Updates and Post Challenge Insights
On the 19th September, both Neil and David completed the 22 mile/36km swim in 11 hours and 55 minutes.
Neil completed the swim totally fasted consuming only water and electrolytes, burning 9,632 calories!
David decided in the end not to do the swim fasted. His training had not gone to plan and the swim has been a dream of his for 5 years. One thing we agreed when we created the challenge was that for Dave, completing the swim was the most important (more context below).
19th September 2024 - Zero-Two-Lomond Challenge Day!
Data & Metabolic Insights from Neil's Swim
Thanks to the swim challenge data insights partners (Levels, SiPhox Health, Genova Diagnostics, KetoMojo, KetoAir), Neil collected a lot of data before, during and after the swim. Below are some of the insights/data from the swims and more comprehensive analysis will be published over the coming weeks and months.
Swim Metabolic Stats & Context:
Last pre-challenge food/calories: 5pm BST on the 18th September (low carb dinner: Ribeye Steak, Avocado, Asparagus, Coconut Yoghurt, KetoBrick, RxSugar Swealthy Snax, Macadamia Nut Butter)
Time totally fasted: 27 hours in total
Distance swimming: 22 Miles / 36 km
Time swimming: 11 hours, 55 minutes
Active calories burned during the swim: 9,632
Calories burned whilst fasted (27 hours): 11,007
Average heart rate during the swim: 125
Ketone Stats: Ketone levels increased from 8PPM 2 hours into the swim to 33PPM after 6 hours and then stayed consistent at this level. KetoMojo blood spot taken 4am before the swim showed blood ketone levels of 0.5 mmol/L and 20 minutes after the swim (6.50pm) were 5.2 mmol/L.
Glucose Stats: First 6 hours glucose levels steadily dropped from around 100 to 55 mg/dl 6 hours into the swim whilst active/swimming. Levels then stayed constant, dipping down to 40 mg/dl when stopped for water/electrolytes each hour.
Dave's Zero-Two-Lomond Challenge summary
So, we did it, 36km swim from Balloch to Ardlui last Thursday on a beautiful sunny day where almost everything went perfectly. The water was calm with a very slight southerly breeze just helping us along at times and it just felt amazing the whole way. The fresh water, the beautiful scenery and some exercise just a perfect combination. Normally I find on endurance events there are always periods when you need to just tough it out but for some reason these never came and I felt strong the whole way, even managing to swim some butterfly towards the end (Mum’s suggestion!) This day has been in my head for about 5 years and thankfully it couldn’t really have gone much better.
Having said that, the build up to the day was very much the opposite, with training not going well at all and as a result, ironically, it very much tested my mental health. There were points I was spiralling but I’m proud that I was able to recognise it and counter as best possible. As this was all related to the swim it was easier to compartmentalise and get on with the rest of life, but it was certainly taking its toll.
Ironic that I was putting all this pressure on myself for a swim as a way to open up about mental health when in fact it caused me to regress. I think it just shows that if we can talk more about these things in the first place we might all be better off! (I’m very conscious that despite saying this I’m still not good at it). Learning is never linear!
As a result, I did take on food during the swim (Neil completed it without any which is just epic) but for me it was proving to be a risk too far and I needed to eliminate some variables.
It did also mean that I needed to disengage from a lot of the talk and build up to the swim, I needed to just focus on me, so apologies to those who have reached out and I’ve not responded to yet, I will get round to responding to everyone. But to everyone who has reached out, who has donated and has supported us on this challenge, I can’t thank you enough, it means a huge, huge amount.
This all started as a way for me to be open about my mental health and what a journey it has been but I’m very glad and proud that this chapter ends on a high. I’ll always be looking for new tools and I’ll be very happy to chat ideas with anyone/just be more open and honest about issues that we all face.
For now though, no more time-consuming challenges, it’s time to maximise and enjoy the time with my young family (and to repay many of the asks I put on Jo as a result of this, she has truly been amazing).
Thank you so much for all the support and generous donations, it’s been incredible!
18th September
READY FOR CHALLENGE DAY TOMORROW!!
A late afternoon skins dip to check the temperatures.............still a VERY fresh 12c/54F!!
Tomorrow (Thursday 19th September) is Challenge Day! We should be starting around 06.30 BST - if you want to track progress use the tracking link at the top of the page (or below)
https://track.rs/Zero-Two-Lomond/
15th September
First proper test of gear/conditions
2 hours done. Conditions nice (but water is very fresh!). Bring on Challenge day!
14th September
Wim Hof Style!
A late afternoon skins dip to check the temperatures.............a VERY fresh 11c/52F!!
8th September
Neil's last long pool training session
Just 3.5 hours today but tapering down to be fresh on challenge day! Huge thanks to RxSugar, KetoBrick and House of Maccadamias for being critical training fuel partners!
7th September
Dave testing out Loch Lomond conditions!
Beautiful!!
Hoping for these conditions on challenge day!
