At around midday on Friday 17th August 2007, Steve will start his world record attempt at the Arch 2 Arc Challenge. This link will be used as a 'Live Feed' and will be updated during the challenge. Steve's support team will have access to this link via mobile phone and all messages of support posted on this thread will be past onto him during the event.

To find out more about the challenge and his training, go to www.arch2arc.com

No slacking now Donkey walloper, best effort required. All the best, and to Gary and the support team.

Mr Marshall I presume?? Thanks AL. Hope the new job is going well.

Hi Steve,

What's the approximate pace for the run going to be?

Would you like me to ask around at my tri club here in Surrey to see if anyone wants to join you for a part of the run? There seem to be plenty of good athletes around and they wouldn't have too far to travel...

Depending on pace, I might join you. Otherwise I'll definitely be there to cheer!

Counting the days and wishing you loads of luck!
Sigi

hi steve, we met in germany in july i stayed in your hotel we spoke a couple of times i just wanted to wish you all the best for your challenge,i've been reading the blog it's awsome mate (total respect) well you have a lot to do so i wont waste any of your time with a big long message so all the best and if you ever come to manchester and need any help or assistance with anything, and i can help in any small way just ask and if i can i will, good luck to lucy in all her pro races,and maybe i'll see you at a training camp sometime...all the best .DARREN ...

Hi Steve..
been following your progress daily for months now.....(no im not a
stalker!!), and well exited for you; sounds like you are going to have
an awesome event!!!!
The training and preparation alone, have sounded like some kind of
idealistic sort of life to me!; however, having trained for the channel
alone last year, i do have some idea of the "mental" side of things
to....
So, the big day...want some support, or help even....
Crack On!
geth
Team Deviant

(Copied from Email)
Hi Steve,



What a brilliant result on your 35 mile Draycote Water run.



I wanted to write to you to firstly thank you for nominating ASPIRE as your charity and to wish you the very best of luck in your world record breaking attempt. As a fellow triathlete, although certainly not at your standard, you have my full respect for your attempt at not only the record but just completing the distance. I understand only too well the level of dedication and discipline that is required to prepare for such a physical and mental challenge.



I look forward to following the progress on the website and wish you the very best in health and fitness.



Brian Carlin

Chief Executive

ASPIRE

(Copied from Email)
hi mate,

we#ve been following your Arch2Arc training on your website.... we,re both behind you all the way, it is truly an amazing challenge!!

Hi Steve
>
>How are things going? I have been following your progress on your
>website and things look to be on track…
>
>Not very long away now until your attempt I just wanted to wish you all
>the best for that.
>
>
>Good luck once again.
>
>Tom Beaver
>

Steve,
Best wishes with this challenge.

This seems like the ultimate test of endurance, pushing the boundaries of physical and mental strength whilst raising the bar to the next level- you're an inspiration mate (it's puts my first ironman into perspective!).
Good luck on the day (s)! Mark

Hey Uncle Steve, all my mates at training are following your blog and we are all really excited. I really want to run a short way with you if I can, as practice for when I break your record! If you get tired, remember.."Spongebob Squarepants". I know if anyone can break the record, it's you.......or me.

Hey Steve, we probably wont get much chance to talk over the next week, but I just wanted to say that I'm really proud of you, world record or not. I think what you are doing is amazing...mad, but amazing.
We will be there along the way.
Cally

Steve, don't worry about the missed swim mate, you are more than prepared. You are in for one hell of a ride and an adventure. Don't forget to take some time to actually enjoy it -- it is over far to quickly. Speak soon.
Julian Crabtree

hi steve
best wishes mate - what a challenge - takes a special person to even attempt it
dont forget to smile when cross the finish line! have a fantastic time
steve c

Hey steve, best of luck to you - you are an inspiration to us all, I just think to myself when swimming a few laps of the lake and beginning to feel tired that steve has swam for 8 hours so I must be able to do another lap ;-)

Thank you for all your kind support so far.

Sigi - 11-12min/mile pace. No strangers please, my Mum told me not to talk to any on the street, but I would love to see you along the way.

Mark - don't underestimate the Ironman - it's still massive!!!

Alex - one step at a time. See if you can beat my Staffs 1500m under 13 record first (4.43.43), then come back and see me!!

Julian - I will try and enjoy it, but I want it last even shorter than yours!!

Rachel - the things I have to do to make my athletes do just one more lap of Swan Pool!!!

8 Days to go - bring it on.

SH

Good luck Steve
put you name in History!!!!!

Good luck Steve, I know you are going to give it your best shot.
Just look out for ships in the channel and you'll be ok

Good advice you gave your cousin...

hi steve i am out of the country for the next couple of weeks with no internet. so good luck with arch to arc wish i was there with you. good luck with the swim wait time .i know you can do the rest
best of luck
mike trew mid wales competitor

Hi Steve,

All the training's in the bag mate, fingers crossed for some kind weather.

Me and Lou have enjoyed the small part we have played in your "Journey" thus far and hopefully will see you in Paris in a few days time.

The champagnes on us (well it'll be on you, sprayed all over you).


Nick and Lou

xx

Many thanks to all those below that have donated to the ASPIRE charity and also left kind messages. If you still want to give to this worthy cause, please visit www.justgiving.com/stevehaywood

If I could only bring the date forward!!!! The weather at the moment in Dover is perfect. The chances of a succesful crossing is largely dependant on the wind speed and direction. The wind is measured on the 'Beaufort' scale on a range of 1 to 11. A scale of 1-2 is great for channel swimming, 3 and 4 and the odds are against you and anything more than a 4 then its all off. On the colour scale, blue is good, green is bad and yellow and beyond is curtains for Steve. You can see from the chart below that the channel at the moment is like a lake. Even the wind is travelling south meaning the waves would be behind the potential swimmer. Things get steadily worse throughout the week and by Wednesday, we have winds that read 6 on the Beaufort scale over Dover, with the winds travelling North into the would-be swimmers face.
The wind drops slightly to a 4 on Thursday.

