Your article resonates with me in so many ways. I get the confidence one gets once you start exercising and how it changes your life.

I'm very active now but I didn't start taking exercise seriously until my late 40s. Swimming. (particularly open water) is one of my fave activities.

However, I'm a slow swimmer and struggle with technique. I so admire swimmers like you, who can go the distance and have developed a solid technique. You're fortunate to have the genetics and muscle memory of a competitive swimmer.

You mention that you were 17 when you did the mile-a-day swim. Do you still swim now?

I'm taking lessons now to improve my technique. It's a slow process, but it can only get better with practice.

Great article.