Don't Dream - JUMP!!

To anyone who reads this, who may have any tiny drop of interest in swimming the English Channel...

When I first met Sri Chinmoy, I was quite astounded by the stories I read of his students who had swum The English Channel. You must understand that I come from a very competitive swimming and triathlon sports background. And make that SPRINT distance events! Well, yes, I did eventually get into the Ironman Triathlon after many years of sprint racing. But relative to The Channel, even that swim is a sprint! The Channel was far beyond my imagination, so I thought!

In my journey to swim The English Channel, these SCMT swimmers were often my inspiration.

This is the reason.

Many of them had little or no competitive swim training background at all. So I desperately made them talk to me about just how they managed to swim across The English Channel! Hopefully, we will have all their stories on our website -soon! They helped me much more than they know.

If you enjoy swimming. If you like to train. If you like to eat! If you have some swimming background. If you find yourself constantly drawn to the challenge of swimming across this beautiful and powerful body of water, then I challenge you to try to begin your training and plans.

My very good friend, Vasanti from Germany, trained for (alot) less than 1 year before her crossing. Most know of her amazing determination and faith. A group of boys from New York, Adhiratha, Anugata, Dhruva, Sunil and many more took on the challenge with far less swimming background than most recreational lap swimmers. They found not only success, but some very fast times! We watch Karteek every year face difficult swims with a new regiment of training and focus. And then there is Vedika who has swum 22 and 23 hours to complete her crossing!

When Sri Chinmoy asked me to swim The English Channel, I was so surprised. I thought he was joking with me. But no, there were specific instructions and I tried to follow them. Looking back, I still can not believe it was me climbing the rocks on the shore of France. It was an experience beyond anything I had in all my life. And it changed my life. It is so hard to explain. Better you should experience it yourself!

My EC training team was Sri Chinmoy, Vasudha, and myself. Bigalita was my cheerleader. Dhavala, Shayamala, and Bhagirathi were my added as my Channel Crew. There were lots and lots of obstacles along the way. The training was hard and yes, I did get fat! But we all had a victory that would not have been possible without one of the team.

So You Dear Swimmer!

Build a team. Make a plan and have some fun. The journey to The English Channel crossing is just about the best part!

Several people have sent messages that I should swim The Channel again. I feel it is time to look for new challenges.  But I am comitted to helping any of you that need help. I will post all the information that I can to our Channel Swimmers website. 

Next year is the 20th Anniversary of our team's first English Channel crossings by Vasanti and Adhiratha.

(Have I mentioned that already?)

Somehow I have the thought that we should send 20 SCMT swimmers to cross The Channel next year. If that team included a relay of girls and a relay of boys, only 8 more would be required to attempt their solo swims. Ok... we could add anther relay and have 2 solos, but I know many more will be inspired to solo swim!

 So, what do you say swimmers?
Don't worry... I was surprised and challenged when I heard it first too!!

San Francisco is an EXCELLENT place to train for The Channel. The water is very similar in temperature and it is easy access to Aquatic Park where crazy open water swimmers swim all year long. AND Ananda Fuara can't be beat for gaining that extra "Channel Fat"! Venu's neatloaf is magical Channel Swimmer fuel...

And we need an Australian or two! Such a swimming powerhouse country! They should be represented.

My roommate, Jayashri, has a deposit in and is willing to build a team of girls for a relay. Igor (Ukraine), I think you are committing to a swim. Vasanti is considering an "anniversary swim crossing". Who else?
Karteek will be going for his 7th crossing and Vedika too.

Looking forward to your questions and building a team for 2005!

_
Ahelee
Peaceful Waters
San Francisco

Cross-posted from