Foggy Golden Gate in the background

A week has passed and I am still unable to put my Golden Gate Bridge to San Mateo bridge swim into words. It was my first experience with marathon swimming. I consider marathon swimming any swim over 6 hours or 16 miles. Neither of which I had accomplished prior to this swim. So, there is something very special about it that makes me feel like keeping it to myself. You know like your first time…

The only idea that I would like to share is that I went some place inside me that I knew existed but had never been to.  I have always known that deep down inside I have a place that is strong, self confident and stubborn. A mindset that just won’t take no for an answer. I have fluttered past this place from time to time during a crisis but to be able to tap in for enjoyment, I have never been there. Roper said that I have a “passion” and he is right. There are many times in ones life in which you have an opportunity to have a “good trip” or a “bad trip”. I was presented that opportunity during this swim and I decided, without reservation, to have a good trip.  Once I realized that the bay was not going to cooperate and I would be battling the wind and waves for many hours, I just put the biggest smile on my face and swam on. When I was being tossed around in the “Aqua Rodeo” , I would laugh.  I realized from this happy place, I can be very comfortable being uncomfortable. The power of happiness is unbelievable.

Many thanks to my incredible team. Bob Roper, how do I love thee…let me count the ways! Jim Bock you are a super star. When I think endurance, I see your face. Jim was always ready with a joke, a riddle, a song and yes even a show tune, to get stuck in my head. He made the time pass quickly. We have a very similar sense of humor and our connection is now concrete. Dewey and Tom were unbelievable.  I am still in awe of why they all would dedicate their Saturday to me.  I could not have done it with out them and it was a true team effort.

Thank you to everyone who contacted me this week with their “hoorays” and “hoorahs”  I appreciate all of the accolade.

So for now it is time to get back to work. I swam 2+ hours in Lake Tahoe this morning and I am moving on towards my next goal.

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