And the "Dissing" goes on....

RE: And the "Dissing" goes on....

Former Member — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 17:58:44 GMT

Rich, :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl: donna

RE: And the "Dissing" goes on....

Former Member — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 17:36:32 GMT

Gosh, thank you all so much for the encouragement. I am one of those people who, after making a decision, follow-through no matter what. I have now completed documenting the training plan; I spent about a month on it to allow for having had so many prior injuries, not just my swimmer's shoulder, but many other previously broken bones and cancer survivor. With proper mileage, extreme work on technique, plenty of rest (I may use periodization), I will be ready when the day arrives. Training will be very lonely, it usually is when a person swims by themselves, but in my mind is one goal only: to cross this stretch of water. It is doable and I figure I may as well be the person to do it. And I will add that being heavier does seem to be a plus for me swimming distance. Since I'll be training for distance, my one-mile triathlon swim may suffer a bit this year. :rofl:Some people still do laugh when they find out I am the one doing this swim; like it is impossible because of age and appearance. Serious training starts in February and I look at this long swim this way: it is only 9 hours out of my entire life when it starts. Pretty insignificant. Cheers to all, Donna Donna if you've been through so much already, this swim will be undoubtedly tough but pretty straightforward for you. I am looking forward the photo of you, draped with seaweed with several starfish stuck on your suit emerging on to the destination beach victorious over the sea. :woot:

RE: And the "Dissing" goes on....

Former Member — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 17:21:33 GMT

RE: And the "Dissing" goes on....

dorothyrde — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 10:58:34 GMT

Donna, it just shows this persons ignorance, and take it as such. I know a lot of people who are big who move through the water with grace and speed. I am not little and am faster than a lot of tiny little people. For years people made the assumption that my thin husband was in shape, and I was not, when it was completely the opposite, so too bad for people who judge a book by its cover, we all know better. We are all pulling for you on this swim, I am in total awe over something like this.

RE: And the "Dissing" goes on....

Former Member — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 10:18:29 GMT

Allen, Your encouraging words mean a lot to me. My husband thinks I can and I have about 6 friends here who think I can, so along with them, and you and all the people on this forum who are giving me supportive words, I KNOW I can because I will have trained for it. When the going gets rough out there and it will, I will swim from my heart. This is a heavily currented-area. And when I can see the beach below my Mount Everest, I'll probably even find another swimming gear, the swimming gear I call glee. Donna

RE: And the "Dissing" goes on....

Former Member — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 06:29:26 GMT

Kristina, You're going to do a 12 miler? Hey, we all know that is a very LONG way, so you have all of my respect and admiration for the training involved, too. The training, many times, is so much harder than the actual swim. Yes, I look similar to Lynne Cox except I am 2 inches taller, and look what she has done!!! Good luck on your swim, too, and let us know how your training is going along the way. When and if I do write a swimming fitness book for people over 50, the training will also appear doable if a person allows more than enough time for it. After all, us retirees do have another life: drinking Monkey LaLas and laying in the hammock reading in the afternoon!!! Donna

RE: And the "Dissing" goes on....

Former Member — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 06:24:35 GMT

Caped Crusader, :D:D:D:D:D:D islandsox

RE: And the "Dissing" goes on....

Former Member — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 06:11:51 GMT

Donna: When you write your book or article for USMS on your swim, those people who "judged a book by its cover" will have to buy yours. Revenge is sweet.

RE: And the "Dissing" goes on....

Former Member — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 06:05:23 GMT

Donna: People are just flat out prejudiced against people who they decide are "fat" no matter how much underlying muscle, "mental grit" or fitness the person has. I find this comment made about swimmers a lot. Non-athletes think masters swimmers are "flabby" or "fat" or "overweight" or "not very toned." (They wonder why we don't do triathlons or running to "tone up a bit more.") I've heard people say it about age groupers too. You must, as you clearly have already done, ignore these baboons. These people can't look beyond the stomach and they have no idea what we can do! I know you will kick that swim's ass. :groovy: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: Fortunately, there are also LOTS of people who think swimmers have the BEST BODIES EVER!!! Donna, It is clear that you are focused, experienced and knowledgable - and you've got your eye on the prize. I feel you have a great shot at completing this swim. This person has no clue based on the "too fat" comment and the triathlete comment. I've done some tris too and they are not the strongest (in general - there are exceptions) swimmers in the world. I loved Lynne Cox's book, "Swimming to Antarctica" and you remind me of Lynne. I too will be attempting a long swim (not as long as yours!) of 12.5 miles swim around key west in June. If I had a dollar for every person who said a negative statement to me. . . :D Best of luck to you!! I wish you well on your most exciting adventure!!

RE: And the "Dissing" goes on....

Allen Stark — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 05:03:34 GMT

Donna,it may be trite but YOU GO GIRL!!!!! Also YOU RULE!

RE: And the "Dissing" goes on....

funkyfish — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 02:58:41 GMT

Ah yes, the book and cover thing. Unfortunately this happens more often than it should, and it seems that it usually stems from some sort of insecurity on the part of the "judge." Many moons ago I had the opportunity to be in the gym and witness something that amazed me at the time. There was a kid (high school jr. or sr. I'm guessing) who was probably 6'3" and maybe 160#. He was doing bench press and started warming up. Long story short, on his last set he had benched 275 for 8-10 reps. Upon looking at him, no one could have guessed it. One thing people can't see on the surface is the fire inside the belly. Good luck with your swim.:banana:

RE: And the "Dissing" goes on....

Former Member — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 16:33:45 GMT

I saw Doug Russell swim the 50 ( 21.2-21.4) and 100 yard freestyle ( 46.2 ) on Feb 14, 1970 and he did appear to be a human hydroplane. John

RE: And the "Dissing" goes on....

Former Member — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 17:13:23 GMT

That thin triathlete with lots of muscles probably doesn't float as well as those of us with some extra baggage. Seems you got an advantage. Researching and training for a year and a half, I say go for it!

RE: And the "Dissing" goes on....

knelson — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 12:49:55 GMT

You'll get the last laugh after you complete your swim. Good luck!

RE: And the "Dissing" goes on....

The Fortress — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 09:37:17 GMT

RE: And the "Dissing" goes on....

Former Member — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 08:19:08 GMT

I think many people project their own fear. Take whatever useful information thay might offer and ignore the rest of it! You obviously know the planning and training that are required for such a swim, as is apparent by the sheduled date of the swim. I would like to reccomend reading "take It To The Limit" by julie ridge. (she swam the english channel 2 years after swimming 2 miles for the first time). I look forward to hearing about the journey (and the swim too!)

RE: And the "Dissing" goes on....

cathym — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 03:49:40 GMT

Read the book Swimming to Antarctica by Lynn Cox

RE: And the "Dissing" goes on....

Allen Stark — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 03:29:32 GMT

Svelt and open water don't go together.I have no doubt you'll make it. Keep us updated. I'm impressed you swam with Doug Russell. I saw him swim a few times and he was amazing. They say a human can't hydroplane,but I think he could,at least it looked like it to me.

RE: And the "Dissing" goes on....

Former Member — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 16:58:39 GMT

All you have to do is get a knowlegable boat person, who knows the tides and figure out how you can take advantage of these tides. You may have to swim a few extra miles but you go where the tides want you to go and swim with them but make sure the tides take you to your goal.