Yes, the 25km swim is done and my body is rather worse for wear...
Man, it was long...
Honestly, the swim was really, really good. It is amazing how you learn about the capabilities of your body during an event like this. Something that you are sure that you will need to bail out of after the first stretch, seems efforless now that it and so much more has been completed. The first leg of day one was a monster 3.5km in water that really felt like the Engish Channel at the height of a North Sea storm surge! The waves were massive. The rest of the legs were really not that bad. Like I said, after the first and longest stage I told myself: "For the rest of the swim, there is nothing longer that needs to be swum."
99% of an event like this is the mental battle.
As I was swimming, thinking about what I would write on my Blog, it occurred to me that this mental battle was similar to what Craig would have dealt with (only on a seriously minor scale).
Hats off to you my friend. My battle was tough enough and with yours, you have simply kept your chin high...
You have my ultimate respect my friend!
You are a TROOPER!!!!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Capital 3 K!!!
Greetings from a rather stiff and sore Braddles to you my avid readers!
Yip, the Capital K was swum on Sunday and much to my delight the sun shone for the first time since I was six! I did the Three kilometre even, nice and early and thank goodness. Between 1.5km and about 2.5 km the wind picked up and it was like swimming in a blender. Every breath was met with a flurry of chocolate dam water...YUMMY!!! Finished in 1:01.27, sot not too disappointed about that. The one thing that played through my mind as I chugged ever so slowly towards the finish line was how tired I was - and that this was just shorter than one of the legs of the "Lap of Midmar" swim - and there are 8 legs!!!!!
5, V, Five, 5 days to go until the "Lap of Midmar" event starts and i am making funny squeaky noises in anticipation. Yes this is only a training swim towards my 8 Mile, CHOC, Craig Bainbridge swim in Feb, but I am really looking forward to it.
Craig has also been writing, he may have been misdiagnosed!!!! HECTIC!
Check out the details on the link below! He is a real machine, cycled the 94.7 Cycle challenge this weekend!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/?sk=messages&tid=1351201198464
Have an awesome day y'all
B-Dog!
Yip, the Capital K was swum on Sunday and much to my delight the sun shone for the first time since I was six! I did the Three kilometre even, nice and early and thank goodness. Between 1.5km and about 2.5 km the wind picked up and it was like swimming in a blender. Every breath was met with a flurry of chocolate dam water...YUMMY!!! Finished in 1:01.27, sot not too disappointed about that. The one thing that played through my mind as I chugged ever so slowly towards the finish line was how tired I was - and that this was just shorter than one of the legs of the "Lap of Midmar" swim - and there are 8 legs!!!!!
5, V, Five, 5 days to go until the "Lap of Midmar" event starts and i am making funny squeaky noises in anticipation. Yes this is only a training swim towards my 8 Mile, CHOC, Craig Bainbridge swim in Feb, but I am really looking forward to it.
Craig has also been writing, he may have been misdiagnosed!!!! HECTIC!
Check out the details on the link below! He is a real machine, cycled the 94.7 Cycle challenge this weekend!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/?sk=messages&tid=1351201198464
Have an awesome day y'all
B-Dog!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
First swim in sight...
Ah, lookee... The weathe has finally broken enough for me to walk down to the pool and dive in without losing bits and pieces to frostbite.
Speedo's really don't offer as much insulation as one would think!
First "pre-swim swim" is on Sunday and i feel like... OK, not quite comfortable with the word 'confident'...comfortable? Yes, I am confident about comfortable!
It's the Capital K at Midmar Dam. The letter K, implying one Kilometre. Well, I'm doing 3...
The 3km race starts at 7:30 and I'll be off.
I'm taking it easy though, a training swim. Remember I'm confidently comfortable, not comfo.....you get the point.
This is how I felt this morning in the pool...phew. Wish me luck!
Speedo's really don't offer as much insulation as one would think!
First "pre-swim swim" is on Sunday and i feel like... OK, not quite comfortable with the word 'confident'...comfortable? Yes, I am confident about comfortable!
It's the Capital K at Midmar Dam. The letter K, implying one Kilometre. Well, I'm doing 3...
The 3km race starts at 7:30 and I'll be off.
I'm taking it easy though, a training swim. Remember I'm confidently comfortable, not comfo.....you get the point.
This is how I felt this morning in the pool...phew. Wish me luck!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Donations galore!
To all of you who have donated to my swim and inevitably, CHOC: THANK YOU!!!!!
The donations are rolling in thick and fast and the kitty is steadily growing.
I am astounded by all of the positive responses to my call for support of this worthy cause.
Thank you, thank you thank you!
Short, sweet and to the point.
You guys rock!!!
The donations are rolling in thick and fast and the kitty is steadily growing.
I am astounded by all of the positive responses to my call for support of this worthy cause.
Thank you, thank you thank you!
Short, sweet and to the point.
You guys rock!!!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Training swims…underrated!
Swimming is probably the most unnatural thing that the human body could do, other than attempt to copy Daedalus by jumping out of plane from 10 000 feet with nothing but an oversized shopping bag strapped to your back…but we do it anyway. There seems to be a certain serenity as our bodies glide through the water like a misshapen log. Well, I love it!
Maybe I’ll drag a line from my toe with a chunk of bait on the end and find out…
For a worthy cause...CANCER...
I will be swimming all 8 events at the 2011 Midmar Mile to raise money for charity. My charity of choice is CHOC, a foundation dedicated to research and the support of children with cancer. I would like to raise upwards of R20 000, and you can help me get there! There are some of you who may be wondering : “Why CHOC?”… Well, here’s why: Craig Bainbridge is a really good friend of mine, now living in Johannesburg. Written by his brother, Marc…
My brother, Craig Bainbridge, aged 29, was diagnosed with Gastro/Oesophegual Cancer in Nov 2009. At the time Craig was residing in Dubai, working as a teacher. Due to some complications with his School’s Medical Aid in Dubai, and his desire to return to his family for is chemotherapy, Craig has been left without any medical aid cover.
In Oct 09, prior to being diagnosed with Cancer, Craig was rushed into the Dubai Neuro/Spinal Hospital to remove a Brain Tumor that had formed over the front left quadrant of his brain. Fortunately Craig was at this point still covered by his medical aid, and his school then paid privately for the 14 Radiation Treatments that were required to ensure that the Brain Tumor would not return, as the Schools Medical Aid policies had now lapsed and Craig was no longer covered by any policy. The School was then unable to get Craig back onto his previous Medical Aid policy, as during this period he was diagnosed with the Cancer.
Through private fundraising activities we have been able to cover some of the additional expenditures and some private treatments, as well as covering any additional costs caused due to other illness, not yet covered by Discovery. Although we have already joined Craig to Discovery, his treatments will only be covered from 2011 and there is also a 3 month exclusion period on any Dr’s appointments, even if unrelated to his Cancer. As the Chemo weakens Craig he is more susceptible to illness and this is causing a great burden on him financially. During the Christmas period, he was diagnosed with 3 Deep Vein Thrombosis’s that prevented him from leaving the house, as the clots could cause a Heart Attack or Stroke, this is caused from the Chemo thickening his blood. The treatment for his DVT’s we covered through our private fundraising as well as the PET scan he need before he started his first round of Chemo, however we are constantly in need of additional funds to keep this option available to Craig.
Although Craig was originally diagnosed with Gastro/Oesophegual Cancer, the PET scan performed prior to his first Chemo treatment, revealed that Craig’s Cancer was moving very aggressively and had now begun to spread into his Lungs, Liver & Spleen. This means Craig’s course of Chemo is very aggressive to combat the Cancer, but this obviously brings about its own problems, in terms of Craig’s susceptibility to illness.
Since this was written, Craig has completed another round of Chemo and an aggressive set of Radio treatments. He also got married to Kate! Through all of these massive hardships, Craig, with the support of his friends and family has managed to stay incredibly positive. Never letting a day get him down, believing that the power of prayer and positive thought will see him safely through to health. He really is an inspiration! Marc, his brother, cycled from Nelspruit to Cape Town to raise awareness and funds for ‘The Bainbridge Believe Project’. There are “Believe” riders doing the 94.7 cycle challenge, and I am swimming 8 Midmar Miles!
For more info and to follow my training: www.bradsblendedbrain.blogspot.com And for the donation form, e-mail me at bradr@cliftonnr.co.za or call +2783 415 5139
Please, if Cancer has affected you or someone near to you, you will understand the strain it puts on the individual and everyone around them. Every cent counts, so please feel free to donate to your heart’s content. In advance…THANK YOU!!!!!!!
My brother, Craig Bainbridge, aged 29, was diagnosed with Gastro/Oesophegual Cancer in Nov 2009. At the time Craig was residing in Dubai, working as a teacher. Due to some complications with his School’s Medical Aid in Dubai, and his desire to return to his family for is chemotherapy, Craig has been left without any medical aid cover.
In Oct 09, prior to being diagnosed with Cancer, Craig was rushed into the Dubai Neuro/Spinal Hospital to remove a Brain Tumor that had formed over the front left quadrant of his brain. Fortunately Craig was at this point still covered by his medical aid, and his school then paid privately for the 14 Radiation Treatments that were required to ensure that the Brain Tumor would not return, as the Schools Medical Aid policies had now lapsed and Craig was no longer covered by any policy. The School was then unable to get Craig back onto his previous Medical Aid policy, as during this period he was diagnosed with the Cancer.
Through private fundraising activities we have been able to cover some of the additional expenditures and some private treatments, as well as covering any additional costs caused due to other illness, not yet covered by Discovery. Although we have already joined Craig to Discovery, his treatments will only be covered from 2011 and there is also a 3 month exclusion period on any Dr’s appointments, even if unrelated to his Cancer. As the Chemo weakens Craig he is more susceptible to illness and this is causing a great burden on him financially. During the Christmas period, he was diagnosed with 3 Deep Vein Thrombosis’s that prevented him from leaving the house, as the clots could cause a Heart Attack or Stroke, this is caused from the Chemo thickening his blood. The treatment for his DVT’s we covered through our private fundraising as well as the PET scan he need before he started his first round of Chemo, however we are constantly in need of additional funds to keep this option available to Craig.
Although Craig was originally diagnosed with Gastro/Oesophegual Cancer, the PET scan performed prior to his first Chemo treatment, revealed that Craig’s Cancer was moving very aggressively and had now begun to spread into his Lungs, Liver & Spleen. This means Craig’s course of Chemo is very aggressive to combat the Cancer, but this obviously brings about its own problems, in terms of Craig’s susceptibility to illness.
For more info and to follow my training: www.bradsblendedbrain.blogspot.com And for the donation form, e-mail me at bradr@cliftonnr.co.za or call +2783 415 5139
Please, if Cancer has affected you or someone near to you, you will understand the strain it puts on the individual and everyone around them. Every cent counts, so please feel free to donate to your heart’s content. In advance…THANK YOU!!!!!!!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
This is rediculous!
Yes, Garfield, everyone’s favorite cat, once said: “I’ll procrastinate tomorrow…” I am now seriously wondering why I have done that for the past two months?!?!?
Remember that 25km lap of Midmar Dam that I swam with Howick Prep last year? It shouldn’t be that difficult, I think it was my last post…Sorry… Well, I am doing it again.
My training started out well, with one swim about two months ago and another one about four weeks ago. Yes, you counted right. But you will be happy to hear that I have since placed my ‘A’ firmly into ‘G’ and have started the training in earnest.
I am also back on the airwaves!
I’ll tell you a quick story as to why I am swimming so furiously though: My dear friend Craig Bainbridge is 30, and riddled with cancer. He has kept going with the most inspiring positive thought and the support of friends and family. He even took a break from CHEMO and RADIO to get married to Kate! He and his friends (self included) have taken it upon themselves to raise as much money for CHOC as possible.
His brother cycled from Nelspruit to Cape Town. “Believe Rider”
Craig is cycling the 94.7 cycle challenge. “THE Believe Rider”
Some of us are swimming 8 Midmar Miles in 2011. (this is what I am doing) “Believe Swimmers”
Craig “Believes” in himself, why shouldn’t we?
If you would like to know how to donate, contact me for donation forms.
Zero Eight Three, Four One Double Five One Three Nine. Or brad r at cliftonnr dot co dot za!
Remember that 25km lap of Midmar Dam that I swam with Howick Prep last year? It shouldn’t be that difficult, I think it was my last post…Sorry… Well, I am doing it again.
My training started out well, with one swim about two months ago and another one about four weeks ago. Yes, you counted right. But you will be happy to hear that I have since placed my ‘A’ firmly into ‘G’ and have started the training in earnest.
I am also back on the airwaves!
I’ll tell you a quick story as to why I am swimming so furiously though: My dear friend Craig Bainbridge is 30, and riddled with cancer. He has kept going with the most inspiring positive thought and the support of friends and family. He even took a break from CHEMO and RADIO to get married to Kate! He and his friends (self included) have taken it upon themselves to raise as much money for CHOC as possible.
His brother cycled from Nelspruit to Cape Town. “Believe Rider”
Craig is cycling the 94.7 cycle challenge. “THE Believe Rider”
Some of us are swimming 8 Midmar Miles in 2011. (this is what I am doing) “Believe Swimmers”
Craig “Believes” in himself, why shouldn’t we?
If you would like to know how to donate, contact me for donation forms.
Zero Eight Three, Four One Double Five One Three Nine. Or brad r at cliftonnr dot co dot za!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
More bonsai...lucky me!
Got a call from a friend of mine the other day. He had just moved onto a new farm and the previous owners had left a little bonsai...this is what he told me. When I arrived at the shed, I was greeted by a monster tree in a crappy pot that was totally overgrown with grass and weeds! No idea what it is tho... my forrester father-in-law can't even ID it... here it is anyways. Anyone who can help identify it will recieve a complimentary e-kiss or e-handshake depending on what you prefer!
The Root
And here is my display table that i made in my garage...really!
Have a groovy day now!
The Root
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Bonsai delux...or so I think
These are my latest bonsais...having such an awesome time doing them, I thought I might share them with the world.
Thanks to the GoodWife for being so patient as I have tended my trees more than I have tended her lately...Love you! Check me out on Flickr...
Thanks to the GoodWife for being so patient as I have tended my trees more than I have tended her lately...Love you! Check me out on Flickr...Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The End of the Dream...or is it?
Have you ever been in that fantastic wash of a warm sleep, and the dream-strip (my version of a film-strip in the subconscious) has you smiling a stupid grin of contentment? Has it ever been so good that you are sure that this is what heaven is made of...all the feelings that are coursing through your veins and finding lush comfort on your minds sofa?
Has it ever been so good that when it is brought to such an abrupt end by a dog's frantic bark that you are sure your heart will seek shelter somewhere around your belly button while the rest of you is left to find oxygen elsewhere?
Having come from a high school, I was used to being the delegator-style-teacher. Giving children instructions to complete a task and then leaving them to carry on with it was my 'thing'...and it worked well. That is, it worked well until I decided to teach at a Prep School. These children demand a much larger pound of flesh than any high school student could dream of taking. Every ounce of energy is poured into every minute of every day and there is never any letting up. I did, as did many other people I have spoken to, think that teaching in a prep school environment would be less stressful...HA HAA he he HAAAA HAAAAAAAAA he he HahahahahahahahahHHHHHAAAA! HAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!! Oooooooh!...sorry bit carried away there!
But I will admit something that is true: There is and old saying that states that the relationship between effort and reward is directly proportional. Too true!
The smiles that you get from a child that has done something right for the first time, or has succeeded beyond his or her expectations are priceless.
This is a fantastic job!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Something missing...
Have you ever woken up in the morning and got that feeling that you had something important to do, but cannot for the life of you remember what it was? What was I saying again? Ah yes...I just had a cookie and that helped remind me....THE BLOOOOOOOOOG!!!!!!!!!
I really feel a bit ashamed and rather empty that I haven't blogged in the last month and a half...sorry all my adoring fans, but I have had the most hectic December since the beginning of time... And not hectic bad...hectic good! It's a new year, and the goodwife and I are in new jobs, living in a new house with a new TV, new couch, new fridge, new stove and an ever growing new hole in my pocket...I must get that mended.
We had a phenomenal holiday in Mozambique, and I will say that if you are ever keen to spend some money on a truly awesome holiday, go and spend it Dugong Lodge in Inhassoro. It is about 1000km from the South African Border post, but if the 2 day drive doesn't sound that appealing, Pelican air fly a daily flight from Johannesburg via Skukuza to Vilanculo. The drive is then only an hour to Dugong. It is Idyllic...that's all I can say...
L8R
I really feel a bit ashamed and rather empty that I haven't blogged in the last month and a half...sorry all my adoring fans, but I have had the most hectic December since the beginning of time... And not hectic bad...hectic good! It's a new year, and the goodwife and I are in new jobs, living in a new house with a new TV, new couch, new fridge, new stove and an ever growing new hole in my pocket...I must get that mended.
We had a phenomenal holiday in Mozambique, and I will say that if you are ever keen to spend some money on a truly awesome holiday, go and spend it Dugong Lodge in Inhassoro. It is about 1000km from the South African Border post, but if the 2 day drive doesn't sound that appealing, Pelican air fly a daily flight from Johannesburg via Skukuza to Vilanculo. The drive is then only an hour to Dugong. It is Idyllic...that's all I can say...
L8R
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