The Forum of Benfleet Running Club

tonibella · #1 Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 94

Now the marathon is out of the way it is time for me to start getting the other 2 Tri disciplines underway.

It anyone is interested, I am going to start my openwater swimming at Roydon, which is saturday mornings 8am-9am - first session 3rd May

All details www.swimfortri.com £15 per session.

It's a great place to start open water training for the first time, they have several different instructors covering begginers through to experienced and last year there were lots of begginers there - so no feeling silly!

And if a few of us are going, we can car share.

From my experience last year, the more open water training you can do the better - it's very different from the swimming pool!

Andy F · #2 Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 272 Location: Hullbridge

Hi Toni
I will definately be up for it, probably wont be able to make it until the 24th May. Holiday until the 11th then I am working on the 17th (unless I can get the shift off). But if you let me know what weeks you are going, we can sort out lifts etc.
Cheers
Andy

Karl C · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 8:02 pm Post subject:

Yep me too.

oh, hang on, I am cr*p at swimming and don't do rubber....

On second thoughts - better count me out.

Lee O · #3 Joined: 30 Aug 2006 Posts: 385 Location: Canvey Island

Roydon Toni, what is wrong with swimming off Thorney Bay?

Beautiful Clear Blue Waters

Think of All those Tropical fish you would see!
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JBD · #3 Joined: 15 Sep 2007 Posts: 317

Karl C · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 8:46 pm Post subject:

New sub-section of the club - "cr*p swimmers are us"

Join now - limited entry.

mikey · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 1:14 pm Post subject:

Open Water Swimming @ Lakeside

This has just been posted on the EET website

Open Water Swimming at Lakeside - update

PLEASE NOTE: Open water swim training at Lakeside will not be starting on Saturday 3rd May. A recent risk assessment at Lakeside shows the water temperature is still at 13 degrees. It is now likely that Open Water won't now start until the end of May

For Benfleet Members this costs £5 per session

More details to follow when avaliable

tonibella · #1 Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 94

13 degrees - lovely and warm!

Isn't that why we have to wear wetsuits? Mind you there was a lady last year training for the channel swim who was swimming around in her cossie only - that's mad.

I'm off to Roydon this saturday and next and then first tri of the season on 17th May - so need to get used to the cold and get out on my bike!

mikey · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 3:08 pm Post subject:

Lakeside swimming starts this Saturday ( May 17th )

8:30 for a 9:00 start

Cost £5:00

Be Warned …..

The lake is still very cold, so swim time has been reduced on safty grounds
Only advisable for seasoned open water swimmers

If you’re a novice swimmer, you’d be best advised to wait a few weeks until the water heats up a bit !!

Ian J · #2 Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 267 Location: Rayleigh

Ian J · #2 Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 267 Location: Rayleigh

mArKw · #2 Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 291 Location: Benfleet

Hmmm

I'll think I'll skip this weekend and have another week's hyperventilation practice!!!

Mikey, are you intending to cycle to Lakeside and back again this year?
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The hills are alive........

mikey · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 7:32 am Post subject:

Certainly planning to cycle to lakeside most weeks

Might have the occasional Saturday off if I’ve got a big session planned for the Sunday

But does turn it into a good mornings training

tonibella · #1 Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 94

Roydon this Saturday was like a bath compared to the week before - which was soooooo cold - it gave me brain freeze!

So I am sure Lakeside won't be so bad. Got a tri this saturday but will be up for Lakeside in a few weeks

Mikey - I'm up for cycling - not sure I can keep up with you though, maybe I'll take my scooter!

Which route do you take?

Andy F · #2 Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 272 Location: Hullbridge

I would be up for cycling up there Mikey/ Toni, must get a bit warm though. Cycling 20 odd miles in a wetsuit!. Especially in this heat.

Will wait a couple of weeks before I start though. (working this Saturday) so myabe the 24th.

Speak to you both up the club soon, or at baddow if you are running.

Cheers
Andy

mikey · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 1:12 pm Post subject:

Here's a map of the route Caroline & I usually take

http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-kingdom/benfleet/563755395980

Starting from tarports its 15 miles to the lake

Sometimes do a slight variation on the way back, but gets to be hard work carrying a wet wetsuit on your back !!

Usually allow 1:15 for ride & possible punctures

So would meet up @ Tarports for 7:15 ish

mArKw · #2 Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 291 Location: Benfleet

Glad I went down to Lakeside for a paddle this morning. Despite regularly doing long hard swim sessions in the pool this year, I found the OW swim quite tough. Certainly knocked my over confidence back a bit! I need another session to get my OW head back on.

The water this morning was generally warm. I didn't suffer with my cold feet too much this morning. If anyone is thinking of trying the open water swims, I think the time is now about right.