I am hoping that this trend continues towards the weekend.

Good luck Steve! Enjoy it and good luck on the record.

Ed

We're in complete awe of what you are going to complete and to become a World Record holder is amazing. We wish you every success and know that you will do it. A quote to think about as you make your epic journey ( I was bought a book by an eleven year old kid and this quote was in.)
" Don't worry about how far you've got to go , just think about how you've come"
All the best Steve
The Balls

all the very best steve, fingers crossed for that wind,now go and break that record.

all the best steve hope the weather and sea are kind to you

hey steve..
one week out,after all your succesfull training and just one...important thing left to do......EAT!!!!
Have fun mate, hope you get some friendly weather for your swim

geth

Just to wish you every success on your record attempt Son. If the good wishes off all your friends on the forum are anything to go by you’re going to do a great job .My thoughts will be with you all the way. Don’t worry about the wind, tide, or waves, your nephew Alex thinks his Uncle Stevie can walk on water anyway

Update 1...A2A Main sponsors Gary and Karan from Mammoth Lifestyle were in Paris today.This photo was sent in with the message " See you here in 8 days ! "

Update…As at 0700hrs…See chart below for Sundays wind prediction over the Channel. Steve’s team will be looking for a wind travelling south behind the swimmer slower than 8mph. Suggestions at the moment are that the wind will be 15mph travelling in the opposite direction of travel. The waves travel in the same direction as the wind so at the moment “Surf’s up for Steve “

Steve,

Have a great challenge, you are attempting the most inspirational event in triathlon. When the going gets tough remember we are all thinking about you and willing onwards, Friends and strangers alike will be supporting you all the way.

Best wishes from all at Wakefield Triathlon Club

Morgan Williams
Head Coach
Wakefield Tri Club

Things are starting to look brighter!!!

We spoke too soon

Or did we??

Ed, Nick, Lou, Bally, Scott, Morgan, Geth, Jim, Ros & Tom - (sorry if I've missed anybody) thanks for your support.

Tom - just in case I don't speak to you before, all the best for the Inter-Regional Champs in Scotland. I know that if I do break the record, either my nephew Alex or you will go faster one day anyway

I am now starting to get very bored. As I haven't trained long or hard for a couple weeks, I find I have an enormous amount of energy and nothing to do with it other than check weather reports and annoy Lucy.

With the weather predictions changing by the hour, a rational decision can not be made until tomorrow evening on whether or not I will start the run Friday morning.

SH

Stop whinging man, get a grip, you are in the best form. I feel a quote coming on "with every step we conqour". Don't know about the spelling though. I'll be sat here nursing my achilles or I'd be doing a leg of the run with you.

All the breast
AL

All the very best steve, you are an inspiration to us all ,
will be thinking of you and lucy on your epic journey.

jen,liv & bella, sh*tzmay & fred XXXXXXXX

Steve

'Once more into the breach dear friends, once more........'

Good luck mate. Work hard and dig deep.

Looking forward to seeing the pictures of the bubbly popping over the Arc.

Steve

The very best of luck on your epic journey.
'Fortune favours the brave'.

Regards

Pedro

Hi Steve
So many progessions since our first meeting last year. You have been a pleasure to work with. Try to sit quiet for the next couple of days. Remember how well you have done in training. Believe in your support team, change nothing and it will all come together.
Yours in sport
Ed

Update as at now. Due to the weather conditions predicted over the Channel the swim start as been delayed to 0130hrs on Monday.
New run start time Saturday 1030hrs. (This guy will do anything for an extra lay in).

Come on Son . You survived Boz and Serb. This time nobody is shooting at you . You can do it

Hi Steve,
Good Luck in the Arch 2 Arc, wish i was there to support but i will be thinking of you . You will do great and everyone knows it!
Loza

Lates Wind Speeds

Unfortunatey, things have taken a change for the worse on Monday (see below). The slower winds (in blue) predicted for Monday have been replaced with 22mph Force 6 winds and things don't appear to get much better throughout the day or into Tuesday. We will take another look tomorrow to see whether a Saturday morning run start is still on.



I met up with Carl Davies from the Oak Group yesterday. Carl is one of the event sponsors and brought one of the support vehicles to Mammoth to show off. Carl - the front passenger window - you've missed a bit!!!

All the very best Steve. I've got a warm and fuzzy feeling about this! I just know you can do it. Easy to say, I know, from the comfort of my office chair but I've seen that focussed look on your face. Good luck. Granville

Steve, just to wish you the very best of luck with this awe-inspiring challenge.

am sure that it's just down to luck now as you definitely have it in you to take this record, hoping it all plays out right for you and you can show the world how it should be done.

Kev & all @ Tribiza

Good luck Steve,

fingers crossed for the weather...

looking forward to reading the record breaking race report

Stu

Steve,

the very best of luck. We all know you can do it. See you back safe and sound on English soil very soon.

Lou

Steve, I have to say that to be part of a club that has athletes of the quality that is on display here daily is a massive motivator. Specifically to you - having read of your toils for weeks/months with all your preparation has been nothing short of inspirational.

I would wish you good luck, but it is my belief that you make your own - therefore I say our fingers will be crossed for you.

The Gowers

Go Steve,

Truely inspirational

wishing you all the best for your epic journey and hoping the weather sorts itself out!.. will be trying to follow your progress from sunny china

russ

Steve,
Due to the renewed start time I'm not going to be able to pop up along your journey as I had hoped. So, to join some of the others in quoting their school mottos:

"He who endures conquers"

You deserve this record, and I'm willing the weather to behave! We'll be watching your progress all the way to victory under the triumphant arch!! Go, Steve!

