U.S Woman's Record

Today I met with Rafael Gutierrez Mesa, president of the Strait of Gibraltar Swim Association (ACNEG). He said the fastest woman's record is held by Penny Palfrey from Australia with a time of 3 hours and 3 minutes, second place Rashmi Sharma (India ) former world record of 3 hours and 24 minutes, and third place with my time of 3 hours and 28 minutes. He said that I broke the U.S Woman's Record for fastest time for a solo crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar. I am absolutely shocked.......I never imagined that I would be leaving Spain with the U.S. Woman's Record and placing third fastest time for a woman since 1928. I believe my brother Robbie was looking down from heaven and asked Mother Nature to give me a break :-) Thank you, Robbie.

Swim Results

Today I swam the Strait of Gibraltar in a time of 3 hours and 28 minutes. The head of the Strait of Gibraltar Swim Association (ACNEG) said it was the 3rd fastest woman's time in their history. I am totally stunned. He said he has contacted the newspaper here in Spain and it will be in tomorrow's paper. Before I started my swim, I asked my son Tom to write my brother Robbie's name on my arm. When I finished my swim, I looked up to the sky and said, "This is for you Robbie." I want to thank my husband Jim for his endless support, my daughter Sarah for helping me train for this adventure, my son Tom who was a tremendous help on my crossing. And last, to all my friends, family, Barron Center Crew, and followers of my blog, thank you. It meant so much to me to receive such an outpouring of suppport.

Safety in cold water swims

Today, I started my open water training at Pine Point Beach. It was an absolutely gorgeous day--- mild breeze with air temp of 60 degrees and water temp of 46. I swam for a short time as planned. This early stage of transitioning from pool to ocean is gradual. When swimming in very cold water, safety is the main concern. One of my crew members will "spot" me while I swim in waist depth water parallel to the beach. I did not exhibit any symptoms of hypothermia. Each of us know the sign and symptoms of hypothermia---decreased stroke rate, spreading of fingers, and cramping of fingers. The swimmer must be alert to these early signs. Also, the swimmer must monitor their own thought process (hypothermia will cause slow thought process). If one hesitates in simple self-questioning of "date" "middle names of family members" etc., it's time to get out of the water immediately. Also, when the swimmer walks out of the water--- unsteady gait, slow garbled speech, and difficulty answering questions are signs of hypothermia. Before the swim, crew member and swimmer will have a plan of action if hypothermia develops.... blankets, warm clothing, warm liquids and an emergency plan. There is various degrees of hypothermia and each level needs to be taken seriously. The goal of cold water training for marathon swimmers is to have a safe swim without developing hypothermia. Remember be safe and have a fun swim.

SWIMMING IN SHARK INFESTED WATERS

The chance of being attacked by a shark in the English Channel or off the coast of Maine (my home State) is nil. However, swimming in warmer waters there is a greater chance of having an encounter. Marathon swimming has become very popular with destination swims of Catalina Channel in California, Tampa Bay in Florida, Maui Channel in the Hawaiian Islands, Strait of Gibraltar in Spain, are a few of the top swims---all known as shark infested areas. Since I will be swimming the Strait of Gibraltar in June, I wanted to share some of the safety tips that I have learned. Remove all jewelry-- anything that sparkles may attract sharks. Don't wear shiny tinted goggles. Don't wear black, brown, tan, white, or yellow bathing suits--- sharks may interpret that your a seal or a fish. Australian Penny Palfrey, world queen of marathon swimming and International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame inductee, emailed me this morning and she recommended wearing "blend of blues" it looks like camouflage. She wore this type of bathing suit when she swam Santa Barbara Channel in California. I plan to follow these safety guidelines and have a safe fun swim.

Preventing motion sickness during a marathon swim

Several years ago when I started training for a marathon swim in the ocean, I experienced motion sickness (dizziness, nausea) from the swells. I was surprised because I thought that would happen to the boat crew not a swimmer. I was ill-prepared so I stopped my swim. Determined, I returned the following day with some over-the-counter medication (Dramamine). And I was stunned to experience the same ill effect after swimming in swells for a couple of hours. But I soon discovered some helpful remedies from other marathon swimmers. While swimming, look at land. If land is not visible, look at a cloud. Try to avoid looking at a rocking boat. If your boat is guiding you, than briefly glance at it every 15 to 20 strokes. Wear ear plugs--- this prevent water from moving back and forth on your eardrum (it works). Practice dry land exercises for balance--- close your eyes during these drills. Also, train in rough water conditions --you will become acclimated to swells. Just like your body becomes acclimated to cold water temperatures, it will acclimate to swells.