Record for longest swim

Mausy, I also saw this report but I am glad you posted all of the details of his ungodly swim; it is amazing what the physical body is capable of. And I agree with Strehl, the Nile should not be swum, it is absolutely filthy now. I think it is interesting that many people prefer to pool swim, which I also did for many years, and find great accomplishments in breaking theirs or others records. Also, they may have only access to pools geographically. It was always a thrill to set a record. And I am not sure exactly why I became a distance swimmer; probably because I moved to an island and the ocean is my pool now. I think had I not left the States, I'd still be competing in Masters because of the comraderie of other like swimmers and the socialization involved which is all so important. But something happens when a person takes a look at a body or stretch of water and starts wondering if it is possible for them to swim. This is the beginning of the "what if" thought pattern. The same happened to me. I kept looking at the island of Utila which is just under 19 miles away and thinking, it's far, but it's not too far, that's doable if I am trained. So the mental process changed to active involvement, and now I am scheduled to swim from Roatan to Utila in August of 2008 (I know I need this long to get ready). And even if I weren't to complete it, I will have given it my best shot for that moment and I will find out what my limits are, or what my training limits were that prevented the completion. And, of course, I would try it again within 6 months. I say work up your way to the English Channel; lots of people have completed it, there is no reason you can't either. Train and dedicate yourself for it and it just may happen. And I always say: why not try? It would be a magnificent accomplishment and a memory you will have with you forever. That's how I am looking at my swim. Cheers, Donna

Mausy, I also saw this report but I am glad you posted all of the details of his ungodly swim; it is amazing what the physical body is capable of. And I agree with Strehl, the Nile should not be swum, it is absolutely filthy now. I think it is interesting that many people prefer to pool swim, which I also did for many years, and find great accomplishments in breaking theirs or others records. Also, they may have only access to pools geographically. It was always a thrill to set a record. And I am not sure exactly why I became a distance swimmer; probably because I moved to an island and the ocean is my pool now. I think had I not left the States, I'd still be competing in Masters because of the comraderie of other like swimmers and the socialization involved which is all so important. But something happens when a person takes a look at a body or stretch of water and starts wondering if it is possible for them to swim. This is the beginning of the "what if" thought pattern. The same happened to me. I kept looking at the island of Utila which is just under 19 miles away and thinking, it's far, but it's not too far, that's doable if I am trained. So the mental process changed to active involvement, and now I am scheduled to swim from Roatan to Utila in August of 2008 (I know I need this long to get ready). And even if I weren't to complete it, I will have given it my best shot for that moment and I will find out what my limits are, or what my training limits were that prevented the completion. And, of course, I would try it again within 6 months. I say work up your way to the English Channel; lots of people have completed it, there is no reason you can't either. Train and dedicate yourself for it and it just may happen. And I always say: why not try? It would be a magnificent accomplishment and a memory you will have with you forever. That's how I am looking at my swim. Cheers, Donna