Reflections from the big Swim

On the 14th September 2024 myself and 4 other amateur swimmers swam the length of Lake Annecy, France -15km in 7hrs 43mins. Here are a few reflections from the big swim with some life lessons to build endurance.

We drove along the lake’s edge to drop off the van we’d be returning in the next day. The sun was setting, and the early start had begun to catch up with me. The drive felt long, and I couldn’t help but wonder, Are we really swimming this tomorrow? Even walking that distance would have been a long hike, yet here we were, about to swim it.

Long-distance running and swimming have helped me build endurance, teaching me how to stick with something even when progress feels nonexistent.

For me, the swim was very much a journey of three parts:

• The euphoric start
• The blind "hang in there"
• The home stretch

The Euphoric Start The start was amazing. The water temperature was actually warmer than the air, and you could feel the enormous buzz and thrill of the team as we finally got going. The realization that the multitude of things that could have thwarted the trip—weather conditions, a dodgy shoulder, health concerns, organizing the kids, getting time off, and funding the trip—had all been overcome was incredible. We had all agreed to start at a steady pace and stick together. It felt amazing to be back in the water after tapering my training in the lead-up to the event.

The Blind "Hang in There" As the sun rose, so did the wind, and the waves followed. My pull buoy kept hitting my arm with each stroke, disrupting my flow. It was hard to maintain a straight line, and I realized I was falling behind. We’d agreed to stop every hour, but communication broke down in the choppy water, and the lead canoe we were following seemed to keep forging ahead. I knew I needed more nutrition soon, but slowing down to grab it from my buoy would put me even farther behind. Could I summon a burst of energy to catch up? Thankfully, my younger brother Andy was canoed beside me. I shouted, “We’ve got to stick to the plan! Can you tell them to hold up?” I was frustrated when I finally caught up, but a big grin and a high-five from one of the front swimmers melted that away. After that, the milestones were more in sync—30 minutes or 3km between breaks—so I could focus on my mental game. Little by little, we conquered the lake.

The Home Stretch After crossing from Grand to Petit Lac, two things happened that dramatically shifted the experience. First, the water was calmer, and we were swimming close to the edge, weaving in and out of boats moored by the shore. They provided a welcome distraction for my mind, even though I nearly head-butted the occasional buoy! Second, we passed the halfway point, and the end was in sight. I was tired, but with the waves calmer and the finish line approaching, it was just a matter of steady strokes, and I knew I’d make it. I used my Shokz headphones and listened to about a hour of music - it was pure bliss!

Here are a few lessons that I found instructive beyond the swim itself:

Milestones! Break the challenge into smaller parts. Take time to reflect, regroup, and reset your mental focus for the next phase. As you get closer to the end, the cheers of the home stretch will carry you over the line. A large goal can be both inspiring and intimidating. If you’re feeling the latter, eliminate all thoughts except your next bite-sized milestone. Focus on that, and when you get there, decide if quitting is still the right choice. Oddly enough, use numbers to inspire you, but don’t watch the clock obsessively. Gamify things you want to sustain!

Going Together! Things get tough in your own head. If you want to go far, take a friend. Often, when you're at your lowest, your buddy’s humor or a simple comment can lift both of you up. It’s also a reminder that you’re making memories you’ll share forever. One of our team cramped up and really looked like he was done—but seeing him reset and continue swimming was an inspiration that lifted everyone’s spirits. "We start this together, and we finish together" was said more than once during the swim.

Be in It—Fully Experience the Now I’ve written about this before, but music helps! I often find myself singing—out loud or in my head. My dad used to sing an old Scottish tune on long family hikes, “Keep Right On to the End of the Road.” It reminds me of how much a parent’s words and spirit are a gift, and I’m deeply grateful for the work ethic and enduring positivity I grew up with. Enjoying the moment, tuning into each stroke, and knowing you’re doing something meaningful brings a joy that sustains you. Don’t be in such a rush to get to the end that you forget to breathe in the experience and appreciate it.

Mental Variation Swimming along the edge of the lake helped, as I could see the rocks and weeds at the bottom and enjoy a different view. When the physical task is repetitive, let your mind wander to break the monotony. Whether it’s soaking in the view or thinking about the people who matter to you, it takes your mind off the pain and stops you from obsessing over the slow-moving clock. Sometimes we just need to switch things up to give ourselves a break, even if the task remains the same. Some people choose a word for the year, like “renewal” or “curiosity.” Their direction stays the same, but the new lens adds a different flavor to their journey.

Purposeful Endurance Last but not least, if you're going to endure anything, it should be purposeful. Physical exercise has been a huge support for my work, giving me a space to process things, show up boldly and consistently for my clients and I’m so grateful to my family for giving me the time and space to do this. The trip wasn’t just about swimming—it also supported and raised awareness for Xcelerate, a charity that means so much to me. Xcelerate opens up the outdoors and sports for young people, making a real difference in their lives. A heartfelt thank you to the sponsors who helped make this trip meaningful by contributing to a cause I deeply care about. Your support didn’t just fuel a swim across a lake—it helped fuel a future where more young people can experience the same sense of adventure, purpose, and resilience. Because in the end, endurance is about more than just finishing—it’s about creating lasting impact beyond yourself.

*Note 100% of the donations received went to Xcelerate