Paul Ramsell posted a question on the Facebook group recently regarding drinks and feeds during long swims.  He got some great responses from experienced swimmers covering all kinds of 5:4:1, Lo4 and Hi5 mixes, 45 minute intervals, preparatory porridge packing, hot water etc.  Everything he could want to know.  Except the truth. 

The truth is the top swimmers don’t like to share the secrets of their success.  They’ll spout about carbs and protein, but they’re really powering themselves on 5.1% malt and yeast.  Occasionally one of them will let their guard down and us lesser mortals will get a glimpse of how they’re really able to perform at the level they do.

Like this morning, when Bernie Lynch was overtired from powerwashing his garden and didn’t think to keep a towel over his nutritional stash.  He just threw a pair of jocks on the box.  Peroni.  That’s his secret.  That’s what makes him so successful.  Others have their own preferred brand but it’s clearly all down to their chosen drink.

A tired B. Lynch looking a bit confused as to why his picture was being taken.

OOOPs. The moment when he realises the secret is out.

So now you know, Mr. Ramsell.  Plenty of time to make a stop at some off-licences nutritional supply centres on the way up the country to Carlingford today.  Just a word of warning – overexposure to your chosen power supply can lead to meltdown.

Bernard after a bit of a day out from Dover, August 2016.