“You boy, Whitson, what do you think you’re doing?”
“Swimming Sir”
“That’s not swimming, that’s paddling.  Can you swim, boy?”
“Yes Sir”
“Well swim then. I want another 10 lengths out of you before you get out”

And so began my life long love affair with swimming.  Fast forward 25 or so years and to me swimming pools exist because we needed somewhere to put the swim up bar and open water is for treading whilst one waits for the ski boat to come back round to pick you up.
It seems utter madness then that I find myself in the middle of a training programme for the London Triathlon.  I am taking part in the Sprint (a total misnomer if ever there was one) Distance which means that, for those of unaware of the self inflicted human torture that is the triathlon, I have to:
Swim 750m (Progress report 16/06/08 – managed two widths of the pool today without a break)
Cycle 20km
And run 5km
For those hardcore triathletes out there for whom this is a warm up before breakfast, I refer you to the progress report above.
So why am I doing this?  Aside from realising that if I don’t have some thing to train for I will ALWAYS be able to think of an excuse that stops me from exercising, the main reason is that I want to do what I can to help BLISS.
BLISS is the only organisation in the UK who cares for babies born too soon, too small or too sick to care for themselves.  They offer irreplaceable support for families coping with the stress and strain of a having a baby in a special care unit and campaign tirelessly to improve the quality and quantity of neo-natal units across the country.
So go on, dig deep and help me to help BLISS.  By supporting BLISS we are helping more children get the best possible start in life, and I can’t think of anything more important than that.
Thanks

Chris

P.S.  Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: BLISS gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.