Thanks for the support folks. More bad news. The Monday swim is now off. There are more gales forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday. I have a 7-day window to attempt the swim from August 19th to 26th. I am still very positive and confident that there will be a break in the weather.

I can't bear to think of the possibility that the bad weather may last all week. My challenge would not even leave Birmingham. So in the mean time.. who's got any alternatives??

The Arch to Arch - Run from London to Dover, swim for 12 hours around the harbour, then bike bike to Marble Arch.

The Park to Arch - 500 laps of Sandwell Country Park, 44 laps of Swan Pool, then bike to London.

More updates to come tomorrow I'm sure........

SH

If all else fails due to our great English weather, and your commitments at work How about doing the 4 Arches!! This is quite complicated as it involves moving the two Arches under Lucy’s feet and the two under your feet onto the train for the Channel tunnel to Paris and enjoy that bottle of Champaign with Nick and Lou. x

OK... yet another morning of dreaming of weather maps, isobars and cold fronts. Squiggly circles and wishes of high pressure filled my mind as soon as I woke at 5.30am this morning so there was no chance of getting back to sleep. Dare I say it.... but there may be a break in the weather on Tuesday afternoon (see chart below), but this time I am going to make a cup of tea, have some toast, log back onto the laptop and see if the fortcast has changed!!





In channel swimming terms, cold pressure is bad (lots of wind) and warm pressure is good (not so much wind).

Low pressure (hence how cold and windy it has been)has been hovering over the UK and is set to stay that way over the next few days. The image below shows why we can not swim on the planned time on Sunday.



For the last week, Eddie and I have watched and waited for a large area of high pressure that is sitting over the Atlantic to move East over the channel. It appears at the moment, that this may happen Tuesday.



Weather lecture over

Hey Steve
I was up early two, same problem. Yes mate looks good for Tuesday, latest Tuesday night or Wed morning. Will chat with boat and let you know later.
This is your time.
Ed

Yup... you've guessed it... swimming Tuesday night or Wednesday morning is now a no-go with 15mph winds predicted. With a real posibility that the winds could last all week, we have a few difficult decisions to make. Am I prepared to swim in conditions that wouldn't favour a successful swim? Am I prepared to give up the chance of breaking the world record for a swim that if successful would leave me little or no chance of finishing under 80hrs? Am I prepared to swim in Force 4 or 5 gales, getting thrown around the channel for anything up to 30hrs knowing that the odds are against me?

If this was the case, we would have to pick the 'best of a bad bunch' and choose a 12-16hr slot where the conditions are less windy than the other days/times. I would set off on the run and hope that the weather improves by the time I arrived in Dover.(Things could get worse). I would also risk the opportunity of the weather improving at the end of the week and missing that chance.

The best slot at the moment would to be to set off from Dover in 16mph winds at around 2am Tuesday morning, by 7am it would be 14mph and by 4pm it would be 6mph. Remember that a swim with ideal conditions would have wind below 6mph.

So am I prepared for a suicide mission? You bet ya ass!! Just drop me in the water and by hook or by crook I will get to France.

Eddie still has to speak to the boat pilot to see if he is prepared to sail in such conditions. If he is, then we are looking at a 11am run start on Sunday morning.

And to state my favourite quote, 'He who dares Rodney.....he who dares!!!"

SH

Steve, Great attitude and massive respect to the way you are taking this all in your stride.
I know once you get in you will do it, don't forget that you are the man who loved adding an extra couple of hours to every swim!!

Julian - I will be lonely though, as I wont have you cruising past me every 5mins as if I were treading water!!

Hi Steve,

Sometimes it's good to know that the feelings are being shared. What Edgar said about sitting tight and changing nothing is great advice and a measure of someone who believes in their preparation...no panicking last minute thinking you can make a difference. The final stages of a taper are horrendous, but completely forgotten once the event begins. During the week in the shop we have shared the feelings of a number of people competing this weekend, all going mad with the frustration of waiting. I used to feel it was like waiting to die, and raced every week at 3pm! Never any uncertainty about start time, even start date!!!!! Hang in there. You'll get in the water, I'm sure of that. If it's not for a few days yet, so what. I've not packed anyway, so the delay is cool by me.

In all seriousness, you're aiming for something big. This final stage is about getting that right.

GF.

Thanks Gary. Well, with all this time on my hands and nothing to do with it, what is a man to do to take his mind off things? We have been out on the country lanes blackberry picking and made a crumble (full of carbs ), had dinner with the outlaws and paid a visit to Tescos to buy some treats. I've just come back from Castle Ring on Cannock Chase coaching Lucy with some run intervals.

The first and most important quality a coach needs who is coaching an elite athlete is the ability to get that extra bit of speed from them they never knew they had. Top tip - tie them to a Husky!!!

31mph winds showing for early Tuesday morning. No boat pilot will take me out in those conditions

Wednesday is not looking much better.

For God sake man, they didn't have this much trouble on D day 63 years ago. Stick your daps on and just jump on your Sturmy Archer 3 speed, waterwings in the front basket and away you go. Corned dog sandwich and a can of babies heads. I'll come and do the brew if you like, I'm off for two weeks from Monday.

you aint seen me right.

Steve
Hang on in there. My best mate and I have NEVER experienced bad weather for a ride together, or in fact any other event since we were kids. I am due to see him on Sunday afternoon en route to Gatwick. He lives in Kent and we WILL do a ride together.
This is CERTAIN to change the weather patterns in that region and will therefore shift the Isobars covering your part of the Channel for the better.

For those that have never met AL before, he is that old that he experienced D-Day first hand so he knows what he is talkng about.

Nuptse - our challenge is in your hands, can you please time your bike ride for 1am Tuesday morning and don't stop pedalling until next Saturday?

At last, you can see from the chart below that high pressure has decided to head towards the UK on Wednesday



With this said, the wind chart below doesn't agree with the pressure table. If the high pressure continues to move east on Thursday then it'sgame on.



