Andrew Wells' 3 Lakes Solo Challenge

Andrew Wells' 3 Lakes Solo Challenge

By Karen Smith

August 20, 2019

Andrew Wells was booked for a 3 Lakes Solo Challenge and has been working towards an impressive portfolio of swims this year. Unfortunately due to an event outside of anyone's control the Loch in which Andrew would be starting his challenge was closed to boats and swimmers. After a discussion of the logistics still available Andrew chose to go for a 3 way Ullswater with the hope to do 4. A first for any swimmer.

Andrew is a strong, metro-nomic swimmer and made his 1 Way look easy. Guided by Uswim team Dave and Thomas, the challenge was in its warm-up phase with Andrew completing his first 7.2 miles in just over 4 hours.

Turning around at Pooley Bridge, Andrew started his 2nd leg of the Lake. The conditions remained the same and his pace remained the same. Halfway down the 2nd leg it became clear that Andrew had lost his will on this swim and he was looking more towards a 2 way. Andrew reported to the crew that he generally felt fatigued and was lacking energy. He had fed every 45 minutes as per his instructions and not shown any signs of deterioration in pace until the latter end of the 2 way, when he began to stop and look up.

He later reflected on his decision to finish at the 2 way, being a general lack of motivation for this particular swim as his heart was set on the 3 Lakes Challenge. It is all great training and every swim takes you nearer to your next challenge. 14.4 miles swam. 2 way Ullswater in 9 hours 09 minutes, that's a great day's work for anyone.