Nell's Thanks
I was a unique member of this 100-mile swim team because I am not established in this Corvallis community; I am transient grad student just passing through. You all truly opened up your family and graciously let me in. OK, wait, actually Marlys (especially Marlys!) and Alix were just really pushy and would have made me feel like a wimp if I wouldn't have done the swim so I joined in, but go with me on this one...All of you were sort of mentors to me in that you showed me what it can mean to be part of a supportive community. There was a clear common bond for all of us that stood for the power of personal challenge, strength, and friendship. I am so disappointed that I won't be able to pay back the favor and cheer all of you on in all the great endeavors that I know you will take up and achieve! However, you should know (main point of this note) that wherever I go and wherever I end up (maybe Corvallis?!), you can count on me to spread your spirit and sense of community. Seriously, you have my word! It's like the 100-miles, you all, I'll do it! May all your kindness come back to you. All the best, Nell
p.s. This does not mean that insane "100 mile challenges," addiction to Dixon rice bowls/wraps, and Marlys pushing me around needs to end now! I still have 4 months left!
February 28th, 2006
Yards today:500
Yards to date: 176,100
Yards to go: 0
Wow, it ended just as fantastic as it began. We had tremendous support from the beginning right to the end. We swam a victory lap amongst much fanfare. Hoog took an unplanned dip. After our short swim we had many creative presentations, cake, and lemonade. Gayle premiered her latest video. It was most excellent, but I now appreciate why people think swimming is boring. More video, nose fashion showings, and continued celebration is sure to happen. Nell, Alix, and I would be happy to hang on to this moment for a long time. All your support, good wishes, hard work, and awe kept us going.....you've all heard tale of many woes. The external ones these were all addressed with lotion, massage, good food, etc., but for the self doubts within us we relied on each other and all of you. This was truly a community accomplishment. Heartfelt thanks to all of you.
NEXT SWIM: ??????
February 27th, 2006
Yards today:4,600
Yards to date: 175,600
Yards to go: 400
99.77 miles, March never looked so good........
NEXT SWIM: Tuesday 3:30 pm Dixon
February 26th, 2006
Yards today:7,000
Yards to date: 171,000
Yards to go: 5,000
We passed the 4 digit mark today and had a celebratory moment as we got below 10,000 yards to go. The 7,000 yard swims are taking longer and longer.... but we don't care, there aren't any more! Cathy, Ginny, Molly, and Julia stopped in for some laps. Tomorrow we'll do some mop up yards and then some special victory laps on Tuesday.
NEXT SWIM: Monday Langton 11 am
February 25th, 2006
Yards today:7,000
Yards to date: 164,000
Yards to go: 12,000
The Team is in the 'Horse to Barn' phase. We did several nostalgic sets today; the Vic 1000, the DownUps, the Lovelys....
Vic and Gayle swam with us. We had a surprise visit from Gladys who stole the show and did all our breast stroke sets with us. Jeff was playing the Loch Ness monster several lanes over, but clearly he was just eyeing Gladys. Our swim ended with smoothies at the end of the lane. Tomorrow brings the last long swim.
NEXT SWIM: Sunday Dixon 10 am
February 24th, 2006
Yards today:5,000
Yards to date: 157,000
Yards to go: 19,000
My personal goal today was to live to see my rice bowl. The good news is that I made it and the lunch was most delicious. We're starting to taste the finish.
NEXT SWIM: Saturday Dixon 11 am
February 23rd, 2006
Yards today:7,000
Yards to date: 152,000
Yards to go: 24,000
Hoog and Les joined us today for the middle hour of our swim. The pool was nice and empty because there was no hot water. My fingers are still numb from the cold shower, but it's all part of the experience. The next 13.6 miles can't go fast enough.
NEXT SWIM: Friday Langton Noon
