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This is the second part of the interview with Outdoor Swimmer Magazine founder Simon Griffiths. In this episode we explore how open water swimming has change since the launch of the Outdoor Swimmer Magazine and great places to swim around the world.
If you enjoy the interview, please leave us 5 stars/ a like and please visit our website www.MYSWIM.uk and see some of the artwork that accompanies each of the podcasts.

Link to : Outdoor Swimmer Magazine website (www.outdoorswimmer.com)

Link to graphic design: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/159852998?ref=studio-promote

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Welcome to the 2nd series of the MYSWIM podcast and what better way to start the new season than to catch up with one of the founders of the magazine that the UK Open water community refer to as “THE” open water magazine.

The MYSWIM podcast caters for all kinds of aquatic adventures, but this episode concentrates on the outdoor kind.

This episode talks to Simon Griffiths of the Outdoor Swimmer magazine and explores some fascinating insights not only into the workings of a premier magazine but also into Simon’s unique close-up knowledge of how open water swimming has evolved over recent years along with some great advice on how to get the most out of your outdoor swimming experience.

If you enjoy the interview, please leave us 5 stars/ a like and please visit our website www.MYSWIM.uk and see some of the artwork that accompanies each of the podcasts.

Link to : Outdoor Swimmer Magazine website (www.outdoorswimmer.com)

Link to graphic design: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/159852998?ref=studio-promote

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This is a review of the guests and topics from season one of the MYSWIM podcast with guests such as 

• Sally Minty Gravett, 
• Matt Holland,
• Deb Vine
• Sue Woodcock
• Michael Helps, 
• Andy Donaldson 
• Michael Lemmel 

Covering aquatic adventures such as 

• Swimming around Jersey, 
• Olympic water polo, 
• Social outdoor swimming 
• Swimming the length of lake Zurich, 
• The Ocean seven world record 
• The development of Swimrun.

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Ever wanted to find an aquatic adventure that transcends mere metrics of distance and duration. In this episode we enjoy a conversation with the visionary joint founder of Swimrun, someone who has shaped the evolution of this awe-inspiring sport into the global event it is today. 

We uncover the philosophy that underpins Swimrun, as we delve into how its unique format and how it works with nature, embracing its beauty and pushing the participants to the edges of what they think is possible. 

In this episode we talk to Otillo's joint founder and father of Swimrun - Michael Lemmel. We really drill down into the essence of the sport and delve into Michael's profound philosophy behind the WHY of Swimrun—an event that goes beyond the mere realms of swimming and running. 

We explore Michael's beliefs that through this unique multi-sport discipline, we can tap into the essence of our surroundings, immersing ourselves in the awe-inspiring landscapes, and experiencing a profound connection as paired competitors work with the elements to achieve a common goal.

The interview takes place on the beautiful Lazure beach in Montenegro. The perfect location to have a conversation with someone with such a love of the outdoors. Together, we'll explore Michael's unwavering belief that Swimrun is not just a race; he shares his insightful perspectives and personal experiences, we'll discover the unique
meaning behind this sport and uncover how it has the potential to shape not just our bodies, but our minds and spirits as well.

So, get ready for a captivating conversation, as Michael Lemmel unravels the secrets of Swimrun and guides us on a journey of connection, and limitless possibilities. I hope this
episode leaves you inspired, intrigued, and eager to explore an event that at its core is designed to integrate the potential of competitors with nature.

Further links and details on: www.MYSWIM.uk
YouTube version of the interview: https://youtu.be/rUSAlOJzJns
Michael Lemmel’s Instagram account : @Michaellemmel

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Ever wondered what it takes to complete Open water swimming’s Ocean 7, understanding the challenges both mentally and physically? Well today’s extraordinary guest contemplated the same dream but went above and beyond to pushed the boundaries of human endurance by targeting all seven swims in under a year and used their incredible achievements to make an impact on mental health support. Today we talk through THE WHAT, WHY, HOW AND WHO with the incredible multiple world record holder Andy Donaldson

What is the Ocean 7? The Ocean seven a globally recognized marathon swimming challenge devised in 2008 to push swimmers to conquer seven varied and challenging channels around the world with the intention of being swimming’s equivalent of the Seven Summits mountaineering challenge.

I was fortunate enough to meet Andy at the recently formed Ultra Swim 33.3 event in Montenegro. A fantastically organised event in a beautiful location that I will be doing a separate podcast about in the coming weeks and will leave links to future events in the show notes.

Andy is no ordinary swimmer now holds multiple British and World records for his completed Ocean seven achievements not least being the first to complete the challenge in less than a calendar year as well as cumulatively having the fastest time for the seven swims. But Andy's journey doesn't stop there. Alongside his awe-inspiring athletic pursuits, he has been working tirelessly to raise awareness and support for mental health. Using his swim challenges to push the limits to get positive change to how mental health and wellbeing is talked about and how support is provided. Having had the privilege of being able to delve into the mindset the is extraordinary individual I cannot think of a better ambassador for open water swimming and champion for mental health support and awareness.

