I have much pleasure in bringing you the race update from Manta Ray Island, after a tough swim from Denarau Island outside the front of the Sofitel Hotel to Beachcomber Island!
After leaving Sydney on Tuesday morning (raining and cold) I arrived in Fiji to 28 degrees. Telling me the first challenge of this swim was to remain hydrated over the next two days and throughout the race. Upon checking in to the hotel for the next two nights I went for an easy swim to try and turn the arms over and loosen up a little.
After a restful night in Fiji I headed to meet other swimmers for a casual swim at 8am from one island to another and back. An easy 2km swim. Breakfast was then on and final carbo loading was the plan for the day and await the arrival of my boat crew - Xen's.
Resting up in the sun in the morning was not the best idea and I quickly realised that water and more water was going to be required to remain hydrated. After a small sleep and lunch I waited for Xen's to arrive and we then headed for the Sofitel for the race briefing and hope and pray that my paddler and boat captain are ready to go.
The final part of the preparation was to meet the boat captain and paddler and ensure that they were ready to go and so I was able to pass on final instructions. I was totally reassured when Solo (Boat Captain) told me this was his third time doing this race and Dylan was the National Outrigger Canoe Champ.
We listened to the final instructions from Water Safety and headed for the final carbo loading session before heading to bed in preparation for the race.
I headed for bed about 9pm but didn't seem to sleep much the night before. A common occurrence before all of my large open water swims. Thinking about the boat, paddler - would they arrive. What could go wrong and how would I fix it!
The alarm was set for 4.30am, however, my eyes flicked open at 3.17am and for some reason I dosed for the next hour and at 4.30am I jumped out of bed. I had a small feed, piled on the sunscreen and headed for the Sofitel as all boat supporters and team members needed to be at Port Denarau Marina by 5.45am.
After some confusion, our set-off time was set 30 minutes later and we were due to leave land at 7.15am. At 7.00am a final coat of sunscreen was applied along with vaseline (this stops swimmers/togs rubbing), and the first gel of the day was consumed (not something that I recommend at 7.00am).
At 7.15am the drums sounded for the start of the second wave. We were off on a journey across the ocean that would see me end at Beachcomber Island in 4 1/2 - 5 hours.
There were 6 swimmers in my wave. It had all the strong solo swimmers and like anything it was on for the first 200m until I realised that the pace was ridiculous and I was going to really struggle in the last 5kms and it would make for one very painful swim.
I slowed the stroke down and began to get into a steady rhythm. I picked up my paddler Dylan at around the 200-300m mark and then the boat at the 1km mark.
For the first 30-45 minutes Ryan and I battled it out stroke for stroke, even to the point where I got taken out by the marker buoy approximately 1500m offshore. It seemed to be a piece of fantastic entertainment for all paddlers and those on the boats.
After my second gel (50 minutes in) I decided it was time to pick up the pace as I was significantly warmed up by this stage. I increased the pace and headed slightly left to try and stay out of the way of Ryan and concentrate on what I needed to do and not where he was.
The instructions to the rest of the team (boat & paddler) were clear - Were heading slightly to the left, picking up the pace and getting clear of Ryan. The words at each food stop to Dylan were: "Where's Ryan?” the answer being "behind you" and the reply "good and that's where I want him to stay!” (To explain, Ryan have had a battle of words and psyching each other out over the past few weeks!)
At the 10km mark I began to struggle a little. The ocean was very choppy and it was difficult to get into a rhythm. At some points I was riding the waves! I also took onboard a panadol as well to stop the dull aches and pains in the final km's of the race. I would be extremely thankful for this in the last 3km.
Taking my third gel on threw my stomach into a whirl and I made the decision to take on the jelly & fruit during the next food/hydration stop. I continued to feel nauseous as the ocean was throwing me around - legs going in one direction and arms going in another. It got to the point when I could only just see the top of the boat when lifting my head forward. At this point it was important that Dylan (Paddler) stay beside me where I could see him as he could see the direction that the boat was taking us.
Next food stop (approx 13km) I took on the jelly & fruit and almost immediately my stomach calmed down. I was then able to increase my pace knowing that I was only 5km from land. It was at this point that I started to get bored and remembered what Cam had told Tori and I before we left. "Think of your favourite top 10 movies, songs, holiday destinations and you will not worry about anything else". Thanks Cam I only got to my top 4 and then got bored of that, so I tried counting my strokes and only got to 50 before I realised how boring that was going to be.
At the point of the next drink I could just see Treasure Island and Beachcomber to the right and the sight of both these islands was a phenomenal relief. The drain of being in 26 degree water with heat of 26-28 degrees outside was starting to set-in. I took on the last gel at the 3hour 30 minutes mark and asked Dylan to ensure that I drink every 20 minutes from now until the finish. It was at this point that I was thankful for the panadol as my shoulder began to hurt.
