Explore every episode of the podcast Stories from the Water
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introducing Swim Beyond the Breakers Open Water Summit | 10 Nov 2024 | 00:29:40 | |
This years event has concluded. Check out @swim_beyond_the_breakers and swimbeyondthebreakers.com for details and to sign up for the next one! Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry | |||
| Simon Griffiths Swim Story | 01 Aug 2024 | 00:51:02 | |
Support the Marathon Swim Story project here. Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry Are you ready to swim with ease in the Caribbean Sea? Email me, shannon@intrepidwater.com for details! Space is extremely limited, and we kick off October 15th. Join me at The Water's Edge! | |||
| Will Hodgess' Marathon Swim Story | 16 Nov 2023 | 00:57:57 | |
Find bio, pictures, and more at http://marathonswimstories.com Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. Are you ready to swim with ease in the Caribbean Sea? Email me, shannon@intrepidwater.com for details! Space is extremely limited, and we kick off October 15th. Join me at The Water's Edge! | |||
| Welcome to Season 2! | 08 Jan 2021 | 00:08:59 | |
Find out what to look forward to in Season 2 and vote Marathon Swim Stories for World of Open Water Swimming Offering of the Year! Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Cheryl Coletti-Lawson's Marathon Swim Story | 23 Dec 2020 | 00:43:31 | |
It's hard to believe that it was just three years ago, at 50, that a friend convinced Cheryl to try a sprint triathlon. Having not swam since high school and with her wetsuit on backwards, she tackled the 300m in the water. And while the running particularly, and cycling, didn't stick, she keeps tackling one challenge after another in the water. It gave me goosebumps when Cheryl described the newly discovered sense of confidence she developed after completing her swim across the width of Lake Tahoe last year. She's ready to see how far she can swim. And there's no stopping her. My teenage years and young adulthood was fraught with great challenges and adversity. I struggled, albeit successfully, as a high functioning alcoholic never giving thought to sport. In 2017, someone suggested I participate in a sprint triathlon. I didn’t enjoy the bike, I hated the run, and the 300 yard open water swim scared me to death. Right before the swim, my friend commented that I had my wetsuit on backwards! Something sparked inside me that day and I fell in love with open water swimming. I met my current swim coach, Bob Fernald, that summer at an open water swim event. The following year in 2018, I swam a 10K at the Kingdom Games and 10K in Barbados. I was part of a relay team at IMMT that August. Towing the start line with 2500 other participants in a mass start was not for me! I completed the 2 1/2 mile swim and swore to myself never again. My interest in open water swimming turned to solo marathon swimming. Since then, in 2019, I completed the 12 mile length of Lake Tahoe and I swam the 10k Around the Sound in Bermuda. In 2020, with all events cancelled due to COVID, my awesome crew and I pivoted to local swims. I completed the first documented 12.28 mile double crossing of Newfound Lake of the first documented 16 mile double crossing of Lake Sunapee, both here in New Hampshire. In marathon swimming, I find peace, serenity, and the calm within the storm. I don’t race against anyone, I don’t swim to beat another person‘s distance or time. I swim in complete gratitude for the confidence I have developed in myself through my marathon swimming accomplishments. We all fight our own demons. Swimming helps me quell the noise of negativity and empowers a positive mindset. I am grateful for the amazing people I have met and the friendships that have evolved in the open water swim community. I swim in gratitude of my sobriety for without it, I would never have set foot in the water. I have an amazing husband who supports me in all things swimming. I have a superb crew who, without them, my marathon swimming would never be possible. I swim alone but it takes a team to help me succeed. Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds | |||
| Kelley Prebil's Marathon Swim Story | 18 Dec 2020 | 01:00:18 | |
Welcome to Marathon Swim Stories! I'm Shannon Keegan, swim coach at Intrepid Water.com. Are you ready to swim more efficently? Send me footage of you swimming and I'll analyze it for free! shannon@intrepidwater.com After several months of being bed ridden and in a wheelchair, Kelley doesn't take her ability to physically move for granted! Naturally, she returned to her chlorine-y roots for rehabilitation, but it wasn't until a her first glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge from the water that she said goodbye to the black line! In her own words: Kelley Prebil was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. One day she suddenly experienced severe hip pain and lost her ability to lift her right leg from previously undiagnosed dysplasia. She started marathon swimming after having two pelvic reconstructive surgeries to save both of her hip joints. Several months of being bedridden and in a wheelchair made her never want to take her ability to physically move for granted ever again. She believes that anyone can be a marathon swimmer as long as they have the desire to join this wonderful unique community of challenging oneself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Preferring to be outdoors, she also spends a lot of her leisure time road cycling, mountain biking, caving, cross-country & alpine skiing, backpacking, hiking, and trail running. She can usually be found swimming in the waters of San Francisco Bay, Lake Tahoe, Monterey Bay, or Laguna Beach or on her bike climbing a lot of Bay Area hills. That is, of course, when she's not working at her childhood dream employer of the California Academy of Sciences as a Senior Database Administrator. You can find out more information about her from her website http://www.pearlsgirl.com or her blog at https://kelleyprebil.wordpress.com/ Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Why Marathon Swim Stories? | 16 Dec 2020 | 00:05:21 | |
I've been intending to do this recording since I started Marathon Swim Stories back in April! And here it is, just a few weeks before the new year... I'm about to wrap up Season 1 after nearly 70 stories of marathon swimmers around the globe! Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com
Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Alyssa Langlais' Marathon Swim Story | 15 Dec 2020 | 00:43:35 | |
I'm so excited for you to meet my guest today! I met Alyssa a couple years ago when I sent out a survey searching for swimmers who wanted to push distance in the water, but needed some support and guidance. She jumped at the opportunity to partake in my Quickstart for Marathon Swimming program with a handful of aspirants. It was so fun to hear Alyssa talk about how the course prepared her for marathon swims and how she wants to keep building distance. We talk about so many important topics in this interview: Accepting fear, finding courage, and the need to uncover a comfortable place for your mind to go when you are anything but comfortable during a marathon swim. Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com
Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Amy Gubser's Marathon Swim Story | 08 Dec 2020 | 00:46:29 | |
If you've been listening to Marathon Swim Stories for awhile, you’re familiar with my frequent refrain, "I love that". At times, I wish I had a more interesting response, but it's true! I just love it - all of it! Like my guest today, Amy Gubser, I'm in love with open water and marathon swimming. And I love every marathon swim story. It's the one hour a week that I drop everything and just listen. I'm smitten and I'm recruiting! Trying to cast my net far and wide. If you know someone who's marathon swimming intrigued, send them my way shannon@intrepidwater.com. I want everyone to learn to swim efficiently, experience self discovery, and uncover deep seated determination. I want everyone to effuse joy like Amy. I hope you enjoy this episode! Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com
Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Sue Phillips' Marathon Swim Story | 01 Dec 2020 | 00:48:07 | |
My guest today is fellow Oregonian Sue Phillips. While Sue assured me that her story was not that interesting, she kept coming up with stories… I fondly remember playing leap frog with her in Lake Massawippi last year, but that was just the beginning… she's lost her kayaker around Lido Key, ridden the waves in the Chesapeake, and swam the width in Tahoe during a pandemic. Everyone has a story. I hope you enjoy Sue's!
Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Lori King's Marathon Swim Story | 25 Nov 2020 | 00:47:22 | |
Today I spoke with the first woman to swim around the island of Bermuda, Lori King. Upon rediscovering her love of swimming later is life, Lori tried to politely decline an invitation to swim in the open water, strongly preferring the pool. Needless to say, she eventually found her rhythm and got over her fears. There's quite a bit of mom chat in this episode. About how hard it can be, but also how having kids mentally trains you to get through the tough parts of marathon swimming. Once you get to the start line, all you have to do is swim. I hope you enjoy this episode. In her own words: Lori King grew up in Norristown Pennsylvania and started swimming competitively by age 5. In college, she swam Division I for La Salle University. After college, she temporarily fell away from swimming, moved to New York City, married and had two children. She began a career as a research analyst for the Visiting Nurse Service Research Center, which eventually led her to earn a Masters of Public Health, from Columbia University (2010). As her career progressed, she felt something was missing in her life and returned to swimming in 2004. In 2006, she was introduced to open water swimming and her lifelong passion evolved. In 2010, she competed in her 1st open water event, followed rapidly, by 6 and 12-mile open water swims, in Bermuda and Key West, respectively. While trying to juggle family life and swimming, she has since competed in numerous open water marathon events, such as the Catalina channel swim, the Manhattan Island swim, the 120-mile 8 Bridges Hudson River Staged Swim, Capri-Napoli, Ibiza Marathon swim, & Kalamata Greece swim to name a few. On June 15-16, 2016, Lori became the first woman (second person) to successful swim the 36.5 miles around the island of Bermuda in just over 21 hours. In December of 2016 Lori was awarded the Global Marathon Swimmer Yudovin Award for most adventurous swim by the Marathon Swimmers Federation for her Bermuda swim. Lori has used her swimming to speak to swim teams and organizations aimed at empowering girls and was featured on “heroes on our Island” television news segment. Settled in Long Island, New York, family comes first for Lori but with their support she is able to live her dreams and reach her goals one swim at a time. Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Sally Minty-Gravett's Marathon Swim Story | 24 Nov 2020 | 00:45:07 | |
My guest today started her competitive swimming career in 1967, and it continues to this day. In 2016, on the 41st anniversary of her first English Channel crossing, she completed an English Channel 2 way. Sal Minty-Gravett's Swimming CV is 5 pages long. We barely scratched the surface today, but be sure to stick around to the end for the eventful bits of a few of her swims! Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Stories from the Water Trailer | 21 Nov 2020 | 00:03:44 | |
Where land meets water, an invitation lingers—not just between elements, but between versions of ourselves. In this trailer episode, we hear from three swimmers who’ve accepted that invitation: Sylvia Lacock, Naji Ali, and Jessi Harewicz. Each enters the water not just to swim, but to ask: Who am I when I let go of the shore? Stories from the Water is a series about transformation, told through the rhythms of stroke and breath. These are stories of resilience, risk, and the quiet revelations that surface when we cross into the unknown. | |||
| Melodee Liegl's Marathon Swim Story | 20 Oct 2023 | 00:47:08 | |
Find bio, pictures, and more at http://marathonswimstories.com Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. Are you ready to swim with ease in the Caribbean Sea? Email me, shannon@intrepidwater.com for details! Space is extremely limited, and we kick off October 15th. Join me at The Water's Edge! | |||
| Robin Rose's Marathon Swim Story | 17 Nov 2020 | 00:51:08 | |
In today's episode I spoke with Triple Crown and California Triple Crown swimmer Robin Rose. A mom of three, Robin reminds us how we don't know what we're capable of until we get out there and do it. Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Diane McManus' Marathon Swim Story | 10 Nov 2020 | 00:49:14 | |
In this episode I spoke with Diane McManus just before her 70th birthday. While she conquered her fears of deep water and learned to swim as a child, she didn't spend much time in the pool until a running injury forced her to take a break from land sports in her 50's. Then, out of curiosity, she signed up for her first open water mile. Then pushed from 1 to 3… to 5 to 8 miles, eventually pushing to double digits! Diane tells us about the wild woman inside that just wants to see what she can do. Nurture your wild side with this episode of Marathon Swim Stories. Enjoy! In her own words: I learned to swim as a child. Because we vacationed on Fire Island every year, my parents made sure we knew how to swim—it was vital to be able to swim, since we spent so much time near/on water—and since most of my swim lessons were in a bay, when I first did an open water mile, I didn’t have the adjustment that many people do who are used to pools. However, I didn’t swim for teams, not as a kid, not in high school, not in college. I swam for fun and exercise, just swimming laps. Then when I got into running, I swam even less and only when rehabbing from running injuries. During one injury, missing the camaraderie of races, I signed up for a mile open water swim. It made my pool swims more interesting, as I needed to progress from a half-mile with frequent breaststroke breaks to a full mile all freestyle. But I finally was able to do that, went to the swim, made rookie mistakes, but overall loved it. However, soon after that, I was able to run again, so swimming returned to the back burner. A few years later, still more runner than swimmer, I saw a sign in my Y announcing that the kids’ coach was forming a masters swim team. The coach wanted people to participate in an ocean mile. “No way,” I thought. I’d learned to be comfortable in a bay, but had some scary experiences ocean swimming—nope, not doing that! But the coach was persuasive, his enthusiasm infectious—and so I finally agreed to swim. While terrified as I made my way to the first buoy, I settled down once I got past the breakers, and began to enjoy the experience. That year, I heard about a five-mile swim from Fire Island to Long Island, the Maggie Fischer Memorial Great South Bay Swim. No way! Too far! A mile seemed fine. Then two years later, I swam it, surprising myself with a time of 3:25—but I was so seasick I thought that would be it for longer swims. Yet I was swimming more, incorporating swims into competitive events—splash and dash races, then New York’s Stars and Stripes Aquathlon. Although my first masters’ coach had by that time left coaching to get his degree in physical therapy, I was swimming with a succession of masters’ teams, until I hooked up with John’s group. And in 2014, he trained me for the Great South Bay Swim. After a series of “you’re kidding, right?” workouts, I took 40 minutes off my time. I’ve been training with John ever since that year, joining most of his events, and graduating to 8 miles, then 11. Who knows what’s next! Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux | |||
| Cliff Golding's Marathon Swim Story | 03 Nov 2020 | 00:54:25 | |
It's "the loneliest place in extreme sport, " says Cliff Golding, that moment when you're standing on the beach with your arm up waiting for the klaxon to go off. You're full of nerves and Everything you've done up to that point as led to that moment." It took 6 of these lonely moments on the beach before Cliff put his demons to bed and finally completed his swim across the English Channel, demonstrating his competence to his naysayers who had told him that he was clearly a runner, not a swimmer. 28 years of marathon swimming later, I'm thrilled to hear that Cliff is committing to improving his technique! Of course this is from a coach who emphasizes proper technique and emotional preparedness over just about anything else. His is a story of dogged persistence with many gems along the way. Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Katie Blair's Marathon Swim Story | 28 Oct 2020 | 00:41:38 | |
In this episode I talk to Katie Blair shortly after returning home to Indiana from her 29 hour and 10 minutes in the St Lucia channel, swimming from St Lucia, to Martinique, and back… almost! Her longest stint in the water, she faced jellyfish stings and salt tongue, and initially felt okay with her accomplishment, but two weeks later, she's wondering if should could have made it. Adventure addict and author of Lessons from the Water, Katie says the book was a pandemic project and only after the press run is she realizing how much she's put herself out there. I felt a little like a kid in a candy store talking to the great Katie Blair whom I first heard of from a Phil White email… the woman who planned to swim across Lake Memphremagog and run back to Newport. THIS was a person I wanted to meet! And today I did.
Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Tracy Knight's Marathon Swim Story | 27 Oct 2020 | 00:51:52 | |
A fellow marathon swimming mom, Tracy Knight discovered that there might be something to this distance stuff shortly before having kids. Her clue was that she completed more distance in an hour than fellow swimmers who would smoke her in practice! Thank you US Masters ePostals! After completing her first 5K she didn’t hesitate to make the jump to the 17K Portland Bridge swim… and thus a marathon swimmer was born. We talk about whether uniformity of scenery should be a new metric of marathon swims, being, perhaps, a reluctant marathon swimmer, and going swimming to avoid the incessant "mom… where are my socks!". In her own words: I did age group swim team 8-12; swam on a very low-key Division III college team and started masters swimming at 26. About 15 years ago, after reading “Swimming to Antarctica,” I realized I was a distance swimmer. As life intervened, it wasn’t until 2016 that I swam Big Shoulders 5k. I was hooked! In 2017, I did the Great Chesapeake Bay (4.4 miles), the Portland Bridge Swim (17k) and Swim the Suck. I’ve been looking for new open water challenges ever since. Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com
Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5447-epic-inspiration- Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Marlys Cappaert's Marathon Swim Story | 20 Oct 2020 | 00:43:32 | |
When I ask my Marathon Swim Story guests for a short bio, sometimes people send me a link to their Long Swims database entry. You won't find one for today's guest, but Marlys has an unparalleled drive to find her next big swim, and her rampant swim adventuring is something that I aspire to. In her own words: Marlys grew up in Michigan with a water-crazed mother who would resort to a bathtub if she couldn’t find a lake. She is forever an adventure swimmer who will attempt to swim across nearly anything. Marlys loves enabling others to swim ‘almost’ as much as she likes swimming herself. After careers in research plant pathology, software development, and middle management, Marlys decided SwimTrek guiding was the best. Her COVID-19 winter project is building a boat. Questions, comments, feedback, or if you'd like to be a guest on Marathon Swim Stories, email me! mailto:shannon@intrepidwater.com Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com
Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| John Kenny's Marathon Swim Story | 13 Oct 2020 | 00:52:53 | |
John Kenny says, "I started doing all of this stuff when I was a kid". Rather than getting over fears of open water and finding out that he can swim further, I love how he describes his parents having to get over the fact that he was going to swim no matter what. During his college days and beyond, John found his niche in the sport of open water swimming. Aside from working for 10 years on the Atlantic City Beach Patrol, making numerous rescues, and winning numerous lifeguard races, he also had amazing success at the National and International levels. John was a 5-time US National champion in distances ranging from 10K up to 25K. He was a 7-time National team member and has competed at a wide variety of races including Nationals, Olympic trials, Pan Ams, Pan Pacs, World Cups, and World Championships. He has been competing at local open water races since 1990, attended his first Open Water Nationals in 1997, and most recently represented the USA in the 25K at World Championships in 2008. There were many swimmers out there with more raw speed in the pool, but very few could match his experience, endurance, tactics, and innate sense of finding the fastest, most efficient way to finish an open water race. From short races to marathons, flat lake swims to rough ocean or turbulent river swims, John Kenny is the most experienced open water swimmer in the United States, if not the world. Other coaches in the triathlon realm claiming to be “open water experts” do not come close. Beginning in 2005, John began to race professionally as a triathlete. Although it took him a while to develop his cycling skills, he has recently begun to experience more success in multisport. Aside from winning many swim primes at major races such as 70.3 races and Lifetime Fitness races, John is almost always the first out of the water, even at the highest level of the sport. Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com
Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux | |||
| Sarah Eismann's Marathon Swim Story | 06 Oct 2020 | 00:51:55 | |
When I moved to the idyllic hamlet of Talent about 8 years ago, I was quickly adopted by my new swim family and have been lovingly supported and encouraged as I pursue marathon swims… but no one wants to swim as far as I do. That changed about a year ago when I was excitedly greeted at swim practice, "good morning Shannon! Hey, have you met Sarah? She's a marathon swimmer too!" Our schedules hardly jive, but we've connected here and there since then. It's wonderful to share the local water with a fellow limit pusher. I started doing triathlons in 2014…but I was deathly afraid of open water. My first open water (ocean) swim EVER was one month before my first triathlon. I almost fainted my heart was pounding so hard in my chest. Then I finished my first tri and was totally addicted to endurance sports. That’s when I “discovered” long distance open water swimming. And my life changed forever. Every big life lesson that I have learned in the last three years came from hours in the water, being tossed in huge swells, following my escort boat, finding swim community, fighting pain and panic, losing myself in the dark, or just listening to my breathing. In 2017 the Viking Width of Lake Tahoe was my first ever marathon swim, and less than a year later (on my 40th birthday) I became the second woman to circumnavigate Bermuda. I’m still utterly petrified of open water where I can’t see the bottom, but I’ll take that win. I swim because it gives me a sense of well being and a feeling accomplishment. I am completely enamored of all the sensations of being in the water, floating, feeling weightless, the feel of the water on my skin, feeling completely ensconced, the silence under the water, the noise of it rushing past my ears, the movement of gliding through perfectly still water, the power of each stroke, the blue of sky as seen from under the water, the world that exists in clear oceans, the rhythm of the waves, the undulation of swells, the perfectness of it all. I also swim to take myself out of all that and out of my comfort zone and to push myself beyond my limits both physically and mentally. The water can be a cruel mistress. She can toss you, fight you, throw you, make you cry, make you scream…and she is always right. She is always the most powerful. To learn how to be taken on that ride, to be respectful of everything she can do, to understand you are nothing, have no power, are less significant than a single drop in that vast body of water, and come out the other side humbled, safe, and more wise than when you started…that’s the goal. If you can do that, the rest of life is a piece of pie. Life on land holds no fear, no limits, no obstacles that can’t be overcome. Just be patient with the current. Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux | |||
| Bill Shipp's Marathon Swim Story | 29 Sep 2020 | 00:40:46 | |
I met Bill Shipp on a boat in the middle of a lake somewhere north of the Canadian border. I can still remember the sun trying to warm us despite the brisk fall morning air and the surprising calm on the water. The pontoon boat that was nearly swamped, as we were way over capacity. Full of cold and tired swimmers and kayakers who had been brutally beaten by the wind and waves all night long. None of us were making it to the north tip of Lake Memphremagog this day (though many would go back to complete it!). Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Craig Lewin's Marathon Swim Story | 22 Sep 2020 | 00:46:18 | |
I loved hearing Craig Lewin's Marathon Swim Story. Now a triple crown finisher, Craig was one of the first Americans to travel to England earlier this year, despite the pandemic and the 14 day quarantine period, in order to successfully swim across the English Channel. As Craig attests, it's valuable to have a coach keep you accountable as you pursue your swimming goals. In his own words: Craig Lewin is a USA Swimming Coach, ASCA Level 2 Coach and a US Masters Swimming Level 1 & 2 coach with over 10 years of swim coaching experience. He is a graduate of Boston College with degrees in Economics and Sociology, a graduate of Salem State College with a BS in Sport Movement Science and a graduate of Northeastern University with an MS in Clinical Exercise Physiology. Craig swam collegiately for the Division 1 Men's Swimming & Diving team at Boston College. He recently completed his Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming in July of this year with his English Channel Swim. Craig has done several marathon swims, including the Boston Light Swim, Swim Across the Sound 25km and the 25km swim at the USA Swimming Open Water National Championships in 2005 & 2006. He was a support swimmer for two separate English Channel swim attempts and recently completed his own solo swim across the English Channel in 2020. Along with marathon swimming, Craig has competed in triathlon at a high level and qualified for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in 2008. Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com
Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Justine Brousseau's Marathon Swim Story | 30 Jul 2023 | 00:51:01 | |
Find bio, pictures, and more at http://marathonswimstories.com Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. Are you ready to swim with ease in the Caribbean Sea? Email me, shannon@intrepidwater.com for details! Space is extremely limited, and we kick off October 15th. Join me at The Water's Edge! | |||
| Lyn Goldsmith's Marathon Swim Story | 15 Sep 2020 | 00:46:08 | |
In this exemplary episode of Marathon Swim Stories I chatted with Lyn Goldsmith - at 50 she decided to start kayaking. She loved supporting marathon swimmers as the trekked around Manhattan. While a lifelong water lover, she never considered swimming herself until a transformative experience swimming in a lake in Maine in her 60's. She tells us about her journey over the last 5 years, from her first open water swim against a stiff current where after swimming alone for some time a support boat notified her that she hadn't quite made it to the start buoy yet, to cold hamburgers after her finishing her first 10K in Bermuda, and reliving parts of her life as she swam down the East River around Manhattan. I call it an exemplary episode because I love Lyn's Marathon Swim Story. Sure, I love hearing from world record holders, swimming pioneers, and record setting swimmers, but there is something magic about hearing from the people who find joy purely in swimming and being grateful to finish a marathon. In her own words: Though I kayaked for swimmers going around Manhattan for about a decade, and always knew how to swim, I didn’t start swimming for love, or thinking about my stroke, until I was 62. I’ve been slowly increasing my distance and time in the open water because it’s my happy place.
Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Bridget Simpson's Marathon Swim Story | 08 Sep 2020 | 00:47:37 | |
Bridget Simpson thought the ocean was for playing in and didn't get into open water swimming until later in life, as a mom. She set her sights on a charity swim across the width of Lake Champlain, strategically increasing her distance from 2, 4, and then completed the 8 mile Shore to Shore Lake Champlain swim. She quickly realized that even though she wasn't fast, she could swim forever. Commonly distracted by the beauty of being out in the middle of a gorgeous lake, Bridget loves swimming at all times of the day night and commonly swims solo. Shortly after getting disqualified for missing the time cut off in the Lake George Open Water swim 10K at Hague, she set her sights on competing the 36 mile length of the lake. I'll let Bridget tell the story. In her own words: I do not come from a swim team background, other than one semester in high school. I’ve taught and guarded for years, but only in recent years has pool swimming become a part of my training, and largely for off season prep for meets, which I was finally brave enough to try in 2016. Even so, I enjoy the company of swimmers, enjoy events, and like locker room chat about goals and such, but am not drawn to the daily workout with a team more typical of Masters swimmers. I swim with a group for a mile weekly or a few times a week in the summer, and can share a lane with anyone, but most of my swimming is solo. I decide as I go what I will do and how far.
Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Catherine Breed's Marathon Swim Story | 01 Sep 2020 | 00:36:55 | |
Today's guest is an Olympic Trials qualifier and Pan American gold medalist. Catherine Breed has always loved the water. She wasn't sure what to do after her college career swimming ended, but fortuitously, a friend introduced her to the Dolphin club, based at San Francisco's Aquatic Park. At her first open water swimming event hosted by the Dolphin Club event she was a complete unknown. She was immediately hooked. Her first marathon swim was completing the length of Lake Tahoe, in record setting time. I love how Catherine describes marathon swimmers as having to scratch an itch. This is exactly how it transpired for me! After completing my first 10 mile open water swim, I immediately jumped on the internet trying to find out what else was out there. Fresh on the scene, and incredibly driven, I suspect we'll be seeing a lot more of Catherine Breed in the marathon swimming world! In her own words: Former pool swimmer for Cal, 2x Pan American Gold Medalist, and 3x Olympic trials qualifier found love of open water in 2017. Since then had completed 2/ oceans 7 and broken 3 records along the way, currently holding fastest time for Lake Tahoe. Uses her platform to bring awareness to mental health and making the sport more inclusive and accessible. Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux | |||
| Sylvia Lacock's Marathon Swim Story | 25 Aug 2020 | 00:47:05 | |
I first met Sylvia Lacock in 2019 at the marina in Camp Richardson about an hour before I set off for my swim across the length of lake Tahoe. At the time I was impressed by her knowledge of the lake, thoroughness in covering safety, and professionalism as a pilot. Later I came to find out that Sylvia had a marathon swim story all her own - FINALLY I pinned her down to tell us all about it. Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Anthony McCarley's Marathon Swim Story | 21 Aug 2020 | 00:48:33 | |
In today's episode I spoke with Anthony McCarley. Two months before his 50th birthday, Anthony decided to fulfill his boyhood dream of swimming the English Channel. It took another 4 years, before his dream would come true. He's gone on to pioneer marathon swim routes, both in maturity and in new locations. Anthony insists that the only reason he continues to swim marathons is because of the community. Admittedly outcome driven, I immediately identified with Anthony. And I love how he's analyzed and broken down the attributes of a swim and applied those lessons to life. Both his, as well as his business clients. We could all learn a thing or two from Marathon swimmers! You're sure to pick up some helpful tips in this episode. Enjoy! Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com
Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Qing Li's Marathon Swim Story | 18 Aug 2020 | 00:50:09 | |
In this episode I spoke with Qing Li who started her story off by reminding us that not taking a risk is a risk in itself. Wise beyond her years, Qing's investment in self discovery after a successful, but extremely stressful English Channel swim, is sure to pay dividends in whatever she pursues next in swimming and in life. Qing was so open, honest, and shared so many pearls of wisdom throughout our conversation - I laughed, cried, and found myself wondering if I was doing enough in my own life as she reminded me, "Don't let anything get in the way of what you love, not even yourself." Qing's positivity is infectious, and I just love her energy, enthusiasm, and emotion. Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Jennifer Dutton's Marathon Swim Story | 11 Aug 2020 | 00:39:59 | |
Jennifer Dutton started marathon swimming across Candlewood lake in Connecticut as a teenager in the 80's. 10 miles as part of a fundraiser swim - "Everyone did it. It wasn't a big deal. We didn't even train." she says. Now a mother to two college aged kids, Jennifer recently brought marathon swimming full circle by completing 27 miles in Lake Cochituate at her parents house. It wasn't the swim she wanted to do this year, but with her parents, who were her first supporters, cheering her on, and her son, who she was pregnant with during one of her many Boston Light swims, kayaking for her, you can hear in her voice how special it was. In her own words: Jennifer Dutton (nee Spencer) had a most ordinary high school swim career in Connecticut, then attempted college swimming at Bates College (ME) after a severe brain injury during freshman orientation. That season did not go very well, but she had completed a local 10-mile swim just prior to her injury and she soon found that the open water welcomed her back unconditionally. Since then, she has gone on to complete a wide variety of challenging open water marathon swims, including three firsts in Torch Lake in Michigan, and Keuka Lake and Great Sacandaga Lake in New York. Jen has been a high school coach in MetroWest (mostly at Wellesley High School) for nearly 20 years, and has completed two, two-year stints as an assistant coach at Wellesley College. She has been a local Masters coach for two decades and is a USMS Certified Level 3 Coach. She has two college-aged kids who swim and play water polo and a husband who is her tireless support crew. Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com
Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Melinda Menzer's Marathon Swim Story | 04 Aug 2020 | 00:43:58 | |
Lately I've spent some time with my kids looking at a globe, "if you fly over it, can you see the border?" they ask. No. These are lines drawn by man. Man argues, wars, and discriminates over lines, I tell them. As today's guest, Melinda Menzer says, "you can't fence in the water", and she loves swimming across those silly lines that are drawn on maps. To demonstrate the fluidity of borders, Melinda swam from the US to Mexico and back last year, in the process raising over $10,000 for HIAS, the world's oldest refugee agency. Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com
Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Marcia Cleveland's Marathon Swim Story | 30 Jul 2020 | 00:43:03 | |
Today we chatted with a marathon swimmer who first circumnavigated Manhattan in 1991. In 1994, she crossed the English Channel, documenting her preparation in her book Dover Solo. Upon completing the Catalina Channel in 2005 Marcia Cleveland set the record for the fastest Triple Crown, a record that still stands today. And she's still swimming marathons, having completed the Tsugaru Straight just last year. Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer T | |||
| Mark Sheridan's Marathon Swim Story | 28 Jul 2020 | 00:39:17 | |
Today we spoke with Mark Sheridan from his office in London. Growing up Mark was an all around athlete, but couldn't conceive of swimming more than a mile until relatively recently. Being smack dab in the middle of the financial crisis as an employee of Leman Brothers in 2008, he sought the pool for comfort. After hiring a coach about a decade ago he was able to rapidly increase distance once his form improved. Since then, Mark has become a distance swimming addict. After swimming through the entire British Long Distance Swimming Association calendar he started knocking out swims in the United States. In addition to achieving swimming nirvana, Mark has logged several British firsts along the way. While he's done the English channel a few times Mark prefers swimming in a lake surrounded by mountains. In his own words: My name is Mark Sheridan. I live near Sevenoaks in Kent (UK) and am a mad keen open water ultra-distance swimmer. I have completed many swims over 21 miles including 43 mile Lac Leman (4th solo ever & 1st Brit), the English Channel (twice), Loch Lomond (44th person), the Catalina Channel in California, Two-way Windermere, Lake Tahoe, Lake Memphremagog and SCAR to name a few...I served on the committee of the British Long Distance Swimming Association for 7 years (President 2017), am the Swim Secretary the famously gruelling 9-mile Champion of Champions and distance training camps. I was awarded British Long Distance Swimming Association's Swimmer of the Year in 2013 and also won the Global Marathon Swimming Federation's Barra Award for Best Year in 2015. Above all, I enjoy sharing my experiences to help others reach their goals and giving back to this wonderful sport on a voluntary basis. I currently hold the British record for Lake Tahoe solo which I set in August 2018 taking almost 90mins off the prior benchmark. In June 2019, I completed 20 Bridges to bag the title of 'Triple Crown'. If you'd like to be a guest on Marathon Swim Stories, mailto:shannon@intrepidwater.com Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com
Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Deep Dive: SCAR 2023 | 29 Jun 2023 | 00:43:29 | |
My post about SCAR 2023: Do I actually like to swim? – Intrepid Water Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. Are you ready to swim with ease in the Caribbean Sea? Email me, shannon@intrepidwater.com for details! Space is extremely limited, and we kick off October 15th. Join me at The Water's Edge! | |||
| Sandra Frimerman-Bergquist's Marathon Swim Story | 24 Jul 2020 | 00:53:11 | |
I could barely contain my excitement when talking to today's guest, a professional marathon swimmer, Sandra Frimerman-Bergquist. As we discuss in the episode, Sandra has been knocking her swimming dreams out of the park the last few years, participating in the FINA Marathon and Ultramarathon Swim Series, setting the record for the St Lucia channel, swimming the Traversee du Lac St Jean, and so much more! Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Darren Miller's Marathon Swim Story | 23 Jul 2020 | 00:37:18 | |
After a foot injury halted his ultra marathon running career, Darren Miller read Swimming to Antarctica, and was inspired by Lynne Cox. He immediately set his sights on the English Channel. Within 3 years, in August 2013, Darren was the fourth person and the second American to complete the Oceans Seven - completing each of the grueling channel swims in a single attempt. Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com
Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Maureen McCoy's Marathon Swim Story | 21 Jul 2020 | 00:33:08 | |
Marathon Swim Stories has been a gift to me in so many ways, and how about this one, meeting a kindred spirit halfway around the world in Northern Ireland! Michelle Macy recommended that I find out Maureen McCoy's story, and I'm so glad that we connected. Maureen literally wrote the book on wild swimming in Ireland - https://wildswim.wordpress.com/! And her love of swimming shines through in our conversation. She even recommends a few of her favorite swim spots in case you're planning a post pandemic trip to Ireland! Enjoy! Website: https://wildswim.wordpress.com/
Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com
Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Naji Ali's Marathon Swim Story | 17 Jul 2020 | 00:53:57 | |
An amazing story teller with many a story to tell, I could talk to Naji all day! But we finally cut ourselves off after just under an hour. A late onset swimmer, Naji was 43 when he learned to swim and wants nothing to do with pool swimming. "Out there" he says, referring to the Pacific ocean as the place that he wants to practice what he preaches as a Total Immersion Swim Coach. Naji strives to raise awareness of the rich history of black swimmers and while he would prefer to be just another number when swimming around islands and across channels, he'll settle for blazing the path for future African American Marathon Swimmers, being the first in most of his pursuits, along with Charles Chapman, Mina Rhoden, and Alice Dearing, to name a few.
Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com
Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Jia Jung's Marathon Swim Story | 16 Jul 2020 | 00:33:54 | |
I can almost remember the first time that Jia joined us at Marathon Swim Stories way back in the early days of the pandemic. She's been a constant on our calls, and today I finally got to hear her story! Jia is a an award winner and product of the New York City Parks and Recreation Adult Lap Swim Program and somehow feels hard pressed to call herself an athlete? Labels aside, I spot a fellow limit pusher, and I love how Jia talks about opening her mind to the possibilities as you hear her tales of swims in Boston, New York, New Jersey, Key West, Lido Key, Charleston, and Busting the Canadian Border in Vermont. A hard core marathon swimmer, among other things, she describes spontaneously adapting and out of body experiences. Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux | |||
| Dan Simonelli's Marathon Swim Story | 14 Jul 2020 | 00:34:29 | |
If you've done the Catalina Channel, you've likely heard of, met, or had our guest, Dan Simonelli, as you kayaker! In 2015, Dan received the Marathon Swimmers Federation Streeter Award for Service to Marathon Swimming, and in fact has supported over 200 marathon swims as either coach, crew chief, support crew, or kayaker. A testament to his own marathon swimming pursuits, in 2016 Dan received the MSF Barra Award for Most Prolific Year, the same year that he commemorated the anniversary of the first crossing of the Catalina Channel in January, a swim tale that he shares in this episode. Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com
Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Vera Rivard's Marathon Swim Story | 09 Jul 2020 | 00:30:38 | |
We had a wonderful opportunity to chat with 16 year old phenom Vera Rivard, just days after her successful circumnavigation of Manhattan. Vera has already completed the 25 mile In Search of Memphre in 2018 and is crossing her fingers that she can make good on her English Channel window in August despite the pandemic of 2020. Vera describes a very similar experience to my own, as to how she found out about marathon swimming, just a few years ago and has been building distance ever since.
Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Liz Fry's Marathon Swim Story | 07 Jul 2020 | 00:38:29 | |
I had to prod International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame Honoree, Liz Fry, several times before she finally agreed to be our guest on Marathon Swim Stories. What a treat it was to hear her tell tales from her nearly 2 decade long career. The oldest person to complete the Oceans Seven, and the only person to ever double all of the lakes in the 4 day, 41 mile SCAR swim challenge - that's right, 82 miles in 4 days! Liz is incredibly humble about here accomplishments while quietly motivating marathon swimmers the world over with her achievements and her words of encouragement. Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com
Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Shannon Keegan's Marathon Swim Story | 03 Jul 2020 | 00:40:09 | |
In this episode of Marathon Swim Stories, Elaine Howley interviewed me! It's easy to see why I prefer to be the interviewer as listen to myself struggle to find words and endure the play by play of my swimming history, and while the fear of messing up my kids is real, it isn't as paralyzing as it sounds when you listen to this! In the last decade I've moved across the country and back again, married, brought two energetic boys into the world and taught them to swim. I can't wait to see if they are limit pushers like myself, and hope that they'll support me in my swims around the world as I encourage them to be kind, loving, curious, and empathetic in everything they endeavor. When I'm not seeking the perfect organization method for LEGOs, drawing, coloring, or exploring with my boys, I love to empower others to swim efficiently and push their limits in the water @intrepidwater. http://intrepidwater.com
Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com
Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| John "Batches" Batchelder's Marathon Swim Story | 03 Jul 2020 | 00:39:24 | |
Prior to the 4th of July weekend, I spent my Friday afternoon chatting with Marathon Swimmers Federation 2019 Barra Award nominee, John Batchelder. We relaxed into the interview just like John relaxes into his distance butterfly and touched on swimming for weight loss, how John became "butterfly man", being motivated by others and finding ways to reciprocate that support.
Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5447-epic-inspiration- Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Deep Dive: AMBSC Summer Solstice Swim | 27 May 2023 | 00:18:00 | |
Find personal bio, pictures, and more at http://marathonswimstories.com Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Jessi Harewicz' Marathon Swim Story | 02 Jul 2020 | 00:34:02 | |
On Canada Day Jessi Harewicz joined us from her home beach and talked to us about thinking marathon swimmers are crazy, shedding the wetsuit, allowing yourself to fall in love with the water again and the freedom of swimming from home your home beach. Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Blaik Ogle's Marathon Swim Story | 30 Jun 2020 | 00:34:05 | |
This stormy Knoxville morning, we chatted with the founder of Bridges to Bluffs, Knoxville Open Water Swimmers, and marathon swimmer himself, Blaik Ogle. Quick to dismiss his accomplishments, Blaik focused the conversation on building community in Knoxville, but I got him to tell us a little bit about tackling the cold, not taking no for an answer, and getting stuck in a tree on a birthday swim. Prior to the pandemic I was training for SCAR and Catalina. Now I spend my time cross training with heavy weights - both to be faster in the water and survive the “Real Life Hunger Games .... Southern States Coronavirus, Global Warming, and Systemic Racism Edition.” I enjoy cold water swims, introducing new open water swimmers to year round/ distance/ night swimming, beagles, breakfast burritos, and dismantling the patriarchy of systemic racism with my white privilege and hillbilly accent. Goals: Keeping “Bridges to Bluffs” on track to become the “Boston Marathon of Marathon Swimming” as well as creating new and “affordable” opportunities for the marathon swim community. Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com Music credit: Epic Inspiration by Rafael Krux Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||
| Matthias Kassner's Marathon Swim Story | 26 Jun 2020 | 00:30:40 | |
In this episode of Marathon Swim Stories, I spoke with a marathon swimmer from Berlin, Germany, who loves swimming with friends and being out in nature. Matthias Kassner, graciously spent part of his Friday evening with me to chat about his adventures as he pursues the Oceans Seven. We talk about not feeling much after a big swim, overcoming the cold, giving it all you've got again and again and again, swimming in the hail, and so much more! Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com Music credit: Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry. | |||