Challenge of a lifetime
In August Chris Penn the Managing Director of Ace hotel in London is swimming across the English Channel in aid of Hospitality Action. He has been training for the past 10 months, spending up to 4 hours a day in 25m swimming pools. EP recently asked Chris about his preparation for the challenge and how he is getting his mind and body ready.“I have always wanted to swim the Channel yet it seemed too extreme a challenge to be a realistic goal. I feared sea swimming and like many, the Jaws film plays through my mind when I venture into the water. I have also never liked the cold.”Chris has taken part in triathlons in the past and has felt frozen despite six tops and a gilet. “The thought of swimming across a body of 16 degree water which is full of shadows fills me with dread.” His preparation has been intense with frequent cold showers and swimming in 7 degree waters in December. “Recently I completed my 6 hour qualification swim. This was an endurance exercise in 14 degree waters in Dover Harbour. I was able to get through it, albeit with a tongue that shrivelled up like a prune from the salt. But after this I now know have the confidence and belief that I can do it.”
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Helmut Zozmann and licensed for
reuse under this
Creative Commons Licence“I love challenges. I love pushing my mind and body and seeing how far it can take me. I have filled my life with challenges over the past fifteen years and the more I take on, the more I want to try. This seemed like the most appropriate next step to take. More people have climbed Everest than swum the Channel and many have made attempts but failed. It sounds extreme, but I want to test myself and see if I can do it. Your body will achieve what your mind believes, that's what I think anyway.”To support Chris and his challenge please click
here.
For more information please contact Ben Butler