I swam threw the pain of the shoulder as it continually got worse, however, by this point I could see land and I was focused on the finish. It was at this time that I began to overtake the final swimmers from the first wave. It was at this point that I was finally aware of other swimmers, duos and teams in the ocean. I had been concerned at a number of stages throughout the swim as I couldn't see anyone and it felt like I was heading towards Vanuatu.
As I entered the last 1500m of the race swimming alongside Treasure Island, Xen's started yelling at me to hurry up. This was because I was about to pass the final duo team that left 30 minutes before ahead of my wave.
I am still not sure if it she wanted me to hurry up and pass the duo or whether she wanted to get to the bar faster and before everyone else!
Anyway, I headed along the final stretch to Beachcomber Island in much calmer waters and able to finally see some sea life and coral after merely looking at blue water for the last 17km. It was amazing but also determined not to let the duo team cross the finish line before me as I knew there would be plenty of time for sightseeing across the ocean in the next week or so.
I hit the shore line and unable to make it to my feet as they didn't seem to want to function and I crossed the finish line 3rd overall (duos & teams), 2nd soloist and 1st Female soloist in a time of 4 hours and 10 minutes.
Smashing the previous record of 4 hours 56 minutes by 46 minutes.
I am absolutely stoked with the swim. I was hoping to complete the swim in under 4 hours 30 minutes and I couldn't ask for a better result.
A 12 week journey finally coming to an end. A journey with many highs and lows and so many people to thank who have helped me along the way.
An enormous amount of thanks must go to Vlad who developed the plan 12 weeks ago and followed thru believing that I was able to do it. Vlad also experienced the many highs and lows throughout the 12 weeks and has always been there to support 110% of the way.
To Cam, Becci, Duncan, Ryan and Tori you guys are the best. It has been incredible to swim with like-minded (crazy) people. I have thoroughly enjoyed training with all of you and look forward to starting the next challenge with you.
To Dylan and Solo - thanks so much. Without your guidance from the boat and kayak I could still be swimming!
Finally, to Xen’s you’re the best. Your support and enthusiasm throughout the entire swim and during the preparation phase, I can’t thank you enough. I hope you enjoyed the experience of the swim as much as what I did.
What's the next challenge: "Who knows, I will keep you all posted".
For know I am signing off and I am going to enjoy the next 7 days of sun, sand, snorkelling and cocktails from Manta Ray Island Resort (the most relaxing holiday destination ever!)
After leaving Sydney on Tuesday morning (raining and cold) I arrived in Fiji to 28 degrees. Telling me the first challenge of this swim was to remain hydrated over the next two days and throughout the race. Upon checking in to the hotel for the next two nights I went for an easy swim to try and turn the arms over and loosen up a little.
After a restful night in Fiji I headed to meet other swimmers for a casual swim at 8am from one island to another and back. An easy 2km swim. Breakfast was then on and final carbo loading was the plan for the day and await the arrival of my boat crew - Xen's.
Resting up in the sun in the morning was not the best idea and I quickly realised that water and more water was going to be required to remain hydrated. After a small sleep and lunch I waited for Xen's to arrive and we then headed for the Sofitel for the race briefing and hope and pray that my paddler and boat captain are ready to go.
The final part of the preparation was to meet the boat captain and paddler and ensure that they were ready to go and so I was able to pass on final instructions. I was totally reassured when Solo (Boat Captain) told me this was his third time doing this race and Dylan was the National Outrigger Canoe Champ.
We listened to the final instructions from Water Safety and headed for the final carbo loading session before heading to bed in preparation for the race.
I headed for bed about 9pm but didn't seem to sleep much the night before. A common occurrence before all of my large open water swims. Thinking about the boat, paddler - would they arrive. What could go wrong and how would I fix it!
The alarm was set for 4.30am, however, my eyes flicked open at 3.17am and for some reason I dosed for the next hour and at 4.30am I jumped out of bed. I had a small feed, piled on the sunscreen and headed for the Sofitel as all boat supporters and team members needed to be at Port Denarau Marina by 5.45am.
After some confusion, our set-off time was set 30 minutes later and we were due to leave land at 7.15am. At 7.00am a final coat of sunscreen was applied along with vaseline (this stops swimmers/togs rubbing), and the first gel of the day was consumed (not something that I recommend at 7.00am).
At 7.15am the drums sounded for the start of the second wave. We were off on a journey across the ocean that would see me end at Beachcomber Island in 4 1/2 - 5 hours.
There were 6 swimmers in my wave. It had all the strong solo swimmers and like anything it was on for the first 200m until I realised that the pace was ridiculous and I was going to really struggle in the last 5kms and it would make for one very painful swim.
