 one hour swims (a big jump up from his previous 40 minute swim). Mike did a good 1 hour swim to start with and then was excused by Freda for a second swim who sent him off to "have fun" at Clare Foster's wedding. Mike we hate you for leaving us alone for our second swim. But Freda is God to us so if she says it's ok then it is!

So what we learnt this week: - How to dodge waves. - That Freda is always right and we must do exactly as she says! - That we're a pretty hard core team. - That Freda will send crying swimmers back into the ocean (we saw it happen to a solo swimmer with our own eyes). Mental note - no excuse will get past this woman!

With just 10 weeks to go training is going to pick up. Big team meeting on Wednesday to discuss! We'll keep you all posted!

Ciao for now. Kerry xxxxxxx