Local man Jim O'Connor has swam an incredible 800,000 metres, or 800 kilometres to you and me since January 2 last.

That was the date he set himself the ultimate challenge of being the first ever to solo swim the length of Lough Ree from Lanesboro to Athlone, a gruelling 32 kilometres.

With just over two weeks to go to the swim on August 18 next, Jim is still full of good humour about the event, laughing that pain is only a feeling!

Having completing 65 kilometres of swimming a week for some time in the lake and pool, he is now tapering off his training as the event, in aid of South Westmeath Hospice nears.

"Everything is going to plan. I'm tapering down now, it's still high intensity swimmng but I'm reducing the distance," the 50-year-old, who runs the family business O'Connor Memorials in Bonavalley, explains.

"Last Saturday I put in a six and half hour swim in Lough Ree of about 16km. I could have done more but it was very rough so I'm hoping for better conditions on Saturday week. That day, it will be really sunny, I hope," he jokes.

Asked how he views the challenge now and his chances of conquering Lough Ree, Jim is sanguine about his prospects, thanking his team for all their support and all of the swimmers who have agreed to swim a kilometre behind him on the day, kicking off at 6am.

"After last Saturday I said to myself, how am I am going to do this? It's the double what I did, my shoulders were sore and my legs cramping. It'll be the hardest thing I've ever done, it will be very difficult but I think it's a mind over body thing. My head says I'll do it, I hope my body will oblige," Jim adds.

Which is a most worthy cause.

By 6pm on Sunday, August 18 Jim hopes to be swimming into Athlone and he would welcome any well wishers or supporters to cheer him on the final metre, close to Sean's Bar. A celebration bbq is planned in Sean's afterwards and all are welcome.

He thanked everyone who has supported him so far, especially the Athlone SubAqua club, who will man boats on the day, his organising committee, family and friends. Sponsorship cards are out in various places in town and he urged people to support the event and South Westmeath Hospice,

For further information about the Lough Ree 32km Solo Swim Challenge or to check Jim's regular training blog, go to http://ocmltd.wix.com/demon-fish