Dave’s Catch Up Blog – January

Sat 29^th Got Council permit to rattle a few buckets around the pubs and by St Marys Stadium today – £150 / £200 maybe – freezing.

Tue 25^th Around the table sat 10 friends all willing to invest their time into our bonkers idea – we have indeed created a monster and the workload is vast.

Sun 23rd Reccie of I.O.W – documentary makers in tow filming us measuring, plotting and scratching our heads. Footage of Martyn fast asleep after being up all night with his baby – priceless! Good footage of the interview with Captain Noel Charlton from the bridge of Wightlink car ferry as well.

Thu 20^th Zoggs Swimwear have agreed to back us – I could kiss everyone right now! There’s only a certain amount of time that a man can train in ‘see-through beach shorts’ and goggles that your mate tipexed over for a laugh.

Tue 18^th Great news – Royal Navy has given provisional ‘yes’ to dropping us off by Sea King Helicopter at Stokes Bay on 25^th July (event start) and doing ‘fly-by’ to mark the start.

Mon 17^th Application for the Red Arrows to perform at the start was rejected today sadly – mid season break.

Sun 16^th Ran a half marathon today and felt good – has given me more belief that it can be done but my patience level is not ideal for this distance malarkey.

Fri 14^th This project getting too much for 2 people – needs addressing and quickly.

Tue 11^th Big relief – did an hours run at tempo today and no reaction from either calf. Right-now I’m much more confident that all is well this this knackered old body. Shoulder has been tight for 7 months but is getting looser with the swim training and the weights program is giving me good strength through the water too.

Wed 5^th Really missing a few beers and chicken madras ahhhhhhhhhh – this is the hardest bit! Mates being great despite a few tongue-in-cheek windups.