All I can say is Wowwee! Congratulations to Misty Varnell for swimming and Laura Stuck for paddling (and navigating/feeding) the 12.5 miles Swim Around Charleston yesterday, Sunday, October 13!
Below is Misty’s race synopsis:
“Hey, it went really well! We finished in 5:24:51 and my estimated/goal time was 5:30ish. I am super happy with that! And even more so given what the last 2 1/2 weeks have looked like (I never want a Helene taper ever again!).”
Coach’s note: * The Helene taper noted is zero swimming for 2.5 weeks, and this amazing swim was only accomplished because of the significant and well executed base training and race schedule executed leading up to this weekend🐬🐠🐙🧘🏻♂️🌞
“There was a good bit of chop at the beginning crossing the Cooper River to Charleston. Then the water smoothed out but little current. By the time we got the tidal push going up the Ashley River the wind picked up in the opposite direction so the waves were coming against us.
“Definitely some extra effort getting over those waves towards the last hour or so. The water was also cold! It was 80° earlier this week, but I guess hurricane Milton cooled it down to a lovely (just kidding) 74°. I was fine the first half, feet were cold by halfway through, and my whole body was cold the last few miles.
“Overall swimming, I felt great! All the muscles in and around my shoulders were really tired by 3 to 3 1/2 hours but nothing hurt in the sense of something being wrong and it didn’t make a difference on my shoulders how slow or fast I went so I maintained the tempo and dug in for those last two hours. Seeing the finish line bridge come into view was a welcome sight! Overall the swim went really well!
“Laura was fabulous on the kayak! She was so on point in every way from navigation to feeds to encouragement! She even saw a dolphin, which made me happy even though I missed it. I am so grateful!!! It still feels a little surreal to be here!!”
Well done Laura and Misty!
Asheville Masters Swimming 