"CUTTING WATER" = ONE swim stroke. In 1994, my life changed while cutting through the cool waters of the English Channel, a place that brings me peace. Swimming is such a wonderful, lifelong sport, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, no matter what level you may be. Dream, Prepare, Succeed. - Marcella MacDonald
Saturday, October 20, 2018
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
feeling blessed
Just to clarify and apologies about my tracker, I have no clue what was going on... we finished at a beach north of Calais France, Phare de Walde, 15h01min.
The quest to Belgium did not go as planned, but sometimes the weather over can not be explained.
Michael Oram had plotted a perfect course (with all the tidal changes). We were flying (so to speak) at times, then as we turned north along the French coast, we were hit with a long-standing wind/against tide...which is the worse water mix for a swimmer.
Rouge waves were hitting me straight on, that previously were shielded by Gallivant.
I had most of my injury-prone areas (shoulder/upper back) under control, but I must have been hit/thrown enough times that my left Latissimus dorsi muscle was pulled/overly strained...needless to say, my left side became useless and extremely painful with every stroke. Then it became a one-arm event.
The quest to Belgium did not go as planned, but sometimes the weather over can not be explained.
Michael Oram had plotted a perfect course (with all the tidal changes). We were flying (so to speak) at times, then as we turned north along the French coast, we were hit with a long-standing wind/against tide...which is the worse water mix for a swimmer.
Rouge waves were hitting me straight on, that previously were shielded by Gallivant.
I had most of my injury-prone areas (shoulder/upper back) under control, but I must have been hit/thrown enough times that my left Latissimus dorsi muscle was pulled/overly strained...needless to say, my left side became useless and extremely painful with every stroke. Then it became a one-arm event.
After swimming, in place(it seemed like eternity), in-front of Calais, I don't know how many ferries passed by (not close...don't worry, we were well out from the traffic).
Unfortunately, we still had to swim for a couple hours to a safe beach, which was an adventure in itself. Scott swam in with me for safety reasons... I was swimming with only my right arm, alternating freestyle and butterfly drill by now. it was a very cool beach, but scary at times. While walking across a large sandbar, I saw a head in the water. Thinking it was a local taking an evening, I thought nothing of it, until it went underwater, and in a split second it was 25 yards closer.
We were swimming with a seal family, and they certainly were checking us out.
I wish I had my camera, but we had more pressing issues, finish and then swim back to the boat.
We were swimming with a seal family, and they certainly were checking us out.
I wish I had my camera, but we had more pressing issues, finish and then swim back to the boat.
All IS good, I'm sore, but THANKFUL for ALL YOUR support and caring thoughts.
Thank you to my crew, Janet Galya (always looking at me with her caring eyes, I'm sorry I put you through this) , Scott Lautman for helping in and out the water and Jane Murphy our crew Mom.
Mike Oram, Mike Ball and Tanya Harding for the safe passage and return to port. Jason Kelvin and Kerry (apologies for not remembering your last name) for your official observation duties.
Lastly for friends, Louise Darlington and Hugh for seeing us off at the early hours at St. Margaret's Bay and meeting us at the docks...thank you so much.
Mike Oram, Mike Ball and Tanya Harding for the safe passage and return to port. Jason Kelvin and Kerry (apologies for not remembering your last name) for your official observation duties.
Lastly for friends, Louise Darlington and Hugh for seeing us off at the early hours at St. Margaret's Bay and meeting us at the docks...thank you so much.
Friday, August 31, 2018
All is ...GO
The plan is in place,
We meet Mike Oram at 3am...and head to St. Margaret's Bay for 4:30-5 a.m. for the plunge...
Saturday, September 1, 2018, around 5 am (GMT)... midnight East coast USA.
We have FindMeSPOT tracker...
Just follow this link to see my location updates:
If the link doesn't work, try copying and pasting it to your browser's address bar...
or you can find us on
the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation website
cspf.co.uk/tracking look for the green triangle: or toggle our boat...Gallivant
Many of you already know, I try to swim for a charity but with so many sad things happening around the world, I'll give you a few suggestions but if you have a special foundation you are helping, just give a little extra in our honor.
Our favorites: I wish there was a site for 'Peace on Earth' but in the meantime...
- world-wide the Red Cross https://www.icrc.org or your local Red Cross Center
- a local homeless center in your area
- your local YMCA or Town Recreation department -to support swim lessons for all... helping to prevent needless drownings
Thank you for all your interest and support and I'll be reporting soon, hopefully a success story.
Dream, Prepare, Succeed,
Marcy
Marcy
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Destination Belgium...is a Go
|
4:07 PM (9 minutes ago)
|  | ||
Hi everyone,
After my 2017 attempt being blown out, another year of training and waiting (you all have been so patient), and 2 weeks swimming around Dover Harbor, our swim day is here.
I have kept things relatively quiet, because many situations had to fall into place but we think the day is here to Test my LIMITS of endurance.
My pilot and friend, Mike Oram (Ajort)
has worked hours plotting our course and if all goes well we will finish on the shores of Belgium, approximately 10 miles north of Dunkirk, France.
