I first learned about the Northeast Kingdom Swim Week when I registered for the Kingdom Swim 10 mile and 25k swim races in 2016 and 2017, also in Vermont, and run by the same race director. With those marathon swims in my tool-kit, the 47 miles of swimming over 9 days was the next logical step. Another objective step was to rely on my swim coach, Eric Limkemann (also a talented triathlon/endurance/strength coach, and a former professional triathlete), who had made it possible for me to complete my two previous marathon swims, and could now provide a road map to success during NEK Swim Week.
While I knew what it took to complete 15.5 miles in about 9 hours, I wasn’t sure how my body and mind would react to 9 days of swimming with an average of 10k per day! However, I love a good challenge, and enjoy endurance activities, so the long Swim Week fit the bill.
Much of the training to get ready for NEK Swim Week involved a lot of longer and successive swims to simulate swimming various distances for 9 days in a row. This was a departure from previous training years that included shorter interval sets during the weekdays, and then long swims over the weekend. Each swim would take it’s toll a little more day after day, so my base needed to be solid, and my spirits needed to remain high regardless of cumulative yardage or weather/water conditions. Another constant struggle is that I work a night shift schedule, making early morning training sessions and racing less than ideal!
Fast forward to early August, and my nerves were getting the best of me leading up to our Vermont departure. However, I had confidence in my coach’s plan, and knew that I was physically prepared to take-on and complete each of the 9 swims. Furthermore, throughout the warmer training months, I had experienced a mixed bag of weather and water conditions, including high wind chop, lots of boat-induced chop, cold water, hot water, and even algae-infested water! So I was also mentally-ready to take on any harsh weather/water condition present in Vermont or Quebec.
Another big part of marathon swimming involves preparation and lots of practice at the following: Using sunscreens and anti-chafe products that won’t fade during multiple hours in the water without reapplication, following and staying close to your assigned “yacker,” taking in nutrition and hydration at regular intervals, and taking supplements such as salt pills and leg cramp pills as needed.
Through a lot of product testing, I have found the following work best as long-term sunscreen and/or anti-chafe while being in the water for extended hours: Dry zinc-oxide sticks with 10-20% for the face , and 20-40% zinc-oxide creams for the rest of the body (I prefer maximum-strength Desitin…although, the cod-fish oil scent is not pleasant). I also apply anti-chafe stick to my high chafe zones prior to applying the Desitin (the best I have found is Squirrel’s Nut Butter). For shorter swims, and often under Desitin, I use sunscreen supplemented with zinc-oxide (my favorite at the moment is TropicSport).
The leg cramp pills were a new addition to our feeding plan this year, discovered when we forgot salt pills during a long weekend of swimming at Smith Mountain Lake. These pills really take the edge off the normally debilitating foot and calf cramps that I experience during longer open water as well as pool swims. I use Hyland’s Leg Cramps, and they must be good, as they are a sponsor of the Boston Marathon!
My nutrition consists of one applesauce or toddler mixed fruit squeeze packs (70-100 calories) every 30 minutes. I found that my body does well with this simple carbohydrate meal, compared to gel packs or any solid type of food. During the longest swims (10 miles and beyond), I supplement the toddler packs with lemon bars for an extra boost and tasty treat every-other feeding.
Day 1 of 9: Crystal Lake – 5 miles
First day jitters were in full effect, however, after meeting several of the other swimmers and yackers, I realized that the swim itself had a low key atmosphere, and everyone was simply there to enjoy a supported swim in beautiful setting. The yackers paddled out past the shallow beach area, and Phil, our Swim Week Director, took a picture of all the swimmers, and then muttered his favorite send-off phrase, “swim for your lives!” I found Tom’s kayak fairly easily, and we were off toward the cliffs across from the beach start. Tom stopped around 15 minutes in to check if I needed some water or a goggle exchange (just as we had practiced many times during training swims). The water temperature was in the low 70’s, and the wind-chop was low through the first feeding, 30 minutes in.
