1) Why did you decide to enter the British Gas Great East Swim?
I could not get into the Great North Swim so I did the Great London swim, which I was impressed with, and while at that event I saw the Great East swim advertised and so entered as a challenge to see if I could better my time in London and as an incentive to keep my swimming up. I had an injury to my back in 2008 so it was great to have a sporting event I could be involved in without causing any more damage to my back plus that helped to keep me fit.
2) What is your previous experience of open water swimming?
I did some outdoor swimming events when I was in my 20s and completed four events in 2009, of which the Great East Swim was the best.
"...I could not get into the Great North Swim so I did the Great London swim, which I was impressed with, and while at that event I saw the Great East Swim advertised and so entered as a challenge to see if I could better my time in London.."
3) Are you a keen swimmer?
Yes, but can be lazy so do need incentives.
4) What type and how much training did you do?
2 x 1hour pool sessions a week for 10 weeks.
5) Did you make a weekend of it in Suffolk?
No, as I only live in Essex.
6) Did you have friends or family supporting you?
Yes, my wife, daughter and granddaughter who all enjoyed the event.
7) What did you enjoy most about the event?
The whole buzz and atmosphere. The staff were all helpful and full of encouragement. It was also good for the supporters with the TV screen and stalls to visit.
"...I could not do without my family’s support and the looks of pride and the smiles on their faces when I got out of the water made all the hard work worthwhile."
8) Was the cold water as bad as everyone thinks?
No, but I did wear a wetsuit.
9) What is the best piece of advice you could give to someone doing it this year?
Try and do a swim with your wetsuit before the event but most of all enjoy the day, I did.
10) What is the one item you can't do without on the day?
Not so much an item but I could not do without my family’s support and the looks of pride and the smiles on their faces when I got out of the water made all the hard work worthwhile.