#393 : Navigating the Challenges of Marathon Swimming with Craig Lewin

What does it really take to swim the English Channel or any marathon swim? My guest today, Craig Lewin, is a triple crown marathon swimmer and coach who's helped athletes tackle some of the toughest swims on the planet. We talk about how to train for hours in cold, rough water. How to stay motivated over years of preparation and the mental tricks that can carry you through the tough times when you feel like quitting. If you've ever wondered how ordinary people achieve extraordinary swims, this episode will show you how and if you're already into long distance swimming. Myself and World Record Holder, Andy Donaldson will be running two long distance retreats next year. One in the wit Sunday is in June. And one in Tahiti in September. So if you'd like to enhance your open water skills, learn from the best, and also have one of the best holidays of your life, this is a chance to join myself and Andy Donaldson on a long distance Swim retreat. I'll include the link in the show notes below. 02:26 Starting Your Journey: The English Channel Swim 05:39 Training Plans for Long-Distance Swimmers 10:57 Maintaining Motivation Over Long Training Periods 16:11 Nutrition and Fueling for Endurance Swims 21:20 Acclimatization to Cold Water Swimming 27:50 Pacing Strategies for Long Distance Swimming 31:48 Overcoming Challenges in Training 36:41 Mental Strategies for Endurance Swimmers 39:11 Choosing Your First Marathon Swim 43:15 Addressing Fears: Sharks and Open Water Swimming 47:27 Safety Tips for New Open Water Swimmers 50:59 Upcoming Events and Resources for Swimmers