The Relay Takes Shape
It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything. Not as much on social media this year, not much of a blogger lately either. I’ve been so active on social media over the last 4 years, leading up to each swim. I’ve posted about my swims and all of the planning, physical & mental preparation, fundraising and the emotional insights associated with these endeavors. I sometimes feel like the kind of “Over-Sharer” that, personally, I find sort of annoying. However, what I’ve come to realize, is that with a blog, you’re here because you want to read about what we’re up to…
First of all, the creation of a non-profit foundation has been an adventure in learning in and of itself. Partly because we’ve been defining how best to manifest our mission as we go - and that has ultimately been rewarding as we are beginning to deliver on our promise to engage our target audience. Sure, we want to “Demonstrate What’s Possible in Recovery” and raise money for both Recovery and non-recovery-based charities. More importantly however, we want to proactively and tangibly share the act of swimming with others. Whether teaching novices to improve their swim skills so they can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of this activity, or encouraging skilled swimmers to engage with our active community of seasoned athletes. It’s all about the impact that physical well-being can have on mental well-being.
And I’m happy to report, that as we speak, the manifestation of our mission is taking shape. We have planned and executed meet-up swims with The Phoenix, we have discussed pool time with the Lansdale YMCA (pending), we have targeted an existing open water swim event to take over as organizers and we have planned an event to introduce our organization to swimmers in La Jolla, California.
Since planning my solo Catalina Channel crossing, it has been my objective to organize this relay consisting primarily of swimmers in Recovery - and I’m so excited to report that it is coming to full fruition! As I write this, we have registered 2 teams of 6 swimmers each and are now recruiting alternates. 8 of our swimmers are in active recovery from Substance Use Disorder, 2 more have been directly affected by loved ones who suffered from this disease and the others have direct exposure to the disease - (who doesn’t?) - and are actively helping to raise funds and awareness with us.
We’re going to share stories of many of our individual swimmers on this blog in the coming days and weeks, and hope you’ll check back frequently, as each one of our swimmers has a unique and inspiring story to share.
What an incredible experience it has been creating this team. Here are some highlights:
Of course, Rob, Bill and I have established ourselves as the core trio based on the East Coast and have defined the mission, organized the foundation and are active in the Recovery community. And, and we’ve already done multiple relays and solo swims as a team - Team iSwim4! It’s been nearly 4 years that we’ve been bonding over our common experience in recovery and common passion for swimming.
Upon Sharing my story at the Catalina Channel Swim Federation banquet, several other finishers approached me to express their interest in participating in a relay of swimmers in Recovery, disclosing that they would qualify. Kelley and Joe both swam the Channel solo last year and will be sharing more of their stories soon.
At one of the workouts I coach, there was a very good swimmer who overheard Rob and I speaking of swimmers in recovery. He approached us to ask if we were referring to recovery from injury or from something else. Upon sharing a bit about ourselves, Dan K revealed to us that he was a recovering alcoholic, and we immediately got him involved in iSwim4.
Kelley is based in San Diego/La Jolla and she is familiar with numerous West Cost swimmers who are in recovery or directly affected my SUD and referred them to us. Kerianne, Katia, Lisa, Eric and Brooke have all expressed their interest in joining the team for September!!
We are now in operation from Coast to Coast!!
-Jeff