My conversation with Andy took place on a stunning beach in the picturesque country of Montenegro between swims at the 33.3 event and I urge those listening to this on audio to visit the MYSWIM.uk YouTube channel, available through links on the MYSWIM.uk website to see the relax beaty of our podcast surroundings. 

Although the sound quality may not be on par with a pristine sound studio and you might hear the gentle crashing of waves, the sound of pebbles and the distant laughter of beachgoers, acreaking parasol in the gentle breeze. I know you’ll appreciate I’m finding it hard to apologise for being outside in such a stunning location and embrace the ambient sounds of nature over the perfection of a studio – for me this was the perfect studio.

So pull up a chair next to Andy and I, Close your eyes , imagine the breathtaking view, feel the warmth of the sun, and let the atmosphere of this beach in Montenegro ignite your imagination. Get ready to be inspired, captivated, and moved as we uncover the depths of his incredible journey. 

It’ll a podcast experience like no other – enjoy!

Links and further information:

• Andy Donaldson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andy.swimming/
• Andy Donaldson website: www.andyswim.com.au
• Ultraswim 333 website site : www.ultraswim333.com
• Www.MYSWIM.uk
• YouTube link to podcast episode: https://youtu.be/NRyi1eVOjRw?si=3qAhsniGTYRVV0nX

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In this episode I share with you a swim I got half way through and proclaim to my boat crew “This is the day I learnt to swim for!”

Through a series of questions friends have asked me over the years I explore the What, How ,When, Why ,Who, Where, of swimming the length of the beautiful Lake Zurich through my personal experience of my favourite lake swim - My individual MYSWIM. 

 A YouTube video accompanies this podcast which shows further detail of the swim.

 Topics covered:

·      INTRODUCTION to the Lake - geometry, temperatures, water wild life

·      HOW did I prepare for the swim?

·      WHAT was my TRAINING PLAN?

·      WHAT is my recommended Swim and travel KIT LIST and food?

·      WHAT was my Feed Strategy?

·      Travel kit suggestions

·      WHO is the event for?

·      Suggestion for WHERE to stay

·      WHAT happens on RACE DAY Prior to the start

·      The Race Experience

·      My lasting impressions of the swim 

·      Regular Feature: Factitious swim challenge

 Links for further information:

www.srichinmoyraces.org

 With this episode of the podcast there is a unique MYSWIM design that reflects the essence of the LAKE ZURICH swim discussed. This design is exclusively available through the MYSWIM.uk website, and each purchase helps keep the podcasts going and promoting the shared love for all things aquatic. 

 It is an exciting journey, and we would be honoured to have you join us with our designs and showing off your love for your individual MYSWIM. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to being a part of your aquatic adventure.

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In this episode we take a deep dive into the world of outdoor social swimming – a thrilling and fulfilling way to swim outside with friends. But why is it so popular? What are the benefits? And how can you join in on the fun? We've got all the answers you need, thanks to our special guests who embody the social and selfless spirit of the swimming community. We'll explore their personal journeys, uncover their motivations, and discover the most important aspects of their social swimming experiences. So tune in and get ready to be inspired to take the plunge yourself! 

For hundreds of years, swimming has been recognised as a therapeutic activity for physical ailments, but it's only recently that the mental health benefits of being part of a community have been understood. 

We've got two amazing guests - Sue Woodcock and Debbie Vine - who for me embody the positive energy and enthusiasm of this type of swimming. Their love of the water is matched only by their passion for supporting others in their outdoor swimming adventures. 

 We explore:

 ·       Their backgrounds and journey from learn to swim through to current love of swimming? & What inspired them to start outdoor social swimming

·       Social swimming is wide ranging and means so many things to different people. Why do they think outdoor swimming is becoming so popular and why is it so special to them. 

·       How do it make them feel? & What have been some of the most memorable experiences they’ve had while swimming outdoors

·       Who do they think it’s for Or Anyone its not appropriate for

·       What are the benefits of outdoor social swimming?

·       What are the benefits of swimming in the winter?

·       What do they think are the most common misconceptions about outdoor swimming? 

·       What do they think are some of the most important pieces of equipment for outdoor swimming?

·       How do they prepare for any outdoor swim?

·       What should you wear? Are woolly hats compulsory?!

·       When can you do outdoor swimming? When is the best time to swim? What is the temperature at this time?

·       How do people find places to swim? 

·       What are some of the challenges they’ve faced while swimming outdoors?

·       What do they think are the most important safety precautions to take when swimming outdoors? 

·       Where would be their ideal place to swim? Anywhere in the world and why?

·       If they could swim with anyone famous from anytime, who would they choose for their perfect swim?

·       How does someone find out about groups and where to swim? (UK and abroad?)

o   Here are the names and website addresses of some top outdoor swimming societies in some regions around the world:

• o   North America:
• §  United States Masters Swimming (https://www.usms.org/)
• §  Outdoor Swimmer Society (https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/)
• §  Wild Swimming USA (https://wildswimmingusa.com/)
• o   Europe:
• §  Outdoor Swimming Society (https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/)
• §  Serpentine Swimming Club (https://serpentineswimmingclub.com/)
• §  The Outdoor Swimming Society UK (https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/)
• o   Asia:
• §  Hong Kong Open Water Swimming Association (https://hkoswi

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In this episode we are joined by GB water polo goalkeeper and coach Matthew Holland we explain what is waterpolo ,its history and the sports inclusion into the modern Olympics. Matt joins us and helps us understand a bit more about being a professional in the sport of water polo and particularly your experiences around 2012.

