There’s something about the challenge of the Mackinac Island Swim that pulled at me from the start. It’s 8.2 miles, with an eight-hour cutoff. A long stretch, no doubt, but I’m proud to say I not only took it on—I conquered it. It took me about six hours to complete, and while the rougher patches of water tested me, I pushed through every stroke to reach the finish.
Training Progress: Building the Foundation
Training for this swim was a journey in itself—one filled with excitement, progress, and moments of self-doubt. I followed a structured plan to prepare my body and mind for the challenge ahead. Here’s how it broke down:
- 9 weeks before the event: I started with a 2-mile swim in open water to build my endurance.
- 7 weeks before: I increased the distance to 3 miles, getting more comfortable with longer swims.
- 6 weeks before: I tackled 4.5 miles, a milestone that boosted my confidence.
- 5 weeks before: I swam the Maggie Fischer Cross Bay Swim, covering 5.6 miles as part of my training.
- 3 weeks before: I pushed myself to 6.6 miles, the longest training swim before the big day.
- 2 weeks before: I scaled back to 3 miles to maintain my fitness without overexerting.
- 1 week before: I tapered with a 1-mile swim, giving my body time to recover and prepare.
This plan wasn’t just about building physical endurance—it was about building mental resilience. Each swim brought its own challenges, but with every stroke, I grew stronger and more determined.
Support from Friends: The Power of Community
Through it all, I was incredibly lucky to have amazing people by my side. My friend Ray was a constant source of encouragement. Even though he wasn’t training for anything himself, he showed up for me on the long days, keeping me motivated. And then there’s Justin—we met during training, and he became a key part of my journey. He was preparing for the Maggie Fischer Cross Bay Swim, so we shared a common focus and pushed each other to keep going. Knowing that Fred was racing the same races as me also kept me motivated.
Reflections on the Cross Bay Swim
The Maggie Fischer Cross Bay Swim was a pivotal moment in my training. It brought me back to 2021, when I completed it with my son—a memory I’ll always treasure. This year, I used it as a stepping stone for Mackinac, finishing the 5.6-mile swim as part of my preparation. It was a reminder of how far I’d come and how much I was capable of.
Pre-Race Preparations: The Final Countdown
As the Mackinac Island Swim approached, the nerves crept in. They always do when something matters this much. In the final week, I focused on tapering, hydrating, and dialing in my nutrition. I visualized the finish line over and over, picturing the moment I’d pull through and know I’d done it. That mental preparation was just as important as the physical training.
The Swim: One Stroke at a Time
The day of the swim was everything I imagined and more. The water was challenging, with rough patches that tested my resolve, but I kept going. One stroke at a time, I made my way across the 8.3 miles. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth every ounce of effort. Crossing that finish line after six hours in the water was a moment I’ll never forget.
Looking Back: Lessons Learned
This journey taught me so much about myself. It reminded me that growth happens in the moments of doubt, that training is as much mental as it is physical, and that the support of friends can make all the difference. Ray, Justin, and everyone who cheered me on were a huge part of this accomplishment, and I’m endlessly grateful for their encouragement.
The Mackinac Island Swim was a big challenge, but I was ready for it. With the right training, mindset, and people by my side, I proved to myself that I could do it. And now, as I look ahead to whatever comes next, I know that same determination will carry me through.