I'm not sure if Eddie is thinking the same thing, but I will be following closely over the next few hours the period between 2pm Monday and 2am Tuesday.

I can feel the net starting to close in. Eddie had told me that there will probably be no swim until at least Wednesday, with the weather for this day at the moment looking doubtful.

If it doesn't happen Wednesday, then we would only have 3 days remaining of the neap tide on which to swim.

We're with you all the way Steve.

Hope the weather gets better for you Steve.

Ed

Steve and Lucy,
Hope the final bits of preparation are going to plan and that the weather will be kind. Good luck, take care and dont look back !

Dave, Lella and Sophie x

Dave - I see you haven't let the 'Sir' bit get to your head yet!!



This is the most promising bit of weather forcast we have seen. Although the wind speeds aren't the best at the moment, the high pressure will start to move over the UK by Thursday. All that we can do is wait and see what happens. If you know anybody in the US, tell them to blow East!!!

Steve
Found this from when I did the Enduroman Arch to Arc. It sums up what the we are all feeling.
SOME DAYS ARE PERFECT
SOME DAYS BECOME PERFECT AS THEY PROGRESS
SOME PERFECT DAYS DETERIORATE
SOME PERFECT DAYS ARE MISSED

SHALL WE GO OR SHAN’T WE

THAT IS THE QUESTION

As you have seen the high is looking good for the end of the week. Talk to you soon.
STAY CALM MATE

ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO HE THAT WAITS.

Ed

I said blow East you fools!!.... East!!!!




Thanks Eddie, I'm sure it will happen.

SH

Hi steve,
hope your well on your way to breaking the record watch out for jelly and weaver fish
regards Terry

I've had a good chat with the pilot today. As well as the BBC pressure charts, he also uses a US Navy website. This forcast for Friday (below) looks a lot more favourable for the swimmer over the channel. The big blob below laballed '1024' is the high pressure that we have been waiting for. In fact, Friday is looking pretty good for a 7am start (if not before). This would mean a 4pm run start on Wednesday. If the weather breaks before, then maybe we could leave as soon as Tuesday.



As the window of opportunity to swim is getting smaller by the day, Eddie and I have agreed to start the run on Wednesday at the latest. If the weather is poor when we arrive in Dover, then it's a case of wetsuit and wolly hat on and wait on the beach for the wind to die down. We would have until Sunday for this to happen

Hi Steve,Hope everything turns for the better this week and you get to start your attempt,It must be very frustrating to have put all those hours of training in over the last half year and see the time starting to slip away so we are all keeping our fingers crossed. Good luck,
Mum,Bob and Nan

Mum - thanks - but it's not over until the fat lady sings and the Ex-wife was never that tuneful

Terry - shouldn't you be filling in encounter forms on the No 11 bus route

Well done to all those as Stafford Tri who are competing at Ironman UK today. I suppose the one good thing about this delay is that I have had the chance to follow the Ironman on the laptop all day.

The high pressure is definately coming. The question is when?. The latest wind chart shows that Friday would be by far the better day to swim than Thursday, but these charts change by the hour. With most forecasts unsure whether or not the high pressure will come early, if we plan for a Friday swim and the weather breaks early then we will miss our opporunity. On the flip side if we plan for a Thursday swim and the weather doesn't break 'til the Friday then an extra 24hr wait would mean that the chance of a world record would be gone.



I didn't think for one minute that I would be faced with the possibility that the challenge may not go ahead at all, so at the moment, even though the forecasts do not favour a Thursday swim, my instincts say plan to swim on Thursday.

If I was just a channel swimmer, I would be sat on the beach right now just waiting for the nod from the boat pilot. I may be sat there all week, but at least I would be there. To my horror I have found out that a swimmer made a crossing on the tide I was supposed to swim on. The difference for me is that due to the run from London to Dover, I am at least 48hrs away. So if there is a sudden break in the wind, I would not be able to swim and the opportunity would be offered to a another swimmer.

If I planned to swim Thursday and it didn't happen, yes the record would be off as I would have to wait at least 12hrs for another swim, but that wait would be extra recovery.

Joking aside, I never thought it was going to be this difficult. I have fully prepared my body physically and mentally for the task ahead but I did not think for one minute that all my training and the £9000 that has come out of my own and my sponsor's pockets would hinge on the BBC weather forecast website.

The last 4 days have been the most stressful days in the past year and my ass hasn't really left the sofa. I went out for a 45mins run last night with Lucy just to keep the legs turning over in an attempt to regain focus

Things could be worse

Go for it Steve, I know you really want the WR, but you need to DO the challange more. We will see you in Dover on Thursday. Good luck, we are all thinking of you.
Sis

Is my gut instinct for Thursday correct after all?

As I am now in the habit of looking at what the weather is doing over the Atlantic, I couldn't help but notice (as well as being on every TV station this morning), this little baby!!

Hurricane Dean is passing close to Jamaica, pushing winds of 240km/h (150mph). Here the storm is seen from the space shuttle Endeavour.



I reckon we wait for it to reach the UK, and use it as a tail wind to help me across the channel. It may push me a little further north than expected, but the bike ride down to Paris from the Polar ice cap will be very scenic indeed.




SH

Game on folks!!! The swim time has been confirmed for 7pm on Thursday evening. The run will start at approx 01:15hrs late tomorrow night. This just happens to be exactly the same time of day that Eddie started at when he broke the world record in 2001. This will make it much easier to keep track of timings.

Eddie's Record:

London Marble Arch
Mon. 30th July 2001
Start run 0115
End run 2149
Duration 20hrs 34 mins

Waiting time 19 hrs 35 mins

Shakespeare Beach Dover
Tues 31st July 2001
Start Swim 1724
Complete swim 1054
Duration 17 hrs 30 mins

Waiting time 4 hrs 38 mins

Tues 1st Aug 2001
Calais
Start cycle 1532
Complete cycle 1020
Duration 18 hrs 48 mins

World record 81hrs 5 mins

"RED ON"

Go get it steve, we're behind you all the way xxx
jen,liv bella

Best wishes from all at Aspire. We have fingers crossed for the weather window and the record. Forgive me for not coming to see you off at 01-15 but I will be having very positive thoughts as I sleep.

AL - you need to let it go mate, although it is a long time since I heard someone say that

Everything we do or have done makes us what we are, therefor I am. "Standby, Standby".

You aint seen me right.

Good luck Steve..

regards

Nigel

Great to hear you have a start time mate. Waiting is almost over...

As a customer of Mammoth I have been reading your blog for a few months now with much interest. I have just done my first Triathlon and your journey so far has been inspiring. just reading your blog pushed me to train harder.

Good luck, I will be willing you on all the way!

Thanks for the support guys: Just when you thought it was safe to turn the internet off. The swim has now been brought forward 12hours to the earlier time of 7am on Thursday 23rd Aug. Therefore we will be starting the run at just after midday tommorrow (1.15pm).

Better start packing

Is there somewhere we can view your running route map? If I don't wave you off from Marble Arch (possible) then I'd like to pop up somewhere along the route to cheer you on.
Sigi

Hi Sigi. Over Vauxall Bridge, A202, then pick up the A20 (there are other roads but it would take to long to explain. The A20 takes you into Dover. Call Lucy on her mobile to find out where we are.

This will be my last update, so I will hand you over to Mike.

Thanks for all your support.

Steve

Steve (soon to be a world record holder)

Like I said last week you will do things in the most the hardest and awkward way but will suceed. You create more wind at work on a normal day so will be used to them conditions.

Good luck
Manny

"Green On"

"you aint seen me right"

I couldn't resist one more look at the weather. As you can see, it isn't the 6mph winds I was looking for on Thursday morning. I better pack my kite!!

He who dares Rodders.......

Good Luck Steve. We'll be thinking of you. This is much more important than work!!

I had a very emotional txt off Steve this morning, to his Mom, Sis and Dad.
This Guy is physically and mentally up for it.
Don’t dream it, do it

Enjoy the ride Son.

Go get 'em Tiger!
Or something along those lines.
Here's praying for a swift windless crossing.

Paul said Steve is "Praying for a windless Crossing"

Hands up all those who have ever known Steve to go one day without SERIOUS wind

Start time changed....

Now starting at 15.00hrs...Hoping to use gained time for recovery after swim

Message from Lucy...12.18hrs

Last stop before London.Steve is feeling positive and relieved that the start is getting close.At least thats what he wants us to think

Message from Lucy.14.04hrs

IN LONDON
Parked up waiting for last minute dash to Marble Arch where Eddie is waiting.Nipples taped up,running kit on,almost ready to Rock+Roll

Message from Lucy 14.27hrs

Arrived Marble Arch.
Steve`s got a few nerves now

Tell him not to be nervous the triathlon community are willing him safely towards paris!

Go get it Steve,

From all at Wakefield Triathlon Club.

Fantastic attempt, everything crossed in anticipation of a flat(ish) sea and stern wind all the way.

david

Steve is AWAY 15.07hrs

Good luck Steve this is an inspiring effort, I hope the weather makes for a calm crossing and you get to have a crack at the record!

Message off Lucy

Looking confident,MASSIVESEND OFF .Big thanks to support crew, family,film crew and Julian for the start..Oh and the Tramps on the bench

I must admit, this a first time for me- at work and glued to the feed. Thanks for the messages and all the best and luck in the world to Steve. Sigi and Olivia should have seen you off and we'll catch up again somewhere on the A20...

Yee-haw!

Message of Lucy

Just coming to Vauxhall. Steves good.Already lost Eddie once but he got in a diffent car

Lucy as just seen first signpost to DOVER

Great to meet the rest of Steve's support team -- you guys will be the key for Steve's success. Best wishes to you all.
Julian

4 mile in and sight seeing

Thats it matey keep going

Crack On Steve!!
living the dream mate! SUPERB!!!
geth

Steve

Best of luck! Bootey fm mini rugby!

GOOD LUCK STEVE, THINKING OF YOU. WHAT A MAN!!!!!!!!

just had sound file off steve. 11 mile out. Said its Bloody rough in Peckham. ( thats what it sounded like )

Some woman starting abusing me while I jogged through Peckham...definitely made me pick up the pace!

Rougher than Alum Rock

Off Lucy

Temperature dropping, starting to rain. Steve is looking good

Here's a little footage from the start,at 3.05pm today.

http://www.8ball.co.uk/arch2arch/arch2arc-start.mpg

More coming later.

Ash

sry typo :) http://www.8ball.co.uk/arch2arc/arch2arc-start.mpg

Off Steve 18.24hrs

Good Fresh and Strong

Off Steve 19.11hrs
20 down 67 to go

He who dares Rodney

He phoned me after this txt but I heard a Female voice say " What ya doin" That was the end of talking to his Dad

Off Lucy....Second stop.
Looking good.
Managed to force some hot food in and his jam sandwich.

Great job Mike, Eddie won't be happy him being on the phone all the time either. Is anyone else having problems seeing the clip that Ash posted?

thanks for keeping us updated Mike, kept forum on all day for your updates and will be checking again before and after work rest of week

Keep it up Steve!

Julian - I can't see that video thingy either - though I am technically inept !

Whew, glad tio hear I am not the only one! Hopefully Ash will sort it out.

Hi Steve,
You don't know me but we've all heard about you from Sweepie. Wishing you all the very best in the world from out in the sticks here at Cold Hiendley in West Yorkshire. We're watching you all the way. x

Waiting Around

All, you might have the same problem I did if you have Firefox. To watch the movie:
1. Click on tools
2. Click on options
3. At bottom where it says 'file types' click on manage
4. This will bring up a box with 3 columns. Click on extension to sort by extension
5. Where you see MPG, select that and click on change action
6. You can then click to save on my computer, or open with whatever you like. Mine defaulted to a Quicktime plug in that wasn't working.

Good luck! Hell, Good luck to Steve, we're just the spectators!

Off Lucy

News Flash....Steve turned down Fish an Chips

Steve and Lucy,

Sorry i'm not able to come down and run with you as planned. At least office at work smells fresher and you not wafting fart into peoples faces. Mark is back and has even lost some weight, and he has shaved his goatee off.
We all routing for you mate.

Dave.

how you doing ? hope you doing brilliant from the kids who run through swanley with ya xxxxxx

Off Steve 21.05 hrs

30 miles down....Just stopped at Pub...!!!!!!!

C'mon Steve!!! Glad to see me old Peckham mates lived up to your expectations!! Keep at it old boy. Dave P is right Mark has lost the goatee but I dont know about the weight!!!!

Good work Steve, Keep it up!!

Off Lucy 21.28hrs

Here we are Parked up again,is`nt it odd how the support team always seem to pull over in pub carparks

Did you not know the Mammoth Van runs off beer fumes it has to K runs it on the red light! And Gary has pub constipation he can't pass one!

Keep it up Steve from the Distance and Co.

fantastic steve keep pushing on

Off Lucy

Torch or Halo

He was never that bright

Off Lucy 21.58hrs

Sickness passed just ate a Bannana.
Feeling great, better than ever.
Vision poor as its so dark,
ca`nt lift knees up,Hip flexors sore as result.

Yer right....an they have just come out of a pub

MESSAGE OFF STEVE FOR "BOOTY"

I remember you ! You were that kid who used to beat me over the 600mtr sprint

I like your style AL nice one

Shock STEVE TURNED DOWN FISH AND CHIPS, Finish this challenge and i will treat to fish and chips from the shop near bradford street.
Keep going mate

All the best

Manny

Any idea where he is Mike? His support crew will stop slowing him down when the pubs finally close...

hey buddy hows yer run thing going...
went for a swim earlier around gower coast... pure glass!!! breathing to my right and taking in the beauty of the coast.. breathing to my left and just pure glass....totally lush mate...felt like chanting!! if the channel is anything like this you wont wanna get out!!
geth

Hey Steve I like what you are doing but I am afraid that after an evening on the Bulmers its time to turn in. Got to be at work for 8am so will check in on you before I leave in the morning. Keep safe out there old boy!!!

"way to go" good luck Steve Thinking of you all the best!!

Off Lucy

37 miles ran so far.
Now for a long night run.

Off Steve. 23.23hrs

Now in Maidstone and says it is the halfway point.

Remember passing through it Julian ?????

Julian you were spot on.
More feeback now the pubs are shut.

Spoke too soon..24hr opening now

Oh yeah, i forgot about the 24hour openings, oh well.
Yes, I remember hobbling through Maidstone in rather a lot of pain. Steve is going great guns. The run gets pretty interesting now as the night settles in -- I rather enjoyed it. Off to bed now, will catch up with you in the morning Mike. great job!

Keep going Steve, All of BCT are behind you... Way behind you :)

Off Lucy 23.49

Sigi just joined Steve at 23.49hrs...What a Trooper

Map

From Lucy 00.24hrs

Still going strong.Running with Sigi.Still longest run to date now
Boy what a boost Sigi must have give him.
Nice one Sigi WELL DONE

Off Steve 01.30hrs

Done about 49 miles.Running on his own now.
Still sounds good and focused

Just got back from running with Steve..I asked what he wanted me to post and he said 'I'm tired of bananas!!' and that he's sorry he hasn't sent any more texts tonight but is presuming you're all in bed!

He seemed to be going strong and was in good humour. He'd eaten a few chips from Gary but was glad the pubs were closed so he couldn't smell the food! He'd also enjoyed his trip through Maidstone town centre. Everyone was coming out of the clubs and bars and he was running past dressed in spandex with a flashing red light on his rear!! Who needs to go to Amsterdam?!

At one point he wondered what time it was and when he looked at his watch was rather puzzled that I was there running with him at gone midnight! It's good training for winter evenings, if you ask me.

Lucy and all the support crew appeared to be doing well and Steve was singing their praises. Well done to everyone - this is an amazing team effort and I feel very privileged to have been able to join in for a little part of the 'Mammoth' journey!(ha!ha!)

Keep it up!

Off Lucy 01.57hrs

Over 50 miles now still going strong.
There was a definate inprovement after he managed a few CHIPS

Off Lucy 02.26hrs

Just waiting at Charring

Steve may be some time as he is searching for the perfect place to unload.

About 53 miles ran

From Lucy 03.30hrs

Just passed 6th stop.Still eager,crew just visited smelliest toilets in the world

From Lucy 04.05hrs
Entering the Death Hour
All is well.Many thanks to Nigel for pointing out this was when we would be at our lowest.
If we make it till 5 we will do great

30.9 miles to Dover

Off Lucy 05.20hrs

Looking good 21 miles to go on Tom Tom

Off Lucy 05.31

Chafing

Well done Steve, keep focused. Lots of Scots following your journey. Remember to have your porridge b4 you start the bike leg

Morning Steve.... Great to hear you are still at it. Off to work to be bored by tiddles, manny et al!!!!!
Keep up the good work mate

Off Lucy 0710hrs

Sorry THAT IS 10 MILE TO GO

Off Lucy 0800hrs

8 mile to go and Lucy`s getting Ratty

C'mon Cranky and Ratty - you're nearly there! Less than 8 miles to go? You're amazing! I want to see a smile as you come into Dover!