However, the wind-chop continued to increase through the turn around point at the other end of the lake. Phil had suggested that swimmers climb and jump off a large formation called Moose Rock, but I decided to play it safe on day #1, and just kept swimming. Once Tom and I had crossed the lake and turned back toward the start/finish beach, the wind picked up dramatically, and we kayaked and swam through a long downpour. I knew the winds were high due to the severe chop, but also because I was easily keeping up with or even passing Tom on the kayak, which only happens when he is paddling directly into the wind. He also sits up higher compared to the sit-in kayaks, on our large 2 person fishing kayak, so the winds either push him like a sail (and he ends up back-paddling to stay close to me), or the winds severely impede his forward progress, which was the case during the 2nd half of the Crystal Lake Swim. We both hit the finish beach around 2:40, with an average 1:44/100 yard pace, so not too bad considering the challenging conditions on the back half of the swim! However, I was also well rested and fresh for this swim, so I knew that each subsequent swim would begin with some level of soreness.
Day 2 of 9: Island Pond – 3.7 miles
This lake was located further away from our rented farmhouse compared to a lot of the other Vermont lakes, so we left extra early to get a jump on kayak unloading and other pre-swim logistics. Another beautiful, clean lake, with a large island in the middle, hence the name Island Pond. My soreness level wasn’t too bad from day #1, so I was hoping that the lower mileage on day #2 would help keep the soreness level to a minimum. As with most of the swims during the week, we gathered by 8 am, and were starting our swims by 9 am. Director Phil pushes us to start on time each morning (unless there is an active weather or safety issue).
The water temperature was in the low 70’s once again, and I felt energetic and had a good turn-over past the island, and fatigue was minimal. Director Phil had recommended that we run up on the beach and have some fun at the turn-around point, so I was excited when I could see the beach for myself as we approached the shallows. However, once I stood up in the sand, I realized that we had been swimming with a good tail-wind since the start of the swim, which meant that the swim back would be directly into the wind! I decided to forgo the jaunt on the beach, and we pushed off the shallows toward the finishing beach. During the return swim, Tom and I both struggled to maintain forward momentum with the increasing chop, and the occasional gust of side-wind. Once we passed the island, the winds increased, and I could tell that Tom was struggling to keep the kayak from being pushed too far away from me, meanwhile I was keeping up with him too well, and according to Tom, he nearly hit me with his paddle a few times. The winds were on a replay from the previous day, but this time without the downpour! We hit the wind-swept finishing beach in 2:02, with an average 1:50/100 yard pace, slower than the previous swim, but acceptable considering the challenging conditions. Tom and I were happy to have his parents and their dog Larry join us in the post-swim celebration of Island Pond!
Day 3 of 9: Lac Massawippi, Quebec – 9 miles
This was the only swim all within Quebec, Canada, so it required a vehicle pass through the border, which was luckily only about 15-20 minutes from our rented farmhouse. This was the earliest wake-up time for Tom and I for the entire NEK Swim Week, due to the extra issues with the border crossing, having our kayak power washed and inspected prior to the swim, and prepping for the longest swim of the extended week. I hadn’t swam 9 miles or more in one day since 2016 and 2017 when I raced the 10 mile and 25k in Vermont, NEK, so I was hoping that I still had the mental fortitude to push through once the inevitable fatigue set in. Although, I still didn’t have it as bad as the small group of swimmers taking on the double-crossing (18 miles) of Lac Massawippi, including a 15 year old, 12 year old (both sisters, and the 12 year old was attempting her longest swim yet), a couple of veteran double-crossers, and another first-time double-crosser. They had to cross the border in the middle of the night, and start their swim at daylight (around 5:30 am)! I wasn’t up for the double-crossing this time, but it’s definitely on my bucket-list for future years!
