“Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try”. Whoever said that would better be right… or have a good attorney!

I’m turning 40 in 2016 and I’ve decided to treat myself with a swim across the English Channel. Over 35 km in 15 °C cold water with just my Speedos on and a bunch af goose grease all over my body… God, what a party! I’m loving it already!

The challenge attracts me. For some time now, my dream has been to swim around Manhattan. As I looked into it, I found out that one way to qualify was by swimming across the English Channel. As soon as I read it, I knew I wanted to give it a try. It’s like this unexpected extra piece of cake you simply can’t resist.

It didn’t take me long to make the decision. I got everything cleared at home (free access to our moneybox and a valid excuse to skip the chores), I bribed my trainer Susanne into it with a hot cup of chai at a local cozy café and I put on my best puppy dog-eyed face to make sure I had my local cheering squad’s support (no way I’ll have this escort boat following me for hours if it’s not packed with crazy people!).

How far I’ll come, whether I’ll make it all the way from Dover to Calais, well, the next two years will tell. It won’t be easy and surely it will take sacrifices, but it’s definitely worth the try. After all, what’s the point of turning 40 if it doesn’t make you feel alive? And if I fail along the way, I can always start as a freelance party planner and I’ll be happy to plan your next birthday. As you can tell, I’ve got plenty of funny ideas!

This post marks the official beginning of my journey and you’re most welcome to follow me. I’ll be happy to share my ups and downs with you and you can always leave a reply whenever I sound like I need a bit of a cheer up.
In the meantime, Marlene and Susanne, you’d better start working on that sea sickness of yours, because the escort boat is calling! I’m doing it!

c