What are we doing?
We (Tim Wakefield & Chris Lipscomb) are undertaking what we consider to be a pretty tough challenge for 2 guys with limited athletic ability. We are attempting to get ourselves from Kingston Hospital (London) to Seaview (Isle of Wight) by Cycling to Portsmouth, Swimming across the Solent and Running to Seaview. That's a total of 130 km. The route is scenic but tough: taking us over the Surrey hills, over the South Downs, across one of Europe's busiest shipping lanes (with the kind permission of the Queen's Harbour Master) and through Ryde.
Why are we doing it?
Because we want to raise money for an excellent charity called Born Too Soon. The charity raises money to purchase much needed equipment for the neonatal unit at as well as support the parents of pre-term babies.
Chris speaking: "In 2007 Kim and I had a baby daughter called Isabelle who was born prematurely at Kingston Hospital. After a very brave fight, Isabelle died 7 weeks later. Whilst this loss is with us every day, we also have very special memories of this time in our lives. It was a time when Isabelle was afforded round the clock care by incredibly dedicated staff - ever since we have always wanted to raise money in order to help the neonatal unit continue to provide such an incredible service."
You can find out more about the charity on their website: Born too Soon
When are we doing it?
Our first attempt will be on 23rd July. If the weather is against us, we will try again on 24th July.
How far is it?
Total distance: 130 km
Stage 1: 120 km by Bike (Kingston Hospital to Gilkicker Point, Portsmouth)
Stage 2: 5 km Swim across the Solent (Gilkicker Point to Ryde Esplanade, Isle of Wight)
Stage 3: 5 km Run (Ryde Esplanade to Seaview)
Training
Has gone reasonably well. Highlights have included runs in the snow, long cold swims in the sea, laps of the Isle of Wight on our bikes, early morning swims in a lake near Windsor, cycling through the hilly Welsh hills.
Here are some video highlights
The Back-Up Team
The list is long but right at the very top are our wives, Nicola and Kim. Without their unstinting support this wouldn't be happening. Not only have they already suffered a year of endless chat about everything to do with our "triathlon", they have also kept calm at the never ending stream of new kit that comes through the door each week and showed exteme patience when it comes to our extensive training commitments.
And then there is a long list of people who have given more time and support than we could wish for. Piers and Sue Thomas for leading the way across the Solent in a rowing boat and also for helping with the cycling training. Stu Block for all his time on the bike. Neil Appleton for lending Chris his road bike and for his constant emails of encouragement. Richard 'the fish' Stannard, our swimming coach, who taught us to believe. John Lunt for giving us free entry to the Eton Dorney Triathlon and getting us discounts on our gear. Pete Ambrose for running with Chris twice a week. Richard Craddock for his invaluable advice on "double-hatting" in the sea. Nick and Sue Wakefield, Peter and Rachel Lipscomb, John and Charlie Edwards for all their safety boat duties. Georgina Lee for patiently explaining some of the finer points of the swimming stroke and replying to question after question after question. Rob de Lazslo and Henry Cecil for inspiring us to get out there in the first place ('that's ridiculous, you two will never do it'). Simon Garnett and Gavin Simonds for their tips on swimming the Solent. And finally, Lucy Benham and Jim Marsh for resuce boat and feeding duties - we are sure there are more and so thank you to you too.
Thank you for all your support.
Tim Wakefield and Chris Lipscomb