I met a few new swimmers prior to our regular 9 am start, as some were there for one swim, only the marathon distance swims (10k and beyond), or a mix of the week’s swims. The beauty of NEK Swim Week is that each swimmer gets to choose which swims to do, and everyone is supportive regardless of the individual goals of each swimmer. I witnessed joy from the most veteran marathon swimmers when another swimmer achieved a new distance or time PR, and it was this bond of inclusiveness that I enjoyed the most throughout NEK Swim Week.
We started a few minutes after 9 am, but it was only because some of the yackers (not Tom!) were taking too long to get in place, the swimmers were raring to go on the rocky beach. It was another shallow start, so I didn’t get into my regular turn-over until I was lined up behind Tom’s kayak.
My turn-over and energy-level was high during the first 10k, thanks to a steady tail-wind, and I was happy to see that I was maintaining a good pace according to my Garmin watch. Unfortunately, fatigue from the other 2 swims, and the wind changing directions around 3 hours into the swim slowed my progress. However, it was the last 1/4 to 1/2 mile that really made both Tom and I work, as the winds picked up exponentially, and they were definitely not in our favor!
Director Phil had instructed the swimmers to touch the wall to officially end our swim on the other side of the lake, so I was very much looking forward to getting up close and personal with that wall! The last part of the swim was narrow, rocky, and similar to a raging river, so I was forced to pull my way toward the wall by grabbing onto the rocks below me, until I was close enough to touch the wall to end my swim. We finished in 4:50, with an average 1:51/100 yard pace. It was at this moment that a big shin cramp hit me, so I laid back into the water, and took a couple of leg cramp pills from Tom. I stayed in the water for a few more minutes to let the cramp subside, then got out with another swimmer that had just finished (that happened to be her distance PR, so we were both thrilled! We chatted as we walked up the stairs and made our way by foot to the community center meet-up location. We found out later that there was a shuttle bus to transport swimmers, but we were both fine with some land walking after being in the water for 4 plus hours! Kayakers had to paddle back a 1/4 mile to get to the beach of the community center.
Day 4 of 9: Lake Seymour – 6.5 miles
This was the 2nd of 4 marathon-length (10k and beyond) swims during NEK Swim Week. The water temperature was still in the low 70‘s. I felt the 4th swim in a row fatigue a couple miles into today’s swim, and the increased wind-chop, especially on the return trip did not help. The best part of the swim was being able to look over a small dam at the far end of the lake, and it was a long way down, so I’m glad I didn’t fall over the metal wall that I had touch to signify the turn-around.
I did learn a valuable lesson while approaching the finishing beach, and that is to always trust your yacker’s navigation. I broke this rule by attempting to sight on the beach finish by myself, and I ended up turning left, away from the finish area. The beach was very long, and a bit of an optical illusion from the swimmer’s point of view, so it was easy to mistake the exact finishing area. I joked with everyone at the finish that I was obviously attempting another loop of the course! According to the swim officials, several other swimmers did the same thing as me as they approached the beach, so lesson learned, yackers are in charge, and as Director Phil explains prior to each swim, swimmers are all “waterlogged idiots” that can’t be trusted! We finished in 3:39 with an average 1:54/100 yard pace. Tom and I were able to share the post-swim celebration with his parents and dog Larry!
Day 5 of 9: Echo Lake – 6k or 12k
According to Director Phil, this was the most pristine lake of all the lakes that we would swim in. He was correct, I could see the bottom the entire time, even in the deeper sections. However, there were “access” issues for getting your kayak and gear down to the water. Luckily, Tom and I did a recon trip the previous day, following the Lake Seymour swim, and we discovered a boat launch area that was less than a mile from the start location. You weren’t allowed to swim from the boat launch, but since we have a two person kayak, Tom gave me a “swimmer uber” ride to and from the start/finish area. Our plan worked perfectly, and we were the first swimmer/yacker team to arrive in the very small gathering area next to the water. Tom scored extra points by helping carry heavy propane tanks, and helping other teams with their kayaks, as they negotiated the narrow, overgrown, and treacherous path down to the water. I helped several teams lower their kayaks into the water, and then we all lent a hand to unload the post-swim food from a support boat into the small gathering area. This swim had an extra relaxed atmosphere, and swimmers/yackers were able to decide if they wanted to swim 1 loop of 6k, 2 loops of 12k, or just peruse the lake in the direction of your choosing (it was a big circle). Since my overall goal for NEK Swim Week was to complete all 47 miles, I was already set on the full 2 loops for 12k! As I discovered at the finish, a lot of swimmers decided to cut it short to 1 loop, or 1 loop and a quick out and back, so I took pride in completing the entire distance:)
The water temperature was a little warmer, about 75, still ideal for me, but way too warm for some of the other marathon swimmers. The water was smooth when we started, but half-way into the 1st lap, the NEK wind machine kicked-in (like in every swim since day#1), but it was interesting to swim in a circular pattern…reminded me of my training swims at the Cove, just bigger and choppier!
