It’s amazing how much life can happen in a single training session. On Thursday, my goal was clear but daunting: 7000 meters in the pool, part of my final push before tapering ahead of the Mackinac Island Swim on August 10. Physically and mentally, I was struggling, but I showed up anyway. That’s often half the battle, isn’t it?
This session came on the heels of a rocky period. Since completing the Maggie Fischer Cross Bay Swim just six days before. I’ve felt off—just not myself. The Cross Bay Swim was beautiful and challenging, as always, but it left its mark on me. My body hasn’t fully recovered, and my head hasn’t quite caught up with the fact that another significant event is right around the corner. Today was my first long swim since then, and while I knew it would test me, I didn’t expect it to unfold quite the way it did.
A Lane of My Own—Or Not
When I arrived at the pool, every lane was taken. Total Masters Swimming had lanes 6 through 10 reserved, so I found myself eyeing Lane 1. An older gentleman was swimming there, and I asked if I could join him. “Of course,” he said, and we agreed to split the lane. Simple enough—at least at first.
What I didn’t anticipate was that Lane 1 would become a revolving door of swimmers. It seemed like every time I surfaced, someone new was either hopping in to circle, waiting at the wall to ask about splitting, or disappearing altogether. It became its dynamic, almost like a relay race where I was the constant. Reflecting on it now, I wish I had been recording—it might have made for a fascinating time-lapse video, a visual diary of the chaotic yet somehow seamless rhythm of lane sharing.
Despite the distractions, I pushed through, 1000 yards at a time. Each set felt like a mountain I couldn’t summit, but I kept going, one stroke at a time. At one point, my legs started cramping, and my body screamed for a break. I wasn’t mentally invested in the process—it felt like I was pushing a boulder uphill—but stopping wasn’t an option. This session wasn’t optional; it was a necessity.
The Lifeguard’s Lifeline
With just 200 yards left in my set, the lifeguard intervened. “I know you’re swimming long today, and I appreciate that,” he said, “but there’s an aerobics class starting in this lane.” He offered to help move my gear, and while a part of me was frustrated by the interruption, a bigger part just felt grateful for his help.
I finished my session, exhausted but satisfied. 7000 meters behind me, 7,700 yards and nearly 4.5 miles. Another step closer to Mackinac.
Adapting the Plan
Initially, I intended to complete my entire long-distance goal in two sessions on the same day—a combined 6.5 miles. But with Tobay Beach opening at 8 a.m., there was no way I would be out of the water by that time. Plus, the Aquatic Center was hosting a meet and would be closed at 7:30 am. Instead, I decided to split the distance across two days. Day one in the pool was complete, and day two would take me to open water. It wasn’t ideal, but flexibility is key in training, especially when life refuses to fit neatly into your schedule.
Reflections and the Taper
This session taught me a lot, not just about swimming but about perseverance. Every element of this training felt challenging. My body reminded me how much it’s been handled in the past week. My mind fought the usual battles of doubt and distraction. However, despite all that, I managed to complete the workout. That, I think, is what endurance sports are really about—continuing forward, imperfectly but resolutely.
The Mackinac Island Swim is less than a month away, and with these final long sessions behind me, the taper begins. Tapering is a fascinating phase of training. It’s when you dial things back and focus on rest and recovery, allowing your body to absorb all the hard work you’ve done. It’s also when your mind has room to wander. Doubts creep in; excitement takes hold. Will I be ready? Did I do enough?
I don’t know how the Mackinac Island Swim will go. Still, if today’s chaotic, challenging, and bizarrely rewarding session was any indication, I’ll show up ready to give it everything I’ve got, one stroke at a time.