My supportive crew of Janet Galya (Amir), Scott Lautman (Aquaman) and Jane Murphy (Mamarita)
will feed, entertain and watch over me for the possible 30+ hours (in the water).
The plan is in place,
Saturday, September 1, 2018, around 5 am (GMT)... midnight East coast USA.
We have FindMeSPOT tracker...
Just follow this link to see my location updates:
http://share.findmespot.com/
If the link doesn't work, try copying and pasting it to your browser's address bar.or you can find us on the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation website
cspf.co.uk/tracking look for the green triangle: or toggle our boat...Gallivant
Many of you already know, I try to swim for a charity but with so many sad things happening around the world, I'll give you a few suggestions but if you have a special foundation you are helping, just give a little extra in our honor.
Our favorites: I wish there was a site for 'Peace on Earth' but in the meantime...
- world-wide the Red Cross https://www.icrc.org or your local Red Cross Center
- a local homeless center in your area
- your local YMCA or Town Recreation department -to support swim lessons for all... helping to prevent needless drownings
Thank you for all your interest and support and I'll be reporting soon, hopefully a success story.
Dream, Prepare, Succeed,
Marcy
Marcy
Monday, August 27, 2018
Friday, August 24, 2018
Loopy Friday
The weather has changed, blowing out the Humid air with some refreshing dryness but...
with wind...
no swim... actually enjoying the acclimation of the harbor and waiting for the Scot (Aquaman) to join us early next week...
but we will be going next week sometime... I will keeping you all up to date.
enjoy your weekend.
with wind...
no swim... actually enjoying the acclimation of the harbor and waiting for the Scot (Aquaman) to join us early next week...
but we will be going next week sometime... I will keeping you all up to date.
enjoy your weekend.
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Relax, we're not going yet...
Good Morning from Dover, a quick update, the wind is expected to pick up tomorrow, so our swim will not taking off for awhile.
We're meeting a few new swimfriends (Bob from Jersey, Ellen and Kevin , and I'm looking for Melanie Kaplan) and we're collecting supplies and enjoying the sounds of Dover (natural alarm clock at 5am).
The water is quite comfy warm this year, almost no shock upon entry.
Heading for the cliff walk today after a dip.
Enjoy your day, test your limits, but always be safe.
If you'd like to see the boats heading across the channel today...
click on this link
http://cspf.co.uk/tracking
Monday, August 20, 2018
Friday, August 3, 2018
Aquaman and Mera
Dear friends,
Thank you SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH for your generosity.
Unfortunately, the weather gods did not cooperate Saturday for the Swim Across the Sound.
Safety, especially on and in the water, is our 1st concern. By the time the severe weather had passed through the start point of Port Jefferson, NY, the tides were unfavorable and the swim had to be canceled.
The Angels and Warriors battling cancer are always in our hearts as we continue our future Aqua Adventures.
We will keep you posted with future developments on Marcy's swim blog
We'll be back in 2019.
Dream, Prepare, Succeed.
AquaMan (a.k.a.Scott) and Mera(a.k.a.Marcy)
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Sad Remembrance swims
Monday...prayers to the evacuation of the volunteer White Helmets (3750 SCY)
Tuesday...remembering the victims of the Table Rock Lake (5900 LCM) boat tragedy
Peace to all the families and friends affected.
Peace to our world.
Peace to our world.
Sunday, June 24, 2018
It's Summer, time for SAS, Hammonassett and Qualifiers
Geoff's SAS qualifier went GREAT, Awesome and looking forward to next Sunday with the gang.. CT open Championships next Saturday a Quassy... lots of kids and lots of waiting...
Super Success for Geoffrey Michaud (Manchester SwimKid)
John Waanders and Scott Lautman... it's going to be quite a SAS race... he's fast.
Friday, June 8, 2018
Mercer Island Seattle Tracking
Hi everyone,
8am Friday, Pacific time (11am East Coast)
Tracking info below...
Starting off the 2018 OW season with a trip to Seattle in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Tomorrow, On Friday, 6/8/18, NOWSA https://northwestopenwater.org/mims/is hosting the new MIMS (Mercer Island Marathon Swim)
13ish fresh water cool (64 degrees) miles, depending on your course... I'm planning on cutting off the coves as much as possible....
still a good 6+ hour swim.
13ish fresh water cool (64 degrees) miles, depending on your course... I'm planning on cutting off the coves as much as possible....
still a good 6+ hour swim.
Have a marvelous day and find a challenge to keep it interesting.
Dream, Prepare, Succeed.