My shoulders and arms were feeling the 5th swim in a row blues, but I pushed through…only one more “10k or above swim left tomorrow, then a 1 mile Sprint USMS Championship, a 5 mile USMS Middle-Distance Championship, and we’ll end the week with a short 5k cool-down swim! We finished the 12k in about 3:50 with an average 1:52/100 yard pace. I enjoyed my “swimmer uber” ride back to the boat dock…5+ stars!
Swim 6 of 9: Lake Memphremagog International Swim (Vermont/Quebec) – 6.5 miles
Memphre the “swimmer-friendly” lake creature was good to swimmers and yackers today…only a little chop here and there, mostly flat water:) This was by far the most favorable and calm swim so far for swimmers and yackers….unless you are one of the crazies who seek out rough water…there are a few in our swimming group!
I had swam in this lake twice before, for the 10 mile race in 2016, and the Border Buster 25k in 2017. Beautiful lake, lots of islands, and it usually starts out like glass in the mornings, but generally gets quite choppy in certain sections during the afternoon. Luckily Tom and I were making great progress, and we got out of the water before the chop picked up! We finished the 6.5 miles in 3:34 with an average 1:44/100 yard pace.
The swim started and finished on a beach close to Director Phil’s house, also referred to as the “Clubhous.” There was a fun potluck meal afterwards, where all the swimmers and yackers could mingle and reflect on another great swim. There is also an exercise path nearby, that runs all the way to the Canadian border. So if swimmers or yackers felt full of energy post-swim, they could go for a run, or cycle to the border…I’ll suggest this option to Director Phil for future NEK Swim Weeks:)
Swim 7 of 9: Lake Willoughby USMS 1 Mile Sprint National Championship
USMS wouldn’t allow us to wear any watches (not sure how wearing one would help a swimmer, but they were nonetheless prohibited), so I don’t have a file:(
It was the most difficult swimming mile due to high sustained winds (which are common in Lake Willoughby with its high cliffs on both sides!)
The fact that my wave (the final wave) didn’t start until 3 pm, gave the winds time to speed up as they always do in the afternoon, according to Vermont locals. Not sure why we didn’t swim in the morning like every other day of NEK Swim Week, but maybe USMS requested an afternoon swim? It was like swimming with a “small craft warning,” like in the Bay Swim earlier this year…very difficult to sight on buoys. I had the largest female AG (40-44), and I placed 6th out of 12, which put me in the final awarded place, so I got an engraved woodall:) My time was 32:00 according to their standings…with flatter water, I am confident I could have pulled a 27:00 or 28:00. My arms didn’t feel too bad, but the chop and sighting slowed me way down.
In my AG, only one other female had done the entire Swim Week, and she came in 5th place, so that made us both feel better about hanging with the “freshies!”
The start and finish was very shallow, and after racing with high knees out of the water, a big wave pushed me into the sand at the finish line…but luckily no major damage, just a sand abrasion wound/bruise, and a shattered ego:(
Day 8 of 9: Lake Willoughby USMS 5 Mile Middle-Distance National Championship
The start was super crazy with 99 swimmers and kayaker’s all leaving from a shallow beach at the same time, but I found Tom quickly, thanks to an orange pool noodle he attached to the back of our kayak for the last two swims.
