There are so many variables in the open water. You deal with the current, the chop, the flies, the flying fish, the jellies, and the sea lice. And, by the way, do the sharks come on the bay side? There's always something to be concerned about. One day this past...
From Open Water Swimming Rookie to 5K Night Swim by Ray Cushmore
When my kids got older, I got back into running and started swimming laps at the local pool for low-impact cross-training. As I started swimming more, my confidence grew, and I thought about doing triathlons as a way to branch out. Triathlons meant learning how to swim in open water...
How to Handle Panic Attacks in the Open Water
When I first started training for triathlons, I used to have panic attacks in the open water. I felt like I couldn't breathe, my throat was closing up, and no air could enter. It's not a good feeling. It feels as if you are hyperventilating. Where do Panic Attacks Stem...
Mermaid Swim in Boca that Didn’t Happen
I had signed up for the 2020 Mermaid Swim in Boca. For obvious reasons, it was postponed. In 2021, they held the event, but I asked for a deferral. I didn’t feel comfortable traveling at that time. The organizers were gracious and allowed me to defer. Book Tour and the...
Are You Gritty?
What is grit and why is it important to an endurance athlete? That was the question I had prior to reading Angela Duckworth's book, GRIT - The Power of Passion and Perseverance. There's a real difference between those of us with Grit and those who don't have it. How many...
What’s it Like to Swim in Tel Aviv?
The Mediterranean Sea is magnificent. The water is a greenish-blue color and in the summer, it's extremely warm, 80+ degrees Fahrenheit. First day in Tel Aviv When we got to the Sheraton Tel Aviv from the airport, we grabbed our bathing suits and headed to Gordon beach, which was right...
Swim to the Moon in Hell, Michigan
I met Eva Solomon, the race director for Epic Races, several years ago. At that time, we met over lunch in Manhattan and she told me about Epic races. I was intrigued. I was particularly fascinated by the Swim to the Moon race, a 10K, 5K, 1.2 mile,s and .5...
Why Wear Nose Plugs for Swimming?
There's a real stigma to wearing nose clips while swimming and I'm not sure why. I've been seeing more and more swimmers, and even pros, in both the pool and open water wearing them. I remember when I wore them for the first time, I felt so self-conscience. But as...
Sumarpo to Sponsor Full Book Tour!
I am so grateful to announce that SUMARPO, my favorite wetsuit company, will be sponsoring my upcoming book tour, From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete - A Portrait of a Non-Athletic Triathlete. About SUMARPO Dedicated to the environment, SUMARPO is environmentally friendly. All wetsuits are made from recyclable and biodegradable...
Lucky’s Lake Swim in Orlando by Ray Cushmore
Your introduction to a great open water swim begins with the motto, “Lucky’s Lake Swim - Enter the food chain.” Ha, ha! As if you need another reason to worry about open water swims, Lucky Meisenheimer, the founder, and sponsor of this daily event, plays on that anxiety and adds...