Sunday, May 6, 2018
Happy Anniversary ForEver Love
Swim Workout Name: Happy Anniversary ForEver Love
Author: Marcella MacDonald
Date Created: May 06, 2018
Distance/Pool Type: 5500 scy
Swim Workout Category: marathon
Swim Workout Time: 1:27:00
Author: Marcella MacDonald
Date Created: May 06, 2018
Distance/Pool Type: 5500 scy
Swim Workout Category: marathon
Swim Workout Time: 1:27:00
| Reps | Distance | Interval | Stroke | Type | Comment | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1050 | 17:00 | freestyle | warm-up/down | 6/1994=29=725 M 325 (Met) | 1050 / 17:00 |
| 18 | 100 | 01:35 | freestyle | swim | 2 (1:35) 4 (1:30) 18 years | 1800 / 28:30 |
| 1 | 950 | 15:00 | freestyle | warm-up/down | 5/5/2012=15=375 W 575 Wed | 950 / 15:00 |
| 6 | 100 | 01:30 | freestyle | swim | 2 (1:35) 4 (1:30) 6 year Wedding Anniversary | 600 / 09:00 |
| 1 | 1100 | 17:30 | freestyle | warm-up/down | 5/5/2018= 21 = 575 F 150 For E 125 Ever L 300 Love | 1100 / 17:30 |
Hope And Peace Are Stronger Than Fear
Swim Workout Name: Hope And Peace Are Stronger Than Fear
Author: Marcella MacDonald
Date Created: May 06, 2018
Distance/Pool Type: 7650 scy
Swim Workout Category: marathon
Swim Workout Time: 1:58:30
Author: Marcella MacDonald
Date Created: May 06, 2018
Distance/Pool Type: 7650 scy
Swim Workout Category: marathon
Swim Workout Time: 1:58:30
| Reps | Distance | Interval | Stroke | Type | Comment | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1100 | 17:00 | freestyle | warm-up/down | H 200 O 375 P 400 E 125 | 1100 / 17:00 |
| 1 | 475 | 07:30 | freestyle | swim | A 25 N 350 D 100 | 475 / 07:30 |
| 1 | 750 | 11:30 | freestyle | swim | P 400 E 125 A 25 C 75 E 125 | 750 / 11:30 |
| 1 | 600 | 09:30 | freestyle | swim | A 25 R 450 E 125 | 600 / 09:30 |
| 1 | 2900 | 45:00 | freestyle | swim | S 475 T 500 R 450 O 375 N 350 G 175 E 125 R 450 | 2900 / 45:00 |
| 1 | 1075 | 17:00 | freestyle | swim | T 500 H 200 A 25 N 350 | 1075 / 17:00 |
| 1 | 750 | 11:00 | freestyle | swim | F 150 E 125 A 25 R 450 | 750 / 11:00 |
Monday, April 30, 2018
Marcia and Marcella ... 6200
Marcia, Marcia, Marcia Cleveland Happy Birthday,
So Blessed we are friends and Mersisters,
So Blessed we are friends and Mersisters,
You share your Birthday with my young grand-niece Marcella, crazy 8's...
between the 2 of you (you are the umbrella), a very challenging workout....Thank You
between the 2 of you (you are the umbrella), a very challenging workout....Thank You
450 w/u (4/30/2018=18=450)
54 x 100 (5 on 1:30/ 4 on 1:35 <25 drill="" loosen="" p="" to="" up="">
8 x 25 (:30 no breathing wall to line/drill to wall)
3 x 50 easy backstroke, because you are/were a backstroker moons ago
= 6200 Happy Birthday yards.
= 6200 Happy Birthday yards.
Enjoy your day and 55th year....
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
🌠Dedication🌠To🌠The🌠TaskðŸŒ
Swim Workout Name: 🌠Dedication🌠To🌠The🌠TaskðŸŒ
Author: Marcella MacDonald
Date Created: April 25, 2018
Distance/Pool Type: 5200 scy
Swim Workout Category: marathon
Swim Workout Time: 1:22:30
Date Created: April 25, 2018
Distance/Pool Type: 5200 scy
Swim Workout Category: marathon
Swim Workout Time: 1:22:30
| Reps | Distance | Interval | Stroke | Type | Comment | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1🌠| 25🌠| 00:30 | freestyle | drill | No breathing:wall>line/Drill:line>wall | 25 / 00:30 |
| 1 | 2100 | 33:00 | freestyle | swim | Odd #: drill 1st and last 25 Even #: no drill D 100 E 125 D 100 I 225 C 75 A 25 T 500 I 225 O 375 N 350 | 2100 / 33:00 |
| 1🌠| 25🌠| 00:30 | freestyle | drill | No breathing:wall>line/Drill:line>wall | 25 / 00:30 |
| 1 | 875 | 14:00 | freestyle | swim | T 500 O 375 | 875 / 14:00 |
| 1🌠| 25🌠| 00:30 | freestyle | drill | No breathing:wall>line/Drill:line>wall | 25 / 00:30 |
| 1 | 825 | 13:00 | freestyle | swim | T 500 H 200 E 125 | 825 / 13:00 |
| 1🌠| 25🌠| 00:30 | freestyle | drill | No breathing:wall>line/Drill:line>wall | 25 / 00:30 |
| 1 | 1275 | 20:00 | freestyle | swim | T 500 A 25 S 475 K 275 | 1275 / 20:00 |
| 1🌠| 25🌠| 00:30 | freestyle | drill | No breathing:wall>line/Drill:line>wall | 25 / 00:30 |
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2015 ... Swimming for Homes for the Brave
