{"id":97991,"date":"2022-12-13T16:17:04","date_gmt":"2022-12-13T15:17:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/?p=97991"},"modified":"2022-12-14T08:38:22","modified_gmt":"2022-12-14T07:38:22","slug":"the-grand-swim","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/triathlon-open-water\/the-grand-swim\/","title":{"rendered":"The Grand Swim"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>&#8220;The reason I undertook The Grand Swim was to raise money and awareness about the ever present issue the oceans face.&#8221; (Oly Rush)<\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW218698241 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW218698241 BCX0\">Miles: 60 miles 95.5km\u00a0 \u00a0|\u00a0 <span class=\"TextRun SCXW190249273 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW190249273 BCX0\">Air Temperature: 81\u2109<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW115404022 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW115404022 BCX0\">Hours: 36.59\u00a0 \u00a0|\u00a0 \u00a0<span class=\"TextRun SCXW113342279 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW113342279 BCX0\">Sea Temp: 82\u2109<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW144903310 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW144903310 BCX0\">Wind conditions: 11 Knots SE\u00a0 \u00a0|\u00a0 <span class=\"TextRun SCXW192425998 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW192425998 BCX0\">Stroke Rate: 44<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW120172830 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW120172830 BCX0\">Swell: &lt;2 feet SE\u00a0 \u00a0|\u00a0 <span class=\"TextRun SCXW159990797 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW159990797 BCX0\">Visibility: Good<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW159990797 BCX0\">\/Excellent<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>When I completed my <strong>Isle of Wight swim<\/strong> (#swimiowplasticfight) I was elated but somehow I felt I wanted to push myself further! I had been training for a 20+ hour swim and we managed to get round in 15 hours due to some incredible tidal planning. It was a challenge but it didn\u2019t challenge me to my limits. I felt like a fraud calling myself an endurance swimmer, until <strong>The Grand Swim<\/strong>. This swim pushed me to my absolute edge. <strong>I have never felt so small in the ocean.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>At times I was ready, almost wanted for something to swoop out of the deep and take me into the abyss. <strong>This swim tested me in so many ways<\/strong>, my physical and mental strength was tested to the max. I went into this particular swim prepared to die and I didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n<p>Sounds extreme right?<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-97968\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/OW_051_The-Grand-Swim_1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/OW_051_The-Grand-Swim_1.png 800w, https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/OW_051_The-Grand-Swim_1-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/OW_051_The-Grand-Swim_1-768x576.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>The mission&#8230;<\/h3>\n<p>These kinds of swims are only possible when the mission purpose is strong. <strong>What I fought for on May 16th 2022 was the state of the oceans<\/strong>. It\u2019s talked about much more than it used to be but words mean nothing when governments are doing little to restrict the use of single use plastics.<\/p>\n<p>Our oceans are a hugely important habitat, not just for the life forms that live there but it has a massive effect on global systems as a whole. What humans are doing to this perfect ecosystem is beyond unforgivable. We as consumers need to be the ones to demand change. Single use plastic is used because it is cheap, what is cheaper is purchasing one container, taking care of it and using it over and over again. <strong>The environmental cost is unfathomable.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The reason I undertook The Grand Swim was to raise money and awareness about the ever present issue the oceans face.<\/strong> By creating a buzz and inspiring the youth, it really brings the issue to the forefront of people&#8217;s minds. This swim had <strong>a political impact<\/strong>, the team and I were invited to speak with the Premier Wayne Panton in Cayman. He vowed to put a plastic ban in place this year. We are looking forward to seeing the initiative roll out!<\/p>\n<p>By creating a buzz and awareness I hope to be able to encourage fellow humans to make more informed and conscious decisions. It is very easy in life to go about your daily routine in a zombified state choosing products just because that\u2019s the one you always get. Be mindful, take a moment and choose based on more than just habits. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/triathlon-open-water\/a-step-by-step-guide-to-being-a-more-responsible-open-water-swimmer\/\">I aim to inspire people to make conscious choices<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Swim preparation&#8230;<\/h3>\n<p>Lots of swimming, like lots, but still not quite enough\u2026<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.arenasport.com\/en_row\/equipment\/backpacks-bags.html\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-97974 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/OW_051_The-Grand-Swim_2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/OW_051_The-Grand-Swim_2.png 800w, https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/OW_051_The-Grand-Swim_2-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/OW_051_The-Grand-Swim_2-768x576.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>But really, <strong>lots and lots of swimming for hours and hours<\/strong>. My training schedule included up to about 80km per week of pool swimming in the winter and 10 hr+ sea swims in the summer. Training in the pool isn\u2019t ideal as it&#8217;s just not the same, issues with chlorine and the need to turn every 25m isn&#8217;t ideal\u2026 we do what we can with what we have. I knew deep down that I was physically under cooked for the swim I was about to undertake. A shoulder injury meant that I had to taper my swims weeks before I was due to, and did not swim a single metre in the two weeks prior to the swim.<\/p>\n<h3>I did a lot of other important training during the build up to the swim and I\u2019ve been right back on it since I\u2019ve been back in the UK.<\/h3>\n<p>I stretch regularly and have been practising mobility and flexibility work. Weight training is also a significant part of my schedule. I do as much cardio as I can on top of my swim training to keep my heart in good shape, such as running and cycling. I\u2019m always careful about doing too much running as I want to take good care of my knees. I am lucky enough to have a friend who is a personal trainer who helped me out with <strong>a training plan<\/strong> before I flew out to Cayman.<\/p>\n<p>One thing that I think has really helped me with my training and recovery is my <strong>plant based diet<\/strong>. There are many benefits to eating a plant based diet, not just for me but also the planet. From my own experience I suffered for many years with conditions such as restless leg syndrome and IBS. Since I have been on a plant based diet I have seen many previous conditions completely disappear. You can read more about being a plant based athlete here.