T-
A million thanks from the bottom of my heart... however...
Due to the brutal rain the event was officially canceled because the water quality was very bad. (Apparently the Harlem River was bordering on a sewer.) They did, however, provide the means for those who wanted to swim unofficially to do so. Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of risking severe illness because of my wife's health (tumor) issues - If I get ill, who would take care of her? Furthermore, if I got very ill and she had to take care of me, I worry that it would push her out of remission. Therefore, I had to make the devastating decision not to swim. It took me three years to get here, countless laps and more money than I care to think about, but the crappy part of being an adult sometimes means making tough decisions and I felt that I had to "take one for the team."
But I am truly appreciative for the kind thoughts.
-LBJ
You're a winner in my book, Leonard. And I'll bet you're one in your wife's book too, which I have a feeling counts a bit more!
I think bacteria in water is probably a LOT more dangerous than larger animals (sharks and stuff...) It's hard to say no, but it's a smart decision. And, you will have another chance.
If I'm not mistaken, the same thing happened last year? Anyone know?
Of all the places to swim, I've never understood the swim around Manhattan. Everything I've read about it recommends getting shots (like tetanus) before doing it. Of all the bodies of water in this country, the water around Manhattan will be about the last to get adequately cleaned up. I'm sure it's cleaner than when I used to live in NJ 25 years ago, but "cleaner" is only relative.
Maybe part of the allure is surviving the pollution.
And to that point, Leonard, you did absolutely the right thing. Not only from the aspect of the various scenarios that would happen to your wife if you got sick, but also for who-knows-what chunks of germs you would be bringing into your household that she might pick up.
Leonard - I am so proud of you! What a sacrifice to make for your wife, and you did the right thing. The right thing is never the easiest thing, though, and congratulations on your decision.
I am sorry to hear they canceled the event. I have a friend who did it a number of years ago, and he is encouraging me to start preparing for it and to try it in about 3 or 4 years. I may do that.
I wish you and your wife all the best, and will you try again next year? You said it was expensive - I am sure it's not just the registration, right? You also have to do the qualifying swim and all. Will they give any of the money back for the registration at least? How many people actually went ahead and risked the illness?
Take care and I hope you keep on swimming!
Diana
My daughter swam the MM last year.....except for a couple places in the East River...water was very good. She finished the race, and had no ill effects from the water... the jellyfish were more of a problem.
Thanks for all the kind words. I was in a funk for about 24 hours, but then, as usual, I just decided that it was time to look for the next thing to do. I also thought that I was the only one who pulled out, but several people did as well as at least one relay team.
Turns out that NO ONE finished the (unofficial) race. Apparently a lightning storm blew in after 5 or so hours and everyone was pulled from the water anyway. Hopefully, no one will get ill as a result of their participation.
Speaking to several points:
1) Yes, the same thing happened two years ago and some people did swim it. Apparently one person (at least) became quite ill.
2) I am considering doing it next year - the only issue is the money, since it costs about $2000 to enter, hotel room, etc and you don't get any sort of refund in a case like this year. If my wife's health holds out and we don't have any nasty medical expenses between now and then, and I don't have to run her all over the east coast to doctors, well, maybe....
3) Guv - Yeah, it's a bit weird, but I swear that the water is remarkably clean MOST OF THE TIME for being so close to NYC. It's a real trip to be swimming in the Hudson and watch the Empire State building off in the distance, etc.
Also, I mentioned your posts to Deb and she said to say thanks, but also to "Tell your Internet 'girlfriends' that I sometimes catch you drinking straight out of the orange juice carton and you snore when you're very tired. Maybe that will take some of the lustre off."
Ah, love....
Thanks again to all,
LBJ
Sorry to hear the race didn't happen after all your training and financial commitment. But as the others said, you did the right thing, and good comes back to you (or, "what goes around comes around").
I'm a total newbie to open water races, so please pardon any ignorance displayed in the questions below:
With all the money outlay, it's probably foolish to ask, but would there be other long races coming up soon where you could put your training to use? Maybe not as long as 28.5 miles, but something that's a good size challenge and not too far for you to travel....
It's not the same, but then maybe it will be one of those serendipitous surprises.
Originally posted by Leonard Jansen
Thanks again for the kind words and thoughts.
Unfortunately, this year has a dearth of longer races on the back end of the season in this part of the world. I was thinking of doing the Boston Light Swim again, but other commitments are getting in the way. Looks like I'm "stuck" with some of the shorter (1 mile - 5k) type races, most of which I've done before. Still, if that's the worst thing that happens to me this year, I'll be doing fine.
On a light note, re MIMS: My brother's 2 sons (7 &10) had made up a bunch of signs for my MIMS crew (my brother & my wife) to hold up during the race. They mailed them to me since I didn't get to see them. They have drawings of sharks nibbling on my toes, me swimming through brown water ("Eric, why is the water brown?" "He, he, he - you don't want to know.") etc. Really made me smile.
Well, you have the right outlook, for sure! Once I was upset about something I missed and a good friend I trust said "that should be the worst thing that happens to you." And of course he was right.
Love those sign ideas! lol!
