MYSWIM: Swimming the length of Lake Zurich with Michael Helps

08/24/23 • 23 min

In this episode I share with you a swim I got half way through and proclaim to my boat crew “This is the day I learnt to swim for!”

Through a series of questions friends have asked me over the years I explore the What, How ,When, Why ,Who, Where, of swimming the length of the beautiful Lake Zurich through my personal experience of my favourite lake swim - My individual MYSWIM.

A YouTube video accompanies this podcast which shows further detail of the swim.

Topics covered:

· INTRODUCTION to the Lake - geometry, temperatures, water wild life

· HOW did I prepare for the swim?

· WHAT was my TRAINING PLAN?

· WHAT is my recommended Swim and travel KIT LIST and food?

· WHAT was my Feed Strategy?

· Travel kit suggestions

· WHO is the event for?

· Suggestion for WHERE to stay

· WHAT happens on RACE DAY Prior to the start

· The Race Experience

· My lasting impressions of the swim

· Regular Feature: Factitious swim challenge

Links for further information:

www.srichinmoyraces.org

With this episode of the podcast there is a unique MYSWIM design that reflects the essence of the LAKE ZURICH swim discussed. This design is exclusively available through the MYSWIM.uk website, and each purchase helps keep the podcasts going and promoting the shared love for all things aquatic.

It is an exciting journey, and we would be honoured to have you join us with our designs and showing off your love for your individual MYSWIM. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to being a part of your aquatic adventure.

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In this episode I share with you a swim I got half way through and proclaim to my boat crew “This is the day I learnt to swim for!”

A YouTube video accompanies this podcast which shows further detail of the swim.

Topics covered:

· INTRODUCTION to the Lake - geometry, temperatures, water wild life

· HOW did I prepare for the swim?

· WHAT was my TRAINING PLAN?

· WHAT is my recommended Swim and travel KIT LIST and food?

· WHAT was my Feed Strategy?

· Travel kit suggestions

· WHO is the event for?

· Suggestion for WHERE to stay

· WHAT happens on RACE DAY Prior to the start

· The Race Experience

· My lasting impressions of the swim

· Regular Feature: Factitious swim challenge

Links for further information:

www.srichinmoyraces.org

Previous Episode

MYSWIM: Outdoor Social Swimming with Sue Woodcock & Deb Vine.

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In this episode we take a deep dive into the world of outdoor social swimming – a thrilling and fulfilling way to swim outside with friends. But why is it so popular? What are the benefits? And how can you join in on the fun? We've got all the answers you need, thanks to our special guests who embody the social and selfless spirit of the swimming community. We'll explore their personal journeys, uncover their motivations, and discover the most important aspects of their social swimming experiences. So tune in and get ready to be inspired to take the plunge yourself!

For hundreds of years, swimming has been recognised as a therapeutic activity for physical ailments, but it's only recently that the mental health benefits of being part of a community have been understood.

We've got two amazing guests - Sue Woodcock and Debbie Vine - who for me embody the positive energy and enthusiasm of this type of swimming. Their love of the water is matched only by their passion for supporting others in their outdoor swimming adventures.

We explore:

· Their backgrounds and journey from learn to swim through to current love of swimming? & What inspired them to start outdoor social swimming

· Social swimming is wide ranging and means so many things to different people. Why do they think outdoor swimming is becoming so popular and why is it so special to them.

· How do it make them feel? & What have been some of the most memorable experiences they’ve had while swimming outdoors

· Who do they think it’s for Or Anyone its not appropriate for

· What are the benefits of outdoor social swimming?

· What are the benefits of swimming in the winter?

· What do they think are the most common misconceptions about outdoor swimming?

· What do they think are some of the most important pieces of equipment for outdoor swimming?

· How do they prepare for any outdoor swim?

· What should you wear? Are woolly hats compulsory?!

· When can you do outdoor swimming? When is the best time to swim? What is the temperature at this time?

· How do people find places to swim?

· What are some of the challenges they’ve faced while swimming outdoors?

· What do they think are the most important safety precautions to take when swimming outdoors?

· Where would be their ideal place to swim? Anywhere in the world and why?

· If they could swim with anyone famous from anytime, who would they choose for their perfect swim?

· How does someone find out about groups and where to swim? (UK and abroad?)

o Here are the names and website addresses of some top outdoor swimming societies in some regions around the world:

o North America:
§ United States Masters Swimming (https://www.usms.org/)
§ Outdoor Swimmer Society (https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/)
§ Wild Swimming USA (https://wildswimmingusa.com/)
o Europe:
§ Outdoor Swimming Society (https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/)
§ Serpentine Swimming Club (https://serpentineswimmingclub.com/)
§ The Outdoor Swimming Society UK (https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/)
o Asia:
§ Hong Kong Open Water Swimming Association (https://hkoswi

Next Episode

MYSWIM : The Ocean 7 with Andy Donaldson

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Ever wondered what it takes to complete Open water swimming’s Ocean 7, understanding the challenges both mentally and physically? Well today’s extraordinary guest contemplated the same dream but went above and beyond to pushed the boundaries of human endurance by targeting all seven swims in under a year and used their incredible achievements to make an impact on mental health support. Today we talk through THE WHAT, WHY, HOW AND WHO with the incredible multiple world record holder Andy Donaldson

What is the Ocean 7? The Ocean seven a globally recognized marathon swimming challenge devised in 2008 to push swimmers to conquer seven varied and challenging channels around the world with the intention of being swimming’s equivalent of the Seven Summits mountaineering challenge.

I was fortunate enough to meet Andy at the recently formed Ultra Swim 33.3 event in Montenegro. A fantastically organised event in a beautiful location that I will be doing a separate podcast about in the coming weeks and will leave links to future events in the show notes.

Andy is no ordinary swimmer now holds multiple British and World records for his completed Ocean seven achievements not least being the first to complete the challenge in less than a calendar year as well as cumulatively having the fastest time for the seven swims. But Andy's journey doesn't stop there. Alongside his awe-inspiring athletic pursuits, he has been working tirelessly to raise awareness and support for mental health. Using his swim challenges to push the limits to get positive change to how mental health and wellbeing is talked about and how support is provided. Having had the privilege of being able to delve into the mindset the is extraordinary individual I cannot think of a better ambassador for open water swimming and champion for mental health support and awareness.

My conversation with Andy took place on a stunning beach in the picturesque country of Montenegro between swims at the 33.3 event and I urge those listening to this on audio to visit the MYSWIM.uk YouTube channel, available through links on the MYSWIM.uk website to see the relax beaty of our podcast surroundings.

Although the sound quality may not be on par with a pristine sound studio and you might hear the gentle crashing of waves, the sound of pebbles and the distant laughter of beachgoers, acreaking parasol in the gentle breeze. I know you’ll appreciate I’m finding it hard to apologise for being outside in such a stunning location and embrace the ambient sounds of nature over the perfection of a studio – for me this was the perfect studio.

So pull up a chair next to Andy and I, Close your eyes , imagine the breathtaking view, feel the warmth of the sun, and let the atmosphere of this beach in Montenegro ignite your imagination. Get ready to be inspired, captivated, and moved as we uncover the depths of his incredible journey.

It’ll a podcast experience like no other – enjoy!

Links and further information: