Training for the North Channel

In July of 2015 I will be returning to Ireland to attempt another solo crossing of the North Channel. Last year Mother Nature provided some very strong currents off the coast of Scotland preventing me from reaching the finish line. My attempt ended after swimming 16 hours and 43 minutes in 58-59 degree water and less than one mile from the finish.  It was gut-wrenching not to finish but I was not defeated.  In the past few months my swimming has been in the early season of swim training. But, now I need to crank it up a notch and enter the mid-season of swim training (mid July to December).  This will include cross-training such as workouts on the elliptical machine, stationary bike, and weight training.  I will swim at least four days per week for 3+ hour each day. Every other week I will have a four to five hour swim in one day and gradually increase the time and continue with my normal swim schedule.  And yes, I still works as a nurse 4 days per week and help care for my three young grandchildren(ages 6, 3 and 2 years old) forty plus hours per week.  You may ask where do I find the time to train?  It takes much planning.... My days off from work and time off from caring for my grandchildren, are scheduled as my long training days.  The days that I work and care for my young grandchildren, I plan short sessions of cross training.  You are invited to follow my blog for updates every two weeks on my training.  I will post the first and third week of each month.   Happy Swimming!

Peaks to Portland 2014

   The 33rd annual Peaks to Portland swim was held today under sunny skies with air temperature in the 70's and water temperature of 58 degrees. A strong incoming tide brought colder currents not anticipated by many swimmers.  Most of the 363 swimmers wore wetsuits and only a handful of swimmers followed the old tradition to swim without a wetsuit. Nine brave swimmers were pulled from the chilly waters of Casco Bay. I applaud all swimmers for their participation in this wonderful event promoted by the YMCA as a fundraiser for their swim programs.  Again, the Y promoted a safe open water swim as clearly shown by the many volunteers monitoring the swim and attending to the needs of swimmers with hypothermia.
  The winner of the Men's Non-Wetsuit Division was Simon Wignal of Falmouth, Maine with a time of 0:46:48.4  and the winner of the Women's Non-Wetsuit Division was Julie Dansereau of Windham, Maine with a time of 0:49:28.8.   I applaud their speed, endurance, and desire to follow the tradition of non-wetsuits.
   The winner of the Men's Wetsuit Division Scott Yeoman of Bethlehem,Pa and the winner of the Women's Wetsuit Division was Cheryl Daly of Maine.
   Congratulation to all swimmers....it was an incredible event.  Many thanks to the Y and all volunteers for their dedication in promoting the Peaks to Portland.