A 48 hour swim in Manhattan
ScottZornig
Charter Member
I was convinced I had written my last piece on Diana Nyad. I truly believed I was done with the subject and intended to move on, but it is interesting how things work out.
I am in Manhattan this week on a business trip. I was walking along 6th avenue between 31st and 42nd street this morning when I noticed some commotion going on in Herald Square. As I approached the venue, I overheard some people talking about this 64 year old woman who is attempting to swim for 48 hours straight in a temporary pool to raise money for Hurricane Sandy victims.
I had heard about this stunt a few weeks ago, but had forgotten about it. I had no idea Diana Nyad was doing this swim today and tomorrow. In fact, she had been swimming already for 2:30 hours when I arrived. I had some time to kill between appointments and my curiosity got the best of me. I really wanted to go in and watch the event, but did not want to pay as in my mind, it could be construed as validating her Cuba swim. So I went to the VIP entrance and told them who I was. They contacted Bonnie (Diana's coach and friend) and she not only invited me in for free, but welcomed me with open arms. She even positioned me right at the end of her lane which was as close as anyone could get to her without actually being in the pool (I guess Bonnie had not read any of my comments on DN's swim nor did she know I serve on the same board as Evan). Anyway, I was so close to Diana that I was able to hear every word she said as she stopped for breaks and interviews.
I spent about an hour watching DN swim. I also asked her support team many questions. Although I am quite sure she will complete this endeavor, what I witnessed today did nothing to convince me about her Cuba to Florida endeavor. In fact, it caused me to once again question her assisted swim. Here is why:
1. It was apparent that the people at the pool did not have much knowledge about swimming. I asked some basic questions which her support team could not answer. It seems as though DN likes to surround herself with people less knowledgeable about swimming.
2. The pool was exactly 40 yards long. Diana consistently averaged 36 strokes per side and it took her an average of 45 seconds to complete the 40 yards which equates to a 7:30 for every 400 yards. She was slower than I thought and although she did effectively breath to both sides, her stroke was not overly efficient. Remember, this is the early stages of her swim before she becomes tired and starts slowing down.
3. She complained the pool was too cold. I asked Bonnie what the water temperature was and she said it was 82 degrees. She should not be cold in an 82 degree pool after only 2:30 hours. The air temperature was 63 degrees with no wind and the sun was shining on her back the entire morning.
4. At the 3:30 mark, they stopped Diana to interview her. The press asked her how far she had gone already and she responded with 8 or 9 miles. I quickly did the math and the most she could possibly have done is 6.3 miles at the pace she had been swimming.
5. I was surprised because there did not seem to be anyone with a strong swimming background officiating the event. There did not seem to be anyone counting laps or writing notes. Bonnie seemed to be the sole person coordinating efforts and directing the support team.
6. Diana made it known to the press that she was not allowed to stand on the bottom of the pool or touch the lane line (which to me, is no big deal). However, I saw her support team rub Vaseline on her on a few occasions and physically put food/drink in her mouth. Diana did not touch her own food until it was in her mouth. It makes you wonder about the feedings in the Cuba channel.
I certainly recognize that this is not a marathon swim so she can do as she wishes, but it was interesting to witness her speed or lack thereof. I also was able to observe her support team in action and it was clear that touching and physical assistance are very much acceptable. I think the thing which bothered me most was when DN gave her estimated distance completed to the reporters. 8 or 9 miles is not even close to the 6.3 miles I calculated and I did not even include the breaks she was taking which would probably drop her distance down to 5.7 or 5.8 miles completed.
Another thing that bothered me is that Bonnie said Diana's 46 sponsors "spent $850K" on this event which I believe was planned before her Cuba swim. There was obviously a lot of pressure on DN to make the Cuba swim this time around so that interest would remain high for this endeavor.
I will let all of you draw your own conclusions, but I have some concerns with what I witnessed today. It makes me wonder if there could be a death bed confession from someone 10 to 20 years from now?
I am in Manhattan this week on a business trip. I was walking along 6th avenue between 31st and 42nd street this morning when I noticed some commotion going on in Herald Square. As I approached the venue, I overheard some people talking about this 64 year old woman who is attempting to swim for 48 hours straight in a temporary pool to raise money for Hurricane Sandy victims.
I had heard about this stunt a few weeks ago, but had forgotten about it. I had no idea Diana Nyad was doing this swim today and tomorrow. In fact, she had been swimming already for 2:30 hours when I arrived. I had some time to kill between appointments and my curiosity got the best of me. I really wanted to go in and watch the event, but did not want to pay as in my mind, it could be construed as validating her Cuba swim. So I went to the VIP entrance and told them who I was. They contacted Bonnie (Diana's coach and friend) and she not only invited me in for free, but welcomed me with open arms. She even positioned me right at the end of her lane which was as close as anyone could get to her without actually being in the pool (I guess Bonnie had not read any of my comments on DN's swim nor did she know I serve on the same board as Evan). Anyway, I was so close to Diana that I was able to hear every word she said as she stopped for breaks and interviews.
