At the Threshold Happy August! Later this month, I’ll attempt a 50-mile swim from Newport, VT to Magog, Quebec and back. If I complete it, it will be the longest swim of my life. But this swim represents more than distance. It represents what becomes possible when you let the water hold you up—the same principle I teach every swimmer who steps into the pool with me. The distance changes, but the foundation remains: trust the water, trust your body, trust the process. This isn’t just a big…

What’s it like for you? Do you have an easy time showing up for your training sessions? Or is it a struggle to make it happen? (🙋♀️ Yep, I’ve been there.) Showing up is half the battle, but making each stroke count—that’s the real challenge. In community, we support each other in putting our best effort forward. Yes, there are times when showing up is all we can do and it’s enough. But let’s be real—water time is precious. We need to make it matter. This isn’t about hollow conversations,…

Effort vs. Exchange As the seasons change—with cooler weather, darker days, and at times, water falling out of the sky—I’ve found myself on my rowing machine for movement. (Remember those Zones 4 and 5 I’m chasing to “age gracefully”?) After last week’s 550 yards, I’m reminded there are many ways to build the engine. Rowing, like cycling and running, builds cardiovascular capacity that carries over to the water—which is why I tell triathletes they’ve got it made. Their bike and run training…

Hi there, Yesterday I wrapped up Session 1 of Intro to Efficient Swimming at Rogue X. One participant — a lifelong swimmer who joined because she wanted to keep swimming kind to her joints — described the experience as “revolutionary.” The word struck me—because we weren’t chasing speed or performance, we simply slowed down enough to feel what actually supports the body. The exciting part? What supports the body will actually result in speed. If you’ve been curious about exploring swimming…

Come As You Are—The Water Will Meet You For kids, trust in the water often comes more naturally—or returns quickly once they’re reminded. They play. They explore. They discover that the water holds them. They’re less likely to overthink. And quicker to just feel. Adults carry more. Expectations. Self-judgment. Past experiences. The desire to do it right. But real progress in swimming—and in life—rarely comes from control.It comes from letting go. Trust doesn’t always feel like…

One Thing at a Time Yesterday I got out of the pool and lingered in my bubble. If I resist the urge to pick up my phone and see what I missed, I can hold on to the bliss for just a few minutes longer. Then the wave comes… the meeting I’m supposed to be in, the emails I missed, the messages unanswered. The shift from clarity to chaos is swift and merciless. In the water, I know what to focus on. While it can be overwhelming, it’s a practice I’ve honed for 3 years now: choose one thing—just…