I slowed the stroke down and began to get into a steady rhythm. I picked up my paddler Dylan at around the 200-300m mark and then the boat at the 1km mark.
For the first 30-45 minutes Ryan and I battled it out stroke for stroke, even to the point where I got taken out by the marker buoy approximately 1500m offshore. It seemed to be a piece of fantastic entertainment for all paddlers and those on the boats.
After my second gel (50 minutes in) I decided it was time to pick up the pace as I was significantly warmed up by this stage. I increased the pace and headed slightly left to try and stay out of the way of Ryan and concentrate on what I needed to do and not where he was.
The instructions to the rest of the team (boat & paddler) were clear - Were heading slightly to the left, picking up the pace and getting clear of Ryan. The words at each food stop to Dylan were: "Where's Ryan?” the answer being "behind you" and the reply "good and that's where I want him to stay!” (To explain, Ryan have had a battle of words and psyching each other out over the past few weeks!)
At the 10km mark I began to struggle a little. The ocean was very choppy and it was difficult to get into a rhythm. At some points I was riding the waves! I also took onboard a panadol as well to stop the dull aches and pains in the final km's of the race. I would be extremely thankful for this in the last 3km.
Taking my third gel on threw my stomach into a whirl and I made the decision to take on the jelly & fruit during the next food/hydration stop. I continued to feel nauseous as the ocean was throwing me around - legs going in one direction and arms going in another. It got to the point when I could only just see the top of the boat when lifting my head forward. At this point it was important that Dylan (Paddler) stay beside me where I could see him as he could see the direction that the boat was taking us.
Next food stop (approx 13km) I took on the jelly & fruit and almost immediately my stomach calmed down. I was then able to increase my pace knowing that I was only 5km from land. It was at this point that I started to get bored and remembered what Cam had told Tori and I before we left. "Think of your favourite top 10 movies, songs, holiday destinations and you will not worry about anything else". Thanks Cam I only got to my top 4 and then got bored of that, so I tried counting my strokes and only got to 50 before I realised how boring that was going to be.
At the point of the next drink I could just see Treasure Island and Beachcomber to the right and the sight of both these islands was a phenomenal relief. The drain of being in 26 degree water with heat of 26-28 degrees outside was starting to set-in. I took on the last gel at the 3hour 30 minutes mark and asked Dylan to ensure that I drink every 20 minutes from now until the finish. It was at this point that I was thankful for the panadol as my shoulder began to hurt.
I swam threw the pain of the shoulder as it continually got worse, however, by this point I could see land and I was focused on the finish. It was at this time that I began to overtake the final swimmers from the first wave. It was at this point that I was finally aware of other swimmers, duos and teams in the ocean. I had been concerned at a number of stages throughout the swim as I couldn't see anyone and it felt like I was heading towards Vanuatu.
As I entered the last 1500m of the race swimming alongside Treasure Island, Xen's started yelling at me to hurry up. This was because I was about to pass the final duo team that left 30 minutes before ahead of my wave.
I am still not sure if it she wanted me to hurry up and pass the duo or whether she wanted to get to the bar faster and before everyone else!
Anyway, I headed along the final stretch to Beachcomber Island in much calmer waters and able to finally see some sea life and coral after merely looking at blue water for the last 17km. It was amazing but also determined not to let the duo team cross the finish line before me as I knew there would be plenty of time for sightseeing across the ocean in the next week or so.
I hit the shore line and unable to make it to my feet as they didn't seem to want to function and I crossed the finish line 3rd overall (duos & teams), 2nd soloist and 1st Female soloist in a time of 4 hours and 10 minutes.
Smashing the previous record of 4 hours 56 minutes by 46 minutes.
I am absolutely stoked with the swim. I was hoping to complete the swim in under 4 hours 30 minutes and I couldn't ask for a better result.
A 12 week journey finally coming to an end. A journey with many highs and lows and so many people to thank who have helped me along the way.
An enormous amount of thanks must go to Vlad who developed the plan 12 weeks ago and followed thru believing that I was able to do it. Vlad also experienced the many highs and lows throughout the 12 weeks and has always been there to support 110% of the way.
To Cam, Becci, Duncan, Ryan and Tori you guys are the best. It has been incredible to swim with like-minded (crazy) people. I have thoroughly enjoyed training with all of you and look forward to starting the next challenge with you.
To Dylan and Solo - thanks so much. Without your guidance from the boat and kayak I could still be swimming!
Finally, to Xen’s you’re the best. Your support and enthusiasm throughout the entire swim and during the preparation phase, I can’t thank you enough. I hope you enjoyed the experience of the swim as much as what I did.
What's the next challenge: "Who knows, I will keep you all posted".
For know I am signing off and I am going to enjoy the next 7 days of sun, sand, snorkelling and cocktails from Manta Ray Island Resort (the most relaxing holiday destination ever!)