August 2006Today is my Buddy Swimathon day with my 13-year-old partner Thomas. I have been swimming now for three months, once a week, with Len our instructor. I should have done more really but it's finding the time - you know how it is when you work full time (ok that's an excuse). Click on the link below to hear an audio report on Debbie's challenge: Thomas is a member of a local Surf Life Saving Club. He's been training in the sea twice a week for the past couple of months so he's very good. We arrive at the pool and I am feeling quite nervous. Thomas is feeling good - he's had a sandwich and a drink to spur him on. We decide to do 50 lengths, if we can in the time we have, Len counts us down and we start.  | | Thomas in action |
Thomas gets off at a fast pace - he has done four lengths of the 25 meter pool and I have done two in the same time, he's doing front crawl - and I am doing breast. I am concentrating hard on my legs and my stroke to get as much length in the stroke as possible, which means less swimming! Ok we reach the half way point, and Thomas has to stop. He's feeling hungry and tired. After all he's has done 30 lengths already and I have done 15. Len makes sure he has a drink - and I stop for a breather. I am so please with myself. Last week I achieved six lengths the most I had done - and now, determined to raise money for the RNLI, I have done 15-WOW, I feel very strong and go off again, I would love to do 20 lengths. The pool seems to be getting longer and longer on each length now - but I am still feeling as if I can do more even though I am very tired. At this point I have done 25 lengths and Thomas is still ploughing on with an amazing 45.  | | Come on Debs - you can do it! |
Len is very pleased and shouts 'Come on Debbie, you can do more just five more, lets get to 30 lengths' 'What,' I shout back at him On my last length I get cramp in my foot. Oh no - I must do it - I really dig deep and swim really hard. YES, there's the pool wall - I have done it - 30 lengths - amazing I feel so emotional I start to cry. Thomas comes over and we hug. He's done 50 and I have done 30. What a team, now comes the best bit, collecting the sponsorship money. I want to thank Len for his time - James and Chris for their support and Thomas for being a star. Good luck to all you other 'buddy swimathoners'. It's really good to take part and support our campaign and you will feel great at the end (I promise) Thanks to Debs for her account of the buddy swimathon. There's still time for you to take part in the big event. Fill in the form below: | 
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