Cook Strait – 16-17 March 2013

1:06PM – Wellington, New Zealand

Yesterday, we met up with Shelley Taylor-Smith who has come over from Perth, Australia to support our swim, and be my ‘handler’ for the journey. Shelley is a veteran open water swimmer like Philip, as they both raced the FINA professional circuit together back in the 1980s. I first met Shelley up in NYC at the Global Open Water Conference back in June 2011 when I was crewing for Oliver Wilkinson in his push around Manhattan. We have remained great ‘mates’ via Facebook the past few years, and she offered to come to Wellington and support the swim! It is really amazing to have two incredible, well-respected veterans of the sport on our crew, and I know Craig and I are very excited to have them along!

We met with Philip this morning, who is the organizer for the Cook Strait swim. Among the many things we reviewed, he let us know the next few days could be dicey out in the Strait, therefore he will continue to monitor the weather each day. Today is Sunday, therefore we are more than likely a few days until the swim, however I will not know until the night before that we are going the next day. I will be sure to post the URL for the SPOT Tracker (GPS device) on Facebook and Twitter well in advance of the swim therefore everyone can follow along! We should have reception out in the Strait; therefore our crew will hopefully be posting pictures and possible videos during the swim as well!

Our posts show us having an incredible time; however there is still the sense of seriousness to the situation at hand. Philip was adamant about safety at all times – he is not only watching from close by every stroke we take, but our lives are in his hands when it comes down to it. We have to be very careful at the start and finish – especially at the start because as we get close to the rocks we need to be cognizant of not injuring ourselves and “bleeding across the Strait”. I was lucky enough to get away with it across the Tsugaru Channel in Japan after my start left my lower right leg cut up and badly bleeding from the start. It was not pretty, and to be honest, it was amazing nothing happened.

He was stern on the fact we do not want to be bleeding into this water…

The reality is this swim will be very difficult, but the most important thing we know is that we have accepted the risks and are ready for the adventure. Shelley was interviewing us this morning, and she asked us what how one prepares for the Cook Strait. The most important thing anyone can do to prepare for any arduous task in life is to believe it is possible to complete that which you set out to conquer. When you have set your mind to never quit, anything is possible. It sounds cliché, but how many of you reading this actually takes the concept to heart when you set out on your journey? Do you believe what you are doing can be completed, or are you just playing it by ear and whatever happens, happens? Do not leave your destiny up in the air. Train the mind and the body will follow – the concept is pretty simple. Completing difficult challenges in life is about believing in yourself, accepting the risk and knowing there will be pain involved. When those three ideals are realized, then you are ready to tackle the challenge you have set forth. Prepare your mind for the worse – anything less is a blessing.

Many of you left me messages about my last post, and I sincerely love when I have made an impact on your lives. Remember, at the end of the day, you are the one who has to look in the mirror and know you are giving life everything you have. You do not have to prove anything to anyone but yourself. How powerful is your mind and body? Do you have the strength to inspire others to achieve? I will tell you it does not matter your age or current situation, you have to believe you are powerful beyond belief, and that anything is within your grasp. It has become far too easy to just shuffle along through our daily routine, and get caught up in everything going on in our own world. Traveling the globe these past few years has taught me so much about myself, and the life I want to live. We all fail at times, but the key is to never let those failures determine the person you become. Everyone knows someone who is struggling to keep up with the stresses they have. Support them, stand by them and give them the courage and strength to persevere through the dark times. In return, they will find the courage to support you when you are down – it is through that teamwork that we as a society will start to come to terms with the world we all want to see.

It all begins with a spark. Be the flame the world needs…