Mark
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The hills are alive........

tonibella · #1 Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 94

Well done mark - very true - open water swimming is very different! The more you can do before the event, the better prepared you are for the 'washing machine spin cycle' that is the start of the tri!

I'm going to go this week - what time does it start at lakeside? They were always really slow at starting last year

Andy F · #2 Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 272 Location: Hullbridge

Hope to join you all in a few weeks, I have booked a course at Heron Lake on Sat 15th. All going well there I will join you at Lakeside any spare weekend I have after that. I have also been looking at Roydon and Gosfield if anyone fancy's a change of scenery one weekend.

The start of a Tri sounds great, cant wait to swallow all that horrible water.

Cheers
Andy

Graham · #3 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 395

Kristian, Karen's fella, who coaches the swim fit sessions is arranging open water sessions off chalkwell on an ad hoc basis when the tides are right and if he can get the numbers. Not quite so far to go. Will post any potential dates/times.

Steve Drum used to swim of Thorney Bay and I was thinking of doing some loosely organised club swims from there over the next few weeks - my campervan doubles up as a changing room and can stretch to a cuppa after. Do have my ASA level 1 coaches and intructors certificates if anyone wants some basic pointers.

ZIZOU · Joined: 21 Aug 2006 Posts: 29

I will join you for some open water sessions Graham - providing my wet-suit still fits!

I'm gonna do the swim leg of the London Tri so could do with a little technique sharpening before-hand. I found Thorney Bay to be a great place for training in the past, so should be good.

Stu · #1 Joined: 01 Mar 2007 Posts: 40

I can recommend Kristian's sessions at Chalkwell. He is a qualified instructor and teaches all levels of ability and experience.

We have practiced sighting, bunch swimming, sprint starts, technique and even T1 transition.

Well worth it to introduce you to the joys of open water swimming or to sharpen up your skills.

Beats the pool anyday, and you get the most magnificent view of Gods Golden isle.

mArKw · #2 Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 291 Location: Benfleet

The Lakeside swim this Saturday are time-trials. It seems that they run a time-trial session on the first Saturday of each month. The TTs are also set off as groups so the swimmers get the full effect of the wash cycle at the start :toothy10:

Toni, the Saturday swim did start bang on 9am so hopefully it will be the same this Saturday.

I've got the Wimbleball half-ironman in just a week and a bit so Saturday is going to be my last chance to get my head in order before the event....

Mark
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The hills are alive........

Graham · #3 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 395

Stu - do you know when is Kristian doing his next sessions? Busy on Sat but was planning to catch the 4pm tide on Sunday afternoon off Canvey, unless something else is organised. Around 3-3:30pm. Nice way to loosen off for anyone who's run the half. Steve, Andy, anyone?

Andy F · #2 Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 272 Location: Hullbridge

Working Sunday mate, but let me know next time you are going and I will try to make it.
Cheers
Andy

ZIZOU · Joined: 21 Aug 2006 Posts: 29

Could probably make it for 4 / 4:30?

Stu · #1 Joined: 01 Mar 2007 Posts: 40

I expect that there will be some Chalkwell sessions next week around 19:00 ish, this week HT has been lunchtime or early afternoon.

I'll see Kris tomorrow and see what his plans are. I'll put updates on here when a session is running. He tends to let me know on the morning of the session.

tonibella · #1 Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 94

Depending on how I go in the southend half - I might come and join you for a swim

Haven't swam off Canvey beach since I was about 13! Can we have a mud fight and a doughnut after?

mikemoreton · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 9:39 am Post subject:

doughnuts!!!!!!!!

I may be there then

Graham · #3 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 395

Sunday - tomorrow - high tide is 10am. Anyone fancy getting down to Thorney Bay for 9-9:15? I intend to be there.

Graham · #3 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 395

High tides are at 2pm Sat and 2:50pm Sunday. Anyone fancy some Thorney bay action say an hour before on either of those days?

Andy F · #2 Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 272 Location: Hullbridge

Oh Yes please, cant wait to get back down there for a face full of seaweed and a mouthful of ........ well lets not go there.
Might be able to make Saturday but not sure at the moment, can definately make Sunday.
Need to get as many open water swims in as possible now, had a Sprint at Dorney lake last Saturday. Swim did not go too well, it was a very windy day and pretty choppy out on the lake. Lets just say there was no threat of dehydration that day, I drank gallons of that Lake water.

So count me in mate.
Speak to you up the club Thursday if you are there.
Andy

Graham · #3 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 395

Cool - there is at least 4 of us for Sunday. Say approx 1:45.

ZIZOU · Joined: 21 Aug 2006 Posts: 29

High tide is 4pm Graham. Do you want to make it a bit later?

Graham · #3 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 395

I got 2:50pm for Southend, 3pm for Coryton on Sunday 6th July. Unless I'm being lied to. Who's you source dude?

tonibella · #1 Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 94

Well done Andy - got that first open water tri out of the way!

Wait till you taste the lovely fishy/petrol flavoured slime that is the London docks!

I am going to do Lakeside saturday morning - it is time trial day, so either 1/2/3 laps and they time you. Hoping to cycle there too, so if anyone is up for that, be great to have the company.

Graham/Steve - once you've agreed on high tide time - post when you'll be there on Sunday and i'll see if I can make it

ZIZOU · Joined: 21 Aug 2006 Posts: 29

I just look at the tide tables published by Port of London

I think you need to note that the tide times are GMT not BST so I reckon it's an hour later than the published time....

I could be wrong though, it's like trying to work out whether you gain an hours sleep when the clocks go back or you have to use an excuse for being an hour late for work!

mikemoreton · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 10:01 pm Post subject:

Couldn't care less.

I'll be swimming in the Andaman Sea

Andy F · #2 Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 272 Location: Hullbridge

Mike
What you

Andy F · #2 Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 272 Location: Hullbridge

Hi Toni
What distance are the laps, I am hoping to join you Saturday morning. Will be happy to bike there and back with you. I will let you know tomorrow .
Cheers
Andy

Graham · #3 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 395

I thinks it's still 3pm so I am going to say 1:45. Gonna let Andy Morris know that is the time we are committed to. If it's wrong I'll buy everyone donuts and coffee to kill an hour before we start.

Jez · #2 Joined: 18 Feb 2007 Posts: 291 Location: Eastwood

Andy ,

They are 1 km laps and you can do 1, 2 or 3 laps

Jez
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www.justjez.co.uk

Karl C · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 1:06 pm Post subject:

is there a no lap option ?

stevedavis · Joined: 29 Apr 2009 Posts: 19

Hi there.
Has anyone braved a open water swim this year.
I am really keen to start but i'm not sure if it is still to cold or where is a good place to go.

Cheers all

steve

Ian J · #2 Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 267 Location: Rayleigh

Hi Steve,

Open water swimming starts at Lakeside any day now, Saturday Morning, they usually say beginners should wait until the water warms up a bit.

I'm sure Mike will be on soon with all the details :blackeye:
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Whad'ya mean "Run fat boy, run"? I AM running!

gmike · #2 Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 259 Location: Benfleet

Copied this from EETC's home page ...

The good news is that open water swimming will begin on Saturday 2nd May at Lakeside. Cost to be confirmed but I believe it is still £5. Tri Sport Epping have asked that we point out the following information:
i) These are unsanctioned sessions led by "lead swimmers" who happen to be Level 2 coaches.
ii) The owner of the lake insists on all swimmers/canoists signing a disclaimer prior to the session. We have copies of this disclaimer and they will be available at our swim sessions at Runnymede
iii) He also allows other users on the lake - Anglers notably, so we have to give them a wide berth.
Safety breifing will cover all of this.
iv) Please inform the "lead swimmers" of any medical conditions which may affect your swimming.
v) Until the water warms up - no novices please. Cramp is prevalent this time of year so sessions are shorter. It was a tropical 12 degrees today at the lake.
vi) There will be a special novice introduction session on the first week in June, where novices will enter the water at 8.30 for a gentle introduction to open water swimming.

When the time arrives for this, and any other OWS's, count me in

stevedavis · Joined: 29 Apr 2009 Posts: 19

Hi
Thanks for your post

do we need to be a member of EETC or Tri sport Epping to go along ?

Count me in when the time is right.

Cheers

Steve

mikey · Posted: Fri May 08, 2009 1:28 pm Post subject:

Hi Steve

For the last few years its been fine for us to turn up as Benfleet RC
( as we're an affiliated Tri Club )

At the moment out of curticy I've got an email out with Tri Sport Epping, just to confirm that its going to be ok to carry on as of last year.

I haven’t had a response back yet, so i'm planning to go down tomorrow ( 9th May) to chat to them in person.

Having said that i'd be amazed if it was a problem.

I know toni is coming down as well ....
Think the more the merrier

Meet time is 8:30 at the dive centre by the lake
Swim starts at 9:00 after safety briefings etc.

Mike

stevedavis · Joined: 29 Apr 2009 Posts: 19

Hi Mike.

Many thanks
I would love to come along tomorrow.
I will see you there at 8.30

Lets hope the sun is out .

Cheers

steve

mikey · Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 1:08 pm Post subject:

Just confirming that its ok for Benfleet Triathlets to swim at Lakeside this year.

I popped down last Saturday, and all is ok

The water was lovely and warm, the sun was shining and there where plenty of swimmers.

Approx 40 or so split into 3 groups :- Slow / Medium / Fast
With 2 safety canons on the lake

Meet time is 8:30 for a 9:00 start in the lake

Cost is £5-00 per session