<\/p>\n<h3>Along with the physical prep it was essential for me <strong>to prepare my mind<\/strong> for the task at hand.<\/h3>\n<p>I have a very active mind that is always speeding at a fast pace. At times I need to calm my inner voice and I use mindfulness techniques such as meditation. <strong>Much of The Grand Swim was spent in a state of meditation.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On the day of the swim I had to prepare by getting fully lathered up in a thick layer of sunscreen. This was my one and only shot at layering on the protection and it had to go on thick, but would it be enough for the Caribbean sun?!<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-97980\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/OW_051_The-Grand-Swim_3.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/OW_051_The-Grand-Swim_3.png 800w, https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/OW_051_The-Grand-Swim_3-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/OW_051_The-Grand-Swim_3-768x576.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;The reason I undertook The Grand Swim was to raise money and awareness about the ever present issue the oceans face.&#8221; (Oly Rush) Miles: 60 miles 95.5km\u00a0 \u00a0|\u00a0 Air Temperature: &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1414,"featured_media":97969,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[12818],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v19.14 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Grand Swim - The arena swimming blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Oly Rush: &quot;The reason I undertook The Grand Swim was to raise money and awareness about the ever present issue the oceans face.&quot;...\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/triathlon-open-water\/the-grand-swim\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Grand Swim - The arena swimming blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Oly Rush: &quot;The reason I undertook The Grand Swim was to raise money and awareness about the ever present issue the oceans face.&quot;...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/triathlon-open-water\/the-grand-swim\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The arena swimming blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/arenawaterinstinct\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-12-13T15:17:04+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-12-14T07:38:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/OW_051_The-Grand-Swim_1.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Oly Rush\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@arenapeople\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@arenapeople\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Oly Rush\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/triathlon-open-water\/the-grand-swim\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/triathlon-open-water\/the-grand-swim\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Oly Rush\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/a0d1b6ba4f6e05062b807c44ca2547e8\"},\"headline\":\"The Grand Swim\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-12-13T15:17:04+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-12-14T07:38:22+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/triathlon-open-water\/the-grand-swim\/\"},\"wordCount\":929,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/#organization\"},\"articleSection\":[\"Triathlon &amp; 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From a very early age I was surrounded by water, I trained as a competitive swimmer and summer holidays were often spent on the coast, camping in Cornwall. I\u2019d be in the sea all day body-boarding, then playing in the rock pools, marvelling at the wonderful sea creatures! I couldn't seem to get enough! In the mornings I wake up to the sound of the waves crashing on the rugged coastline, and fall asleep at night listening to them. I was then and still am, drawn to the ocean. Spending all this time around the sea and along the coastline I've been increasingly aware of the huge issue that is plastic pollution. There are many issues our planet is facing and I believe plastic pollution is a great place to start the change that is needed. It's easy to get involved in actively helping to clean up and reduce our use. It can be the very catalyst we need to help us look at other areas of our lives and the impact they might be having on this fragile, beautiful planet. 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From a very early age I was surrounded by water, I trained as a competitive swimmer and summer holidays were often spent on the coast, camping in Cornwall. I\u2019d be in the sea all day body-boarding, then playing in the rock pools, marvelling at the wonderful sea creatures! I couldn't seem to get enough! In the mornings I wake up to the sound of the waves crashing on the rugged coastline, and fall asleep at night listening to them. I was then and still am, drawn to the ocean. Spending all this time around the sea and along the coastline I've been increasingly aware of the huge issue that is plastic pollution. There are many issues our planet is facing and I believe plastic pollution is a great place to start the change that is needed. It's easy to get involved in actively helping to clean up and reduce our use. It can be the very catalyst we need to help us look at other areas of our lives and the impact they might be having on this fragile, beautiful planet. In recent years I've been aiming to raise awareness about plastic pollution through one of my passions, distance swimming. The swims have been growing year on year, each getting longer and harder but in doing so also reaching more people, creating the ripple effect needed to combat such a mind boggling issue. I have tried to slow my pace of life down as much as I can, however I'm currently juggling between earning enough to pay the bills, renovate my house, setting up a charity, regular beach cleans and training for some rather daunting awareness swims. The slowing pace of life isn't all that successful but it's one heck of a journey! I guess if I could sum it up in one sentence I'd say this - 'I want to enjoy my short existence on this planet but tread as lightly as I can, allowing space for other creatures to also thrive.' You can find me on Instagram as @_projectplanet_","sameAs":["@_projectplanet_"],"url":"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/author\/olyrush\/"}]}},"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97991"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1414"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=97991"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97991\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":98103,"href":"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97991\/revisions\/98103"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/97969"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=97991"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=97991"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=97991"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}