Off Lucy 0810hrs Bacon Butty for Steve he had his Oats B4

There you go that's more like Steve sat down stuffing his face with a woman tending to his every need.

You ain't seen me right

hi steve, well done, thanks for letting me know your progress,nearly there now,how has ed been treating you !think of that nice bath that you will be in soon !best wishes from the wife who is married to the mad person who started the enduroman arch to arc !x

Message received from K during the night.



"46 miles done, had massage, changed socks and enjoying some pasta before starting the last 40 miles".

She didn't say anything about Steve though - hope he's OK!!

Superb stuff mate, run almst done.

From Lucy 08.55hrs

After Bacon Butty looking forward to meeting Nephew Alex for a short sharp sprint

catching up on the news this update this morning i was surprised to see no mention of lucy flagging during the night, i made a comment to Garry 'lucy will be more tired than steve',As i read on I felt much more at ease to see this was the case!! Good effort Steve and a hello to all the support team XX

What's the weather doing? It's brilliant sunshine up here in staffs, no wind, birds are singing, brilliant day. Is the boy going to get his head down now in his maggot? Tell him not to forget his sock!

you aint seen me right.

Steve and Nephew on Sprint Finish

Half Mile at most from finish

Off Sis 10.08hrs

Just finished run

Well done Steve.

And I thought I had a rough night with the kids!!

Keep it up fella.

Does that mean Steve's run time is 19 hours and 1 minute????

Absolutely unbelievable achievement (must be the socks)!!!! any news on the weather down there, wind, tide(s) - anticipated waiting time, start of swim etc.

Well done Steve,

Amazing achievement nearly 3.5 Marathons in one go, WOW.


Nick and Lou

Yippeeeee!!! Now for some rest....
For the rest of your life you'll be able to look at a map of England and know that you have run all the way from London to Dover. I think that's truly amazing! Well done!

Well Done Son

ITS RAINING

Incredible! Human beings can't actually do this stuff, can they? Must be a few hundred of us willing you on for the swim, Steve - don't forget to enjoy this amazing challenge.

Mark and Sarah Shelton

Awesome stuff Steve, well done mate. Get some rest and get ready for the swim!

Off Lucy 10.50hrs

Run Time 18h 55m

WoW what a way to go

Excuse me if I sound lika a proud Father

Good one matey. Next stop France. Dig deep buddy.

I have light rain and wind at 23mph at Dover for Wednesday, and Heavy rain at 06:00 Thursday.

you aint seen me right

Wow, steve you are trully amasing well done - keeping going 1/3 of the way there!!!!

Ready for the close up Mr DeVille "makeup".

He looks like he could run another 87 miles! Awesome

Hi everyone,

Here's some video of last night's run. Excuse the cheesey music. Just go the site below and click on 'A2A.flv'.

It's also got support crewe and camera team.

http://www.esnips.com/web/TravisPublicFolder

On last check he is having a well earned sleep in Lucys Mom an Dads caravan

Run complete...NICE ONE MATE!!!!
Have a "speedy" transition
geth

Great job Mike, I hope you got some much needed rest too -- it's pretty emotional isn't it?

It sure is Julian I feel as if I ran it myself.

Things are not looking good at 0500hrs Thursday with wind speed 31mph and falling. Steve as to talk to Eddie

More info later

**** Photo update ****

I've uploaded some photo's from the run, have a look here http://www.8ball.co.uk/a2a

These photo's are in order from start to finish.

Ash

Well done ..... that valliant man Steve Haywood!

Have just watched your run steve excellent stuff keep going mate your doing great.keep up the great job your doing support team.

Phil

I knew those extra city specials would come in handy as extra fuel(fiery pizzas for the non Safer Travel Team out there). You are making it look all too easy but maybe that's because you are super human? 3.5 marathons and still time for chips!
We all keep watching the feed with interest, Manny has talked about nothing else today, not even his back, or imenent fatherhood.
Lots of luck for the swim.
Very well done to you and the support crew for keeping you going.
Dave.

Ash...Great Photos THANKS

Update off Lucy`s Hero STEVE

Official run time is 18h 54min

0700hrs swim is OFF

New swim time is 1800hrs Thursday

The WR is still on.

To do this Steve must do the swim inside 14hrs
The rest plus Cycle he must do within 16hrs

To all of you who Know Steve well "It ai`nt over
till the fat lady sings

All the very best Steve

Well done Steve, so far so good, your already a hero mate. Good luck.

Neill

For people having problems viewing the video I uploaded I've put it up on youtube.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KrevDuhI3nA

Steve are you going crabing while you're waiting!

You aint seen me right

Here's a video from Travis Hanson

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=WD8TUeLFGu4

New much focused update off Steve and his Support Team.

The Pilot as refused to take me out tomorrow morning in force 6 gales. I am very disappointed to have missed the first tide but my support team as worked out all the timings while I was asleep and explained that the record is still on. I would have to swim the Channel in around 14hrs rest for 2hrs and complete the bike in under 14hrs. I must not lose sight of the ultimate goal of completing the challenge so I can not force myself to swim faster for the sake of the record and compromise our goal.

Steve, sorry to hear that the weather is not playing ball -- hopefully it will come right in time. Everyone is holding thumbs for you mate, keep focussed on the swim mate.

What time is the tide you're hoping to get. Don't get eating too much candy floss while you're kicking your heels.

Off Steve…..0704hrs
Just woke up everybody still asleep. Horrified to feel the wind shaking the caravan from side to side. I logged on to the mobile internet to read the shipping forecast and felt a sudden sickness as I read: Dover: Northerly wind speed 5 or 6 decreasing to 4..Sea state rough to moderate. Also I saw the whole country enjoyed a beautiful day yesterday with the same predicted today apart from one county-----KENT, who are dealing with gales and local flooding.
Eddie will be speaking to the pilot today at midday to find out if the 6pm swim is still on as the predictions are no different to yesterday. I am not holding that much hope.

