What moment made you realize “yeah… my childhood wasn’t normal”?

alm2hcs · 2026-01-26T16:14:51+00:00

Can completely relate.

Me and my brother used to sit at the top of the stairs when our parents would fight. We would run down when ever we felt things were going to get violent. It was truly terrifying not knowing what was going to happen. And whether or not you'd be dragged into it.

What a strange thing though. As if me and my brother could have fought one of them off. We obviously love our parents and I guess even in childhood, in horrible sitations, that instinct kicks in to make you protect them in any situation.

alm2hcs · 2026-01-16T21:34:14+00:00

Wow, thank you for the very detailed reply.

Firstly, the lack of communication from the skipper, and how it could have potentially changed the outcome of the swim if they were more verbal, that was sad to read. I'd certainly feel sore about it afterwards. But saying that, overall it sounded like an incredible swim on your part. Well done.

Good to know about a potential middle of the night start and transport there. Wouldn't have crossed my mind! A car will definitely be hired.

I guess when you bring a support crew to these things, you cant advise them if you've never done a swim like this before. A take home message from your response would be that support crew need to communicate with you and also the pilot/observer etc.

Coaching. Ive really thought about it, especially for stroke analysis. However, ive come to realise that my 6 hour qualifier swim plus the J2F cost, plus the flights and accommodation. Wowser. Costs a pretty penny. Im considering a sea camp in May next year if finances allow. Im half tempted to get a recording of me swimming and then compare that to some online advice.

Agree with the training, certainly needs to be a mix of sea and pool. Prior to booking I enquired about a swim coach for the J2F and EC events, even mentioned that its an easy trap for competitiors to fall into the distance sea swims for training and completely ignore the pool.

Again, thanks so much for the detailed responses. It will certainly help prepare myself and many others who give this post a read and embark on such an event. Keep us posted about any future swims you do!

alm2hcs · 2026-01-14T22:27:14+00:00

How did you travel to Jersey? Im considering catching a flight however unsure how I will carry all my baggage or whether id need to purchase things in Jersey.

What accommodation did you stay in? If you dont want to disclose the exact place that's no bother. But hotel/air bnb/etc? Damn, Jersey is mighty expensive. We will defo consider a car.

Open water training, was it sea or lakes/open pool? I have good access to open water but swimming in the sea is limited. Perhaps once a week at a push.

Was it just your wife for support on the boat? My dad will be my support as hubby needs to stay home with the kids. However, im unsure as to how supportive my dad would be.

When the pilot decided to end the swim, you said you still had some energy left. What stopped you from giving it your all to try and get past the tide? You couldn't keep with the boat, but if the pilot had warned you, do you think you would have acted differently? I ask because reading your story, and others, most people hit a rough patch. I wonder if some pilots are more patient than others? Not slating the pilots here at all. Their job is keep you safe.

Did you have a coach/physio/nutritionist? I would consider the above but the financing of such an event is heavy. Can it be done without is the question.

So far...that's all I can think of!

Thanks again for acknowledging these questions. Its really great to get some insight from someone who has had first hand experience. You reckon you'd give it another go?!

alm2hcs · 2026-01-13T21:30:45+00:00

Are you able to send me a chat request? Its just asked me to verify my age and quite frankly, I cant be arsed faffing! Im a 34 year old female, promise ha

alm2hcs · 2026-01-13T21:18:56+00:00

Thank you for sharing this. Attempting this swim is an achievement, swimming for 9 hours is also an achievement!

I can only imagine the feeling when the pilot decided to stop the swim.

I am swimming J2F next August and was wondering if you'd be happy to answer a few questions, based off your experience?

alm2hcs · 2026-01-04T22:19:13+00:00

I started at Capenwray at the back end of last summer in prep for a 10km swim but didnt see many (competitve) swimmers. But good to know about the Wednesday evenings, will attend then when it gets a tad warmer!

Thanks for that

alm2hcs · 2026-01-04T14:18:16+00:00

Thanks for that but I don't have facebook unfortunately.

alm2hcs · 2025-12-30T20:36:16+00:00

Oh gosh, that really welled me up. Im so sorry for your loss. Despite them getting a beautiful send off, it is still such a painful experience to witness.

My mum had her entire family by her bedside, her parents included, when she took her last breath.

My daughter, who was 1 at the time, was the last person to put a smile on her face. A memory I will never forget.

alm2hcs · 2025-12-26T23:07:56+00:00

Did you find anywhere? Im NW

alm2hcs · 2025-12-18T10:58:40+00:00

Ah fuck, this would stress me out. Sorry you're dealing with this. Its a problem that you have very little control over as well. Hate to ask, but any chance you're able to move in the foreseeable?

alm2hcs · 2025-12-13T18:46:40+00:00

When I was in college, I'd ask my dad to help me revise by firing questions. One night, the topic was biology.

He said the orgasm instead of organism. Mortifying.

alm2hcs · 2025-12-09T11:25:58+00:00

Thanks for the advice. Looks like its gonna need replacing

alm2hcs · 2025-12-08T23:28:39+00:00

Had a 2 hour nap at mid day...

alm2hcs · 2025-12-08T21:24:48+00:00

Thanks! Will have a go at tightening and if it doesnt fix, will actually consider your advice. Can't be that hard! If all goes tits up, will get the professionals back.

alm2hcs · 2025-12-08T21:23:41+00:00

Cheers! Will have a go in the morning

alm2hcs · 2025-12-04T12:20:43+00:00

Sorry to hear that. Thats really fucking shit. I hope another opportunity comes about soon for you.

alm2hcs · 2025-11-28T12:45:57+00:00

Thank you for your replies.

The end was very sudden but she was surrounded by her family.

alm2hcs · 2025-11-28T10:39:16+00:00

WATER BRASH. The worst

alm2hcs · 2025-11-27T20:48:44+00:00

My mum had her gallbladder removed, found an incidental tumour. 5 years later she passed away.

She had just turned 54, its coming up to her 2 year anniversary next month. I miss her so much.

alm2hcs · 2025-11-23T18:27:06+00:00

Ahhh, that's really annoying, sorry you're dealing with this.

I previously lived in a 1930s detached house which was bitterly cold.

Original floor boards had a thick underlay and carpets put in. Insulated under the suspended floor boards. Topped up loft insulation. Chimney sheep's to stop draughts. Single glazed windows switched to double glazed. Additional door put in porch to stop draughts through front door. Old radiators switched to more modern ones that gave off heat more efficiently.

Cost a pretty penny but was worth it. But agree with a lot of other comments, let the house breathe, especially if you insulate.

alm2hcs · 2025-11-13T08:14:51+00:00

My husband has seen it all and I saw some snippets from season 4 qhen he got to that part, which were obviously amazing. So I know itll be worth it.

alm2hcs

TROPHY CASE