Luckily, we swam with the high winds instead of against them, as we had during the 1 mile Championship Race. So we had a tail-wind for the entire swim…however, it was still difficult to get synced with the non-stop rolling waves, and a rogue wave would throw me off my rhythm every few minutes.
My shoulders and arms felt good the entire time, but I did have several leg cramps from lots of unbalanced kicking due to the waves, but the salt pills and leg cramp pills worked to keep the cramps manageable. We finished in 2:27 with an average 1:35/100 yard pace.
This time I didn’t take a dive/fall onto the finishing beach, but I still had to do a high-knees sprint in the shallows. I had the largest AG once again, but wasn’t fast enough to make the 6th place cut this time. However, everyone that did finish before me had not been swimming throughout NEK Swim Week. This was the first year that NEK Swim Week included championship races, so it felt a little odd to go from several days of low key swimming to two days of A-type racing!
Day 9 of 9: Lake Caspian – 5k
Easy 5k swim in a beautiful lake, great water temperature, only a little chop, and the swimmers were able to explore a rock formation called “bathtub rock” at the turn-around point…several rocks with water in between, where you can climb, float, or jump off the rocks! We finished in 1:35 with an average 1:46/100 yard pace.
Final Swim, made it to 47 Miles over 9 Days of Swimming! This extended week of swimming would not have been possible without the ever-present support, coaching, and cheers I received throughout training and during NEK Swim Week. Thank you to the following for making this happen:
Tom-my life partner and best friend, and absolute best “support yacker” in the world! I literally could not have completed NEK Swim Week without you! 2020 is “Tom’s year,” but I hope I get the chance to join you for some massive cycling/hiking sessions:)
Eric-my swim coach, who set up a solid base of swimming to give me the edge to not only finish all 9 swims, but to thrive and throw down some respectable times! I also know it’s not easy to work with a mid-shifter who likes to move workouts around, and do a few too many make-up’s, especially on the Vasa! Thank you for your patience, and for pushing me forward through the tough workouts!
Tom’s parents and Larry the dog-thank you for hosting us for several training swims at Great Sacandaga, and of course your relentless and much appreciated support during all of NEK Swim Week! Tom and I were able to focus on each swim, as we knew the rented farmhouse was in good hands. Next time we’ll get a place with less-brownish water in the NEK! It was great to see you at several of the swims, and thank you for taking all the action photos and videos! Larry, as always, you deserve many belly rubs and treats!
Sara’s parents and Lacy the cat- thank you for hosting us at SML for several training swims, and especially Dad, for providing direct kayak support when Tom was out of the loop. Mom, thank you for providing all the nutritious and tasty meals, including homemade blueberry pies…I wish I could put that taste into a toddler pack for my swim nutrition! Lacy, thank you for the kneading of my sore chest and upper back after long training swims, it was much appreciated:)
Sara’s brother and sister-in-law-thank your for always cheering me on in any activity I choose…marathons, triathlons, Ironman’s, and now marathon swimming! Maybe one day I’ll come close to swimming breaststroke as fast as Josh! Isabel, you are a constant inspiration, and Tom and I look forward to our next family trip up the “Manitou Incline!”
Swim buddies Laura and Anna-You both inspire me to one day be able to keep up with you during some all out sprint sets, or maybe some IM! Thank you for joining in for few sets of my longer intervals. I missed our weekend pool sessions once I was hitting the open water on a regular basis! We will have to get together for a future SML swim party!
Team FeXY teammates-I wear my tri-top/bottom and running hats with pride during my workouts! I was always thrilled to see teammates at the pool, or during rides to and from the pool! I see you all achieve greatness in the triathlon/endurance world, and that motivates me to keep moving and striving for excellence in open water, or any other sport I choose!
Here is a link to the NEK Swim Week website, which is also the website for the Kingdom Swim series in late July: