Tahoe swim PostScript: Reflections and the joy of Swimming without goals

STEVIE Hurvitz THE Alcatraz Maestto demonstrating the joy of swimming or being pulled under by a shark🤣

A little more then a week out from my Tahoe swim, I decided to write this PostScript to share some further reflections on the Tahoe Swim as well as a glimpse into a joyful week of Swimming in the San Fransisco bay.

I am not gonna lie….although my motivation for doing the Tahoe swim was not for the recognition, it was pretty nice to receive all the kind words of congratulations acknowledging my Tahoe crossing. My non marathon swimming friends were amazed by the length of the swim. Their reaction was akin to my reaction to someone completing an Ultra Marathon Run. My marathon swim network were very generous in there recognition of my longest swim to date, even though many of them have completed many swims much longer and harder. They welcomed me with open arms,as a newbie, into the club of marathon swimming with encouragement and inspiration for future challenging swim adventures.

I am humbled by all of the incredible marathon swimmers who complete truly incredible efforts of endurance. A marathon swim is technically any swim 10K or more that are completed following the established guidelines which include no gear which might assist the swimmer i.e. wetsuit, thermal caps, hanging on about to rest etc. . Although I am very proud of my accomplishment, my social media feed reminds me that there are many marathon swimmers around the world doing much harder swims all the time. People are completing big swims in Tahoe and in locations all over the world. If you want to geek out on the data, check out The long swim database . This online database created by Evan Morrison and the Marathon Swim Federation is the most comprehensive source for documented marathon swims. I especially enjoy the records and lists linked from the homepage. Reading about others swims is both inspiring and humbling. There are some truly unbelievable endurance swimmers pushing the limits of what is possible.

Unable to lift my arms over my head in the immediate 24 hours after swimming across Lake Tahoe I would have anticipated needing/wanting a bit of a break from swimming in order to recover and enjoy some alternative recreation. My plans for a recovery break were harpooned by the draw of swimming in the San Francisco Bay and the welcoming Bay swimming community. During my stay in the Bay area the week after Tahoe; My friends Sarah and Neil made sure I would have plenty of opportunities to jump back in the cold San Fransisco Bay and meet their incredible swimming community. I was invited to swim by their Pod-mates everyday of my visit. It felt like a seven day openwater swim camp. Without the pressure of training for a big swim it was blissful to just swim for the pure joy of swimming. Unencumbered by training goals and anxiety of the looming 14 mile swim, I was able to truly let go and just swim for the joy of swimming.

Neil unofficial SERC Ambassador and bay swimming evangelist…before an exulting swim

The week cemented my addiction to swimming in the cold water of the San Fransisco of the SF bay. The South End Rowing club swimming community is incredible! The combination of cold water, tides/currents, wind, swells, iconic City views, boat traffic and wildlife is captivating. Highlights of the week included:

A swim from Alcatraz to Aquatic park with a small group who swim Alcatraz weekly
A few Chrissy field laps with a Sarah’s regular pod a group of inspiring accomplished marathon Swimmers
Swimming with my kids in Aquatic Park cove
Joining the South End Rowing club and being introduced to the amazing Swimming community by Neil the unofficial SERC Ambassador.

Swimming on the Bay feels strangely familiar and comfortable. I originally wondered if I had been a SF bay swimmer in a past life and then I realized the familiarity came from my time swimming and sailing in the tides of the Hudson River/estuary as a kid. I gained the nickname of river rat because of the amount of time I spent in and around the river, when it was largely unpopular as a swim and sailing venue in the 1970’s.

What a week of Joyful , goal free Swimming!

Swimming Alcatraz, Chrissy field, Aquatic park!!!

Returning to Utah, I was able to manage my Bay swimming withdrawal with the help of my local Park City Swimming Pod with some great Mountain Lake swims in Utah and a few great Mountain bike rides. I am starting to think about future Marathon Swims but mostly just enjoying the joy of swimming without goals for awhile.