North Channel swim training update

My next solo swim attempt of the North Channel between Ireland and Scotland will occur in about 11 months.  My training includes endurance swims, weight lifting 3 x per week, and cross training. (And yes, I still work 32 hours a week as a nurse and help care for my 3 young grandchildren 40+ hours per week).    Last year I intentionally gained weight to help fight off the notoriously cold waters of the Irish Sea.  The extra weight on a swimmer is somewhat comparable to wearing a wetsuit....it keeps you warm.   The extra weight certainly helped me to stay warm but it significantly slowed me down, too.  I made the decision to lose some of the excess weight to see if my swim speed will improve. I plan to continue with cold acclimation by swimming late into the swim season here in Maine.   For the past few weeks, I've been consuming smaller portions and following a healthy eating plan. I am very pleased with my progress. I want to have a successful solo crossing next year and I will do all the necessary hard training to reach my goal.....and, I realize there is an element of "LUCK" involved with Mother Nature.  I hope next year she will be kind and give me weak currents off the coast of Scotland.  But in the meantime, I will train hard and hope for the best.