“I Actually Feel Good” … And Tanya MacLean Should
Upon reaching shore and touching terra firma, Tanya MacLean remarked, “I actually feel pretty good.” For those who train with and know MacLean well, it was a perfect summary of her character as she struggled – and enjoyed – a tough channel swim of 11 hours 41 minutes from Anacapa Island to the California coastline.
Nature handed her waves, current, and turbulence, but MacLean responded with patience, smiles, and guts.
All those long months of winter training paid off. In a remarkable resolve after a swim that was double her anticipated time, she actually increased her stroke count by almost 10, kicked it in, and sprinted to the finish.
Copyright © 2013 by Open Water Swimming
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff.
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