Hi again! 2009 has come and gone….
Thanks to everyone for their continued support over the last few months. I look forward to sharing my swimming journey with you and receiving your comments and ideas into the future.
My reflection of 2009 has reaffirmed my belief that no sports person achieves their goals alone. They are always surrounded by passionate, committed and visionary supporters. My journey has been no exception and I wish I had the space within this blog to thank everyone who has supported me. Instead, I have a Supporters page (http://www.chloemccardel.com/supporters/) and I encourage you to consider the marvellous companies who have provided me with quality products and support when making your next business decision or purchase.
Before I reveal my plans for 2010 I must make personal mention of my wonderous boyfriend Paul whose intuitive, meticulous eye for detail, planning, execution and business know-how have opened my eyes and my swimming possibilities beyond my imagination! …Not to mention spending 25 hours on my support boat in England without sleeping a wink 
Thank you for your amazing support!!!
To view my events calendar for 2010, and my results from my 2009 swims visit www.chloemccardel.com/events/ Some of these events are locked in and some I am yet to confirm. Here is a little bit of information about my most important swims for 2010:
Catalina Channel – Solo Swim (Swim Date TBC)
Santa Catalina Island, often called Catalina Island, or just Catalina, is a rocky island off the coast of the US state of California. The island is located about 35 km (22 miles) off the south-southwest of Los Angeles, California.
All swims are overseen by the Catalina Channel Swimming Association. During the swim you have a boat (this must be registered with the association) and your personal support crew. Water temperature is between 16 Celcius in April and in August it is usually around 23 Celcius (62 -mid 70’s F) . 173 people have swum this Channel including 4 Australians.
For more information visit www.swimcatalina.org
Manhatten Island Marathon Swim (MIMS) – Race
This annual 28.5 mile swim race is a full counter-clockwise circumnavigation of the island of Manhattan. This event is organised by the Manhatten Island Federation. The mission of the Foundation is to expand public Learn-to-Swim programs throughout New York City (particularly those that serve at-risk youth), and to raise public awareness of the waters that surround New York by supporting efforts to clean and protect them
This swim is arguably the most competitive, prestigious, non-FINA marathon swimming race in the world. Solo entries for 2010 closed less than an hour after they opened. All solo entries were required to demonstrate a high level of marathon swimming experience. Expected water temperature is between 17 and 19 Celcius (62-66 F).
Australians have an outstanding success record at MIMS with previous winners including Shelly-Taylor Smith, Tammy van Wisse, John van Wisse and Penny Palfrey.
For more information visit www.nycswim.org
English Channel – Solo Swim (Double Crossing) The English Channel separates England from northern France. The Channel Swimming Association oversees marathon swims in this channel. It is only 34 km wide (21 miles) at its shortest point across the Strait of Dover. This Channel is one of the world’s busiest seaways carrying over 400 ships (600 vessels) per day. This is arguably the most prestigous marathon swim in the world. Water temperature is between 15 and 19 Celcius (59 – 66 F) depending on the month you swim and the weather.
The shortest distance across the Channel is from Shakespeare Beach, Dover (England), to Cap Gris Nez (France). The Channel has quite a lot of hazards such as seaweed and flotsam and jetsam (rubbish and timbers, etc.). It usually has a swell and when the wind is in the opposite direction to the tide it can turn quite choppy. The weather is always uncertain and local conditions can change in a very short time (30 minutes).
During the swim you have a boat (this must be registered with the association) and your personal support crew. 63 Australians have swum the English Channel, including myself in September 2009.
For more information visit www.channelswimmingassociation.org
During a swim attempt, no swimmer shall use or be assisted by artificial aids of any kind. Swimmers are permitted to grease the body before a swim, use goggles, wear one cap, wear one porous suit, neither of which may be designed either to retain body heat or aid in buoyancy. No wetsuits are permitted.
During a swim, no supporting contact whatsoever with the swimmer shall be permitted by any person or object.
The timing of the swim shall start from the moment the swimmer enters the water until he/she touches the opposite natural connecting shore, and clears the water. The observer is in charge of timing the swim.
For a swim to be officially recognized, a swimmer must cross the channel from the natural connecting shore, touch the opposite natural connecting shore and clear the water.
For double crossings to be officially recognized, a swimmer must cross the channel from the natural connecting shore, touch the opposite natural connecting shore, clear the water, return to the water directly, touch the originating natural connecting shore, and clear the water.
Next week I will be sharing my insights into Goal Setting!
Safe Swimming 
