Awe

Around this time every year a bunch of brave, dedicated and possibly slightly crazy people swim from Cottesloe all the way to Rottnest. 19.7km of swimming. It is an epic achievement.

It is one of those sporting events that I have always been in awe of. Lots of folks in the SwimSmooth squad are Rotto swimmers which has given me some indication of what the event takes. Then last year I was the attendant paddler for one of my mates who did the event showing me even more. This slightly closer association with the event has only served to increase the amazement I feel when I consider what these swimmers are doing.

19.7km. Of swimming. Let that one just sit with your for a moment. On top of that, most people I know who do the race solo work their way up to around 30ish km of swimming a week in training. Over the last 5 or 6 weeks I have regularly been bumping into SwimSmooth members down the river getting in 12, 14 or 16km swim sessions.

For me this is where my amazement at the race comes from. I have no problem with a race that goes for 5 or 6 hours. I do that from time to time myself. No, for me the idea of the sort of training that this event requires is just completely foreign to me. I gather to do it you have to become very comfortable in your own head. Unlike riding or running for long durations, with swimming there is very little external stimuli. After a while the brain starts to wander and begins to question, 'how much longer'. For me I struggle to stay in the water after about 90 minutes. To prepare for a race like this you need to work past that and become happy to just swim. I am just not sure I could do that. Hence my wonder at those who can.   

Looks like the race was a good one this year. Strong offshore winds have been blowing for most of the day, which kept the ocean flat. The flat conditions made for a fast day with the win coming in 4 hours 18. From what I understand that is fast, but not record fast. Much quicker than last years rough year though, when the win was taken in much closer to 5 hours. Impressive stuff however you cut it though. Rough water or flat, I don't think there is an easy way to swim 20km, just perhaps less difficult.

Lots of great results among the mates from SwimSmooth. A few category wins and a lot of successful crossing. Phenomenal stuff.

I love it when this race rolls around every year. The race is a great spectacle, the lead up, the convoy of support vessels, the gathering at the start. It all makes for a great event. However, what I enjoy more is watching a bunch of friends strive for something so extreme. And get there.