Q&A: Continuing the Journey – An Update on the 20 Bridges Swim Challenge
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Release date: 23 September 2024
Phil’s 20 Bridges Swim, an epic 48.5km swim around the entirety of Manhattan Island, is fast approaching next month.
We recently caught up with Phil to get an update on his training progress over the summer. As you’ll read, his training has encompassed extremes of warm and cold swimming, balancing his hectic work schedule, and drawing inspiration from his son’s recent English Channel relay success.
Phil, how has your training progressed since we last spoke a couple of months ago? Any adjustments or changes?
It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, to be honest. I’ve been away, which certainly had its impact—holidays and such. I was in Costa Rica in August, and while I continued swimming there, the water was very warm, about 30°C, and I had to contend with quite a few jellyfish stings! Now that I’m back, the challenge is readjusting to colder water. The first swim back in 18°C was a shock, and the temperature has since dropped to 15°C. It’s all about getting acclimated again, but there’s not much time left!
What are you expecting in terms of conditions during the 20 Bridges Challenge in New York?
The weather in New York can be quite unpredictable. Currently, it’s warm, around 25°C air temperature, but the water temperature can drop quickly. We could be swimming in anything from below 15°C to around 18°C, so it’s a case of preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.
Are you hoping for colder water conditions, given all the preparation you’ve done, or would you prefer it to be a bit warmer?
I’d be quite happy for it to be a bit warmer, to be honest. I’ve done a lot of cold-water preparation, but a sunny day with warmer water would definitely make the swim more enjoyable!
Since we last caught up, Rory, Phil’s son, swam the English Channel in a team of six.
How did it feel to watch Rory and his team take on the monumental challenge of swimming the Channel?
I was really proud of Rory. He got to lead off, which was a great honour. The atmosphere was incredible.
It was pitch black, around two or three in the morning, and about 25 to 30 of us had gathered to see them off.
The team did a fantastic job; they were all at their peak and found some impressive speed in the last couple of months. The only challenge they faced was swimming through a swarm of jellyfish, which can be quite daunting. But they completed the challenge and even set a new record for their school and the charity they were supporting.
Parents will be racing children when they take to the water in New York.
Has watching Rory’s team complete such a challenge had any influence on your training or mindset ahead of the 20 Bridges Challenge?
Definitely. Three of the six swimmers from Rory’s team are joining us in New York, so there’s a bit of friendly rivalry. Rory is definitely faster than me, but some of the other swimmers in my team are pretty quick too. It’s going to be a bit of a game of cat and mouse, with some strategy involved. We’ll see who ends up swimming at the same time and how things unfold.
What has been the most rewarding part of the training and preparation for this event?
It’s been fantastic to share this experience with Rory, spending time together, comparing splits, working on technique, and doing interval training. It’s been great fun and very rewarding to have that shared interest and to work towards a common goal.
Have there been any other challenges since we last spoke, aside from readjusting to the cold water?
Time pressure has been a big factor. Things have been very busy at work and at home. Finding time for early morning sessions or squeezing in training amidst a packed schedule is always challenging. It’s about being disciplined and making sure you get enough done each week.
Given the busy times at Vespertec with Project Ice Cloud’s launch, new partnerships, and the Lab Unveiling, how do you balance that with your training?
It’s been tricky, but you have to prioritise and be strict with yourself. Despite the hectic schedule, it’s crucial to keep fit. The mental and physical benefits of regular exercise are immense. It helps me manage stress, sleep better, and just feel better overall. For anyone thinking of starting endurance swimming or any exercise, I’d say just go for it! Start small, set a goal, and build a routine.
Are there any particular cravings or rituals you’ve developed from all the long-distance swimming?
Yes, you do get very hungry, especially swimming early in the morning before breakfast. Our routine involves having breakfast on the go while dropping Rory off at school. Recently, it’s been smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels—something to look forward to! And coffee, of course. I’m quite the coffee addict!
Do you have any plans once the swim is over, or will it be time to relax and enjoy New York?
We’ll be in New York for a week, and the swim is on a Tuesday, so there will definitely be some celebratory dinners and sightseeing. After building up to an event like this, there’s always a bit of a low once it’s over, so we’ll have to start thinking about what’s next!
Finally, how is the fundraising going for the event?
We’ve raised £2,000 so far, which is fantastic. The school had a target to reach a cumulative figure of £100,000 this year, and they’ve achieved that. Now, every extra pound counts, and we’ll keep pushing to raise as much as possible.
If you’d like to donate to Mencap on behalf of Phil and Rory, you can find the link here.
