Karen Reid EC Solo Reflection

Delayed Success!

Last Wednesday 8th July I completed my Solo English Channel in 14hrs 12 mins.

I think I am still processing that it is done! That I did it! That I got there. I am now an English Channel Swimmer!

3yrs ago, Karen Quartermain Qswim Adventure, my coach messaged me with potential dates for the channel. Since then it’s been always there in my mind, never far from my thoughts. Sometimes haunting them, sometimes exciting them.

Last August, 11 hrs across I had to stop as my right shoulder suffered an impingement. I wasn’t sure I wanted to go again initially but then decided to approach it like a problem and just work the solution.

KQ prepared in a new training plan, keeping it interesting, different things from year before and focusing on deloading the shoulder (just in case). Swim distances varied, yes the miles have to be done – but it is not all about the meters. Too many people get stuck on how many meters are enough.

KQ also considered I was turning 60! My body needs longer to recover than it did 10yrs go.

I went to a sports specific Physio, who helped with rehab & monthly sessions to work on stabilising the shoulder, using smaller muscles around the joint.  It’s not just about strength training but stretching and activation. Working on Thoracic mobility to improve rotation for example.

When the day came, weather was better than last year, I had a predawn start not a night swim, signs were good.

As I jumped off the boat and swam towards the beach to start I told last years ghosts to go away, I had a job to do and I was getting across.

The English Channel is just an amazing place to be, it’s just nuts. The huge container ships sending swell your way, jelly fish that kiss you and then a French coastline that comes and goes.

And then the hardest part is the end, pushing through the tide (when you’re told to) to land. I knew this was coming, KQ’s training plans had worked on change of pace, pushing in French inshore waters.

So I did when told and then the sand underneath finally came visible and I stumbled ashore to claim my pebble.

I have cried a lot – both from relief and pride.

Even though it’s called an English Channel Solo – it’s definitely a team effort. Thank you to my husband David Reid and close family who have coped and covered for my absence as I trained and have supported me all the way. My sister Tracie Gorst who started me on the Openwater swim path ( I am her Frankenstein monster )

I can’t recommend Karen Q enough as a swim coach, she made sure my toolbox was full, and was always in my head when I needed her. Dave Uswim Openwater has piloted all my freshwater swims, encouraging and guiding, keeping focus on technique.

My crew, so Catherine Turner who has been there over the last 2yrs throwing bottles and supporting, sadly wasn’t able to be there last week. So Su Shortt and my close friend Deb stepped in at short notice. They kept me feed, safe and motivated, talked with pilot and made sure I got across.

And then the amazing support from everyone just blows me away. My Mold Masters coach and swim buddies, the amazing supportive Uswim community, and all my other friends and wider family.

I felt all that love and support with me, surrounding me and carrying me to my end goal.

So, no matter what I say to you all , the thanks will be inadequate but know it’s heart felt.

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