A World Record!

[stormrev]

Hi friends

Just thought I'd jump back on to let you know I'm in the Guinness Book of Records... along with about 4000 others!

Last Saturday I took part in the annual Pier to Pub Ocean swim on our Surf Coast here in Melbourne Australia. It's a 1.2 km (.75 miles) ocean swim and is one of a number of sea swims here over the summer. I used to do a fair bit of ocean swimming when I was into triathlons (B.A.V.R.) and this was my first venture back after nearly four years since the last Pier to Pub and ten months post-op.

The event is swum with 'waves' of about 300 swimmers in various age-groups and I started at the back very cautiously and ended up about mid-field - 362nd out of 700 in the 40-49 year olds. Managed to stagger up the beach a little light-headed but rapt to be able to take part.

My friend Ian and I have decided to take on a more challenging swim later in March of about 5 kms (3 miles) which I last did in 1999.

Would be keen to hear if any others are into ocean swimming??? It's a real buzz and I suspect good for the cardiovascular fitness levels.

Regards

Grant

PS Pier to Pub is listed as having the most competitors of any Ocean swim in the world - hence the world record holder tag!

[hensylee]

I think that's really a neat accplishment. It was on TV.

It is heartening to hear of so many of our members who have gotten into sports events like these. Shows there's really life after VR.

keep us posted - Congratulations on your win..........and your mention in Guinness bok.

[ericaj]

That is neat and sounds very rewarding in it's own way!! Congrats to you!!

Erica

[bvdr]

It sounds like you had a wonderful time. I'm so glad to hear that you are out there heartily enjoying life again. Congratulations.

[BillCobit]

Grant

4000 swimmers has to be some sight! I'm in awe of the Ironman starts that have half as many swimmers. Sounds like great fun...and dropping half the 40's field after you gave them all a head start is very impressive...well done!

Q: was thrashing in the ocean w/ 4K others reminiscent of Ironman, and did you get the bug to try another one?

Good luck to you and Ian on your longer 5K swim.

It is great to see you have some specific goals. I just passed my 3 year post-surg mark this week. Looking back, I realize how important pursuit of goals has been to my rehab and recovery...and it's made the journey truly enjoyable. I hope that's your experience too.

Best wishes for continued health and fitness.

[McCln]

Well, it is at least something you enjoy doing. Swimming of any kind is a good cardio-vascular workout. You keep doing it, you sound to be in good shape. Keep it up. And keep in touch. You are doing great.

[RunMartin]

Hi Grant,
Good to hear that you are competing in events again! I have stopped competing now (for the time being) and I miss the enjoyment of participating in events. I am still training (swimming and running) but at a reduced level. It must be great to feel part of an event as opposed to watching them. I suppose it must be like starting from scratch, with each event you do getting that little bit better.

All the best

[Mark Wagner]

Congratulations Grant. That is an awesome accomplishment!

Mark

[Raverlaw]

Way to go Grant! :D It is inspiring to see valvers out there accomplishing great feats of althletic prowess!