We explore Matt’s journey and the following topics:

1.      The Beginning: Matt Holland’s journey from starting to swim through to the day of the Olympics?   

2.      Training plans for the journey: How did training plans and strategies develop along that journey? Should anything be change?

3.      Olympics 2012: What was it like being selected for the London Olympics in 2012 the first GB squad to get to the games for 56 years. We talk through the events at the Olympics and the day of the first match (preparation, holding area, warm up, team talk, seeing the crowd)

4.      Professional water polo player: Life After the Olympics ,following your dream and talents as a professional water polo player for clubs in Europe (Holland, Spain, France) How did the experiences differ,  a day in the life of a professional water polo player.

5.    Part-time player: The change to working full-time, which inevitably water polo players in the UK need to do, How that changed the training regime and tips for an aspiring waterpolo player looking to juggle work or studies with training.

6.   Future of British Water polo: Matt Holland is still very much involved with the playing and coaching side of British water polo, we discuss the future of UK polo.

7.      Future Matt Holland: What does the future hold for Matt Holland?

8.   Further Information:links to information referenced in the podcast:

• World Aquatics formerly FINA on www.worldaquatics.com 
• Look up local clubs on the British swimming website www.britishswimming.org 
• Those wanting to aspire to the national league of the UK then the British water polo league website on www.bwpl.org)

There is a unique design that goes with this podcast links to which can be found on the website www.MYSWIM.uk .Every purchase helps us keep these podcasts going and helps spread the knowledge and love for aquatic adventures in their various forms.

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In this episode we explore the why, the what, the how and the when of an around island swim of the uk channel island of jersey with experience multi English Channel and jersey island swimmer Sally Minty Gravett MBE.

We explore with Sally the following:

WHY

• What was your journey upto the swim? Where has the love of swimming come from?
• For you as an individual Why is it so special? Has your love for it grown over the years and times you’ve done it?

WHAT (Information about the swim)

• Metrics about the swim (36 miles tidally assisted, start and finish point)
• What Training and preparation of the swim would you typically do? And how is it structured ( that works for you would you recommend any variations for some else?)
• Can you tell us more about the popular SMG training camps run in the beautiful settings that Jersey offers could you tell us a bit about that (time of year, format, whose it for,where you swim) 

HOW

• We talk through the swim itself stage by stage
• What are some of the most successful feeding plans you’ve used or seen used for this swim?
• Any crew recommendations (size of crew, types of character, crew roles)
• Would you change anything about the swim?

WHEN (The admin bit!)

• When does the swim take place?
• How can you book,who to contact and what are the rough costs involved?

Fictitious swim off challenge

Tony the Tiger VERSUS Barlow Bear

Information referenced:

www.swimwithsal.com

www.jerseyseaswims.org

Please support the podcast by visiting our website to view the unique designs that accompany each podcast. Every purchase helps bring more podcasts to the aquatic community - thank you 

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An introduction to the MYSWIM podcast and host. What is it about,  who is it for, how the MYSWIM stories will be shared, and why we’d love you to listen and partake.

• Looking for your next aquatic challenge?
• Or do you have a love for water and the adventures, friendships and challenges it can bring and want to tell us about your individual MYSWIM so others can share the experience?

 Then the MYSWIM podcast is for you!

 Welcome to MYSWIM.

 MYSWIM is every person’s personal adventure in water. Whether it is learning to swim, wild swimming, channel swimming, winter swimming or another aquatic sport like waterpolo, synchronised swimming, triathlon or something social with friends (the best kind!) and everything in between your happy place, your aquatic adventure, and  together we can explore it!

 Host Michael Helps has been part of some great water polo teams winning national titles as a player and coach also competing in Ironman triathlons before completing long distance swimming challenges in lakes, rivers and oceans around the world including the triple crown and a English Channel 2 way attempt that ended up as a 42 hour battle.

 Michael has played, swum and trained alongside some great and inspiration people with amazing stories and passion for a certain aquatic challenge and through the MYSWIM PODCASTS he will bring you those people and that passion and love for that swim or water experience so we can get under the skin of the adventure and share the achievement, the excitement and the fears of individuals MYSWIM . This hope is it will either inspire you to experience their swim for yourself or for you to find your own individual MYSWIM.  

 To capture the joy of each individual MYSWIM there is an exclusive bright, fun, MYSWIM podcast themed artwork design that have been sustainable sourced. 

If you enjoy the podcasts and the guests We’d appreciate your support to keep these podcasts going and spreading the knowledge to a wider community by checking out the designs on www.MYSWIM.uk .Maybe you’ll see your own MYSWIM there! 

 Let us know what you want to hear about and together let’s build the community. We really want to positively celebrate and promote all aspects of aquatics and particularly the mental health benefits that swimming brings and would love you to be part of it.

 Join the community, give us your feedback, follow and Tell us all about your individual “MYSWIM”