Arthur Goddard

54 years Playa Blanca THE CHALLENGE - SWIM TO FUERTEVENTURA AND BACK NON STOP APPROX 30 KM After swimming from Lanzarote to Fuerteventura every year for the past 7 years I realised I needed a bigger challenge. So in December 2011 I decided that challenge would be a double crossing of the Bocaina strait, a stretch of water between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, a swim that had never been done before. It was obvious I would need a professional trainer, one person came straight to mind, the same person who had trained me 7 years ago to do my 1st one way crossing. His name is Fran Delgado, personal trainer and nutrionalist. On our 1st meeting in 2012 Fran advised me this was indeed a big challenge and would need alot of discipline but most of all a strict and punishing training programme.

We decided the swim would take place in September 2012 so we only had 8 months to complete the training. From day one Fran gave me every encouragement. We had regular meetings where Fran prepared me a detailed weekly training plan and any problems I felt, we dicussed and overcame them. In March due to personal reasons I lost all my motivation to continue and I told Fran I no longer felt I could continue BUT with his help and encouragement he soon had me back on track.

In August 2012 after approx 1000 km of swim training both in the pool and the sea the training was complete. It was now time to make the final plans. With his knowledge and professionalism Fran took charge of the actual planning of the day, place and time as this was the most crucial part of the challenge as many things had to be taken into consideration ie wind speed, tide movements, currents etc. We realised we only had 2 weekends in September in which this could take place so the date was set 9 SEPTEMBER 2012. Two days before the swim Fran, myself and the boat crews had our final meeting to cover the plan and strategy. At 3 am on Sunday the 9th September I started my challenge. The experience of swimming in total darkness in the open sea is something I will never forget. Sea conditions were a bit choppy but overall very good. By day break everything had gone exactly to plan. We stopped every 45 minutes for a food/drink break which took exactly 3 minutes whether I had finished or not which was crucial to the challenge. We anticipated arriving in Fuerteventura at approx 09.15 BUT we actualy arrived one hour ahead of schedule. We took a break of five minutes to take photos before I was once again in the sea but this time on my way back!!!

Lanzarote was still 15 km away and every stroke was bringing me back to my final goal. Fran joined me for the last crucial hour to keep me motivated and guide me to the finishing point.
After only 10 hours of swimming I was back in Lanzarote the place where it all began. Through the whole time of the training I encountered many obstacles, demotivational periods, illness and the dreaded jelly fish but through out all of this Fran was there to offer his support and guidance so that I could follow my dream to complete this challenge.

As well as completing my challenge we also raised 3800 euros for a disabled charity based in Lanzarote. If you ever find yourself in the same position and need a professional trainer to help you with your challenge whether it be Ironman, triathalons or nutrionalal advice then you should without doubt contact Fran and you will certainly reach your goal. Arthur