Join us again for another exciting episode of A2A Challenge..

Base Camp

Steve. Keep your chin up. Hope the elements play ball. Good luck
Tim

Amazing achievement, running that far is beyond my comprehension. Congratulations from all at ASPIRE. Everything remains crossed for todays weather.

Not getting much work done as I am glued to this website -- just told my editor that I am doing research! Praying for some good news...I am more nervous and excited for Steve than I was for myself!

Steve would like to thank everyone for their support and messages. He found the time to read the forum this morning. He is now in an Italian Café eating Spag Bol waiting for the news from Eddie about the swim start time.

You will all be pleased to hear that Lucy as finally woken up and is looking almost human. They are still waiting for her to speak but believe it may happen soon.

It is what she is going to say that is terrifying everyone

Many thanks for all your suuport. Eddie has just returned from a meeting with the pilot and informed me that there are now force 6 and 5 gales predicted over night. Apparently, there are many swimmers down at the port that have been waiting for days for the weather to break. We were hoping that the break would happen tonight, but unfortunately this is not the case. Both Eddie and the pilot are convinced that the swim WILL happen tomorrow.

Bad news is that the world record is beyond my reach, but the ultimate goal of completing Enduroman's Arch 2 Arc is definately still on.

My support team has been superb. I am more focussed now than ever.

Speak to you all soon.

This time next year Rodney.......

Steve, gutted to read/hear that report! If only you could wind surf across and use the weather in your favour...

Steve, I know how badly you wanted Eddie's record so I am gutted for you.
Glad to see that you are still focussed on the challenge though -- you are still doing something special that not many people can get their heads around and there is still plenty to race for. Keep strong mate, your swim will come!

Really tough luck Steve. Still you've laid down a hell of a gauntlet with that run and no weather can take that away from you.
Problem is there are one day cricket matches against India around, so you're up against the might of England cricket fans praying for rain!

Also gutted for you Steve. I know how frustrating it is when things out of your control get in the way of what you want to do but there is always another day.
Noone doubts your ability to smash this record and its such a shame that this particular event is dependent on variables outside of your control.

Don't get thinking any of them negative thoughts fool, don't forget this is a fantastic training event for when you break the record next year.

Can't you just swim at a faster rate and cycle a lot a lot quicker considering you only ran at 4.89 mph which I could do in my sleep. I will give you some coaching tips when you return.

Hi Steve,

Really sorry to hear the WR is now out of reach. However, the records for the individual legs are still there for grabs! go for it! Look forward to following the remaining days of your challenge and hope to chat to you afterwards about the experience

All the Best

Mark Holmes

Steve,
Now that the swim has been delayed I have allocated you D3/4562/07 Criminal Damage. Bus Shelter. Can you make sure its scanned for docutrak as soon as. Vetatech disc in the cabinet as usual.
F/R 27/8/07
Any problems ring me 24/7.

boogah with the weather mate,
never mind onwards and across the channel, if you can break the previous times discounting the silly wait for the boat. You will still be a virtual record holder, keep going and smack it.Not much consolation ,but you still have to complete the task. I know you will.

Next year for the Guiness book

Steve I think you need a new FR for the record, say Aug08.

Hello from Dover.
With the swim delayed we have a few hours to gather our thoughts and dirty washing ready for the next leg of the challenge.
Reports of good weather in the midlands have been rather frustrating...! Looking out from the beach here, the sea looks relatively calm and to the lay person (like me) it seems odd that the swim is delayed - bloomin' pilot. But over the last 24 hours we've had a crash course on sea/weather conditions and it really is not a goer at the moment.
It's a good time I think to remind myself that Steve is not taking the ferry - it's a long time doing front crawl. So it IS paramount that conditions have to be such that they allow a possibility of success. Just now they seem nothing but dangerous.

Gary has returned to Stafford due to his commitments there but his valuable input will be missed. I'm sure he'll have plenty to say about his experiences over the past few days.

Steve seems to remain positive and philosophical. He has survived the run with only a calf irritation. We've treated it and I'm expecting that he'll arrive at the bike section in good shape.

We're all reading the forum and it's been good to have that link to home.

K

hey.. gutted about the record thing, but that what makes this challenge/race so awesome.....its an adventure due to its unpredictable nature, and just completing this, and being the 5th person ever to do it.....Awesome Steve get yer name up there mate!!
Crack On!!!
geth

Steve
World record or not the Arch2arc is an absolutely amazing feat of endurance the rest of us triathletes can't even get our heads round let alone do. Keep on going mate. Truly inspirational.

Swim on for 0730hrs Friday....

Enjoy it Steve

you will have to do it all again next year ! enjoy the channel swim, you will never forget it,maybe next time do it without the wet suit ! thinking of you !. mrs enduroman.

So you are using a wet suit lightweight.
you aint seen me right

*** Photo Update ****

A few pics while waiting for the weather.

http://www.8ball.co.uk/a2a-pre-swim

Ash

From Lucy 0654hrs

On Boat. Looking good. We can see some blue sky. Steve as made very good use of the Hotel lavatory system. Knees are fat humour is high

How do i access the links tp pictures etc, whenever i 'google' the address it says page not found??

Oh and by the way steve, can you get a move on - - Codi is driving me mad

How do i access the links to pictures etc, whenever i 'google' the address it says page not found??

Oh and by the way steve, can you get a move on - - Codi is driving me mad

From Lucy 0728hrs
On boat , grease him up Eddie

Good luck Steve, enjoy the swim mate -- I will second Mrs Enduroman, the swim is brilliant and it is quite a rush when you suddenly realise that you are actually swimming the channel.
Obviously she did it without a wetsuit -- I fall into that lightweight category!!

The Support Team as added a new member to keep Steve in line.

His MOM.

0745hrs Steve in the water, hair wet, swimming to shore for start