I spent about an hour watching DN swim. I also asked her support team many questions. Although I am quite sure she will complete this endeavor, what I witnessed today did nothing to convince me about her Cuba to Florida endeavor. In fact, it caused me to once again question her assisted swim. Here is why:
1. It was apparent that the people at the pool did not have much knowledge about swimming. I asked some basic questions which her support team could not answer. It seems as though DN likes to surround herself with people less knowledgeable about swimming.
2. The pool was exactly 40 yards long. Diana consistently averaged 36 strokes per side and it took her an average of 45 seconds to complete the 40 yards which equates to a 7:30 for every 400 yards. She was slower than I thought and although she did effectively breath to both sides, her stroke was not overly efficient. Remember, this is the early stages of her swim before she becomes tired and starts slowing down.
3. She complained the pool was too cold. I asked Bonnie what the water temperature was and she said it was 82 degrees. She should not be cold in an 82 degree pool after only 2:30 hours. The air temperature was 63 degrees with no wind and the sun was shining on her back the entire morning.
4. At the 3:30 mark, they stopped Diana to interview her. The press asked her how far she had gone already and she responded with 8 or 9 miles. I quickly did the math and the most she could possibly have done is 6.3 miles at the pace she had been swimming.
5. I was surprised because there did not seem to be anyone with a strong swimming background officiating the event. There did not seem to be anyone counting laps or writing notes. Bonnie seemed to be the sole person coordinating efforts and directing the support team.
6. Diana made it known to the press that she was not allowed to stand on the bottom of the pool or touch the lane line (which to me, is no big deal). However, I saw her support team rub Vaseline on her on a few occasions and physically put food/drink in her mouth. Diana did not touch her own food until it was in her mouth. It makes you wonder about the feedings in the Cuba channel.
I certainly recognize that this is not a marathon swim so she can do as she wishes, but it was interesting to witness her speed or lack thereof. I also was able to observe her support team in action and it was clear that touching and physical assistance are very much acceptable. I think the thing which bothered me most was when DN gave her estimated distance completed to the reporters. 8 or 9 miles is not even close to the 6.3 miles I calculated and I did not even include the breaks she was taking which would probably drop her distance down to 5.7 or 5.8 miles completed.
Another thing that bothered me is that Bonnie said Diana's 46 sponsors "spent $850K" on this event which I believe was planned before her Cuba swim. There was obviously a lot of pressure on DN to make the Cuba swim this time around so that interest would remain high for this endeavor.
I will let all of you draw your own conclusions, but I have some concerns with what I witnessed today. It makes me wonder if there could be a death bed confession from someone 10 to 20 years from now?
Comments
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151925932089292&set=a.413167244291.185671.32686234291&type=1&theater
We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams
well, she has learnt to disclose the rules in advance :-)
Are you implying that we should encourage her to try the whirlpool below Niagara Falls?
-LBJ
“Moderation is a fatal thing. Nothing succeeds like excess.” - Oscar Wilde
The comments to that FB picture are hilariously fun to read.
We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams
We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams
BTW, does anyone know what people have to do to swim along side her?
-LBJ
“Moderation is a fatal thing. Nothing succeeds like excess.” - Oscar Wilde
I image not being a member of this forum would be on the list.
loneswimmer.com
We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams
Just watched a long break where she stood on the bottom the whole time with her arms draped across the lane line for support. I know she said there were no rules for this swim but why post stuff like statement above if she doesn't intend to follow it?
The people that I have seen swimming with her were all terrible, but the last person was keeping up with her and definately holding back, so maybe they have been told they can't go any faster than she.
I must confess that I'd like to do a half hour with her, if only to be able to tell people I once swam in Times Square to watch the reactions. Plus I'd wear my one suit that is about 1 thread and one flip turn away from ripping completely from crotch to waist in the back.
-LBJ
“Moderation is a fatal thing. Nothing succeeds like excess.” - Oscar Wilde
loneswimmer.com
I did appreciate your comments and analysis @ScottZornig.
We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams
That just made my day.
As I said perviously, I am now having some doubts. After the infamous conference call, I believed that the Cuba effort was an amazing effort and that she should be credited with an 'assisted' swim. After watching the circus yesterday, I am wondering if it really was an 'assisted stage' swim? By the way, I think the cause is awesome, but wonder if the $850K could have had a biger impact if it had been given directly to Hurricane Sandy's victims.
I know a bit about marketing and PR via my business ventures, but I will give DN her due....she is unmatched at promoting the DN brand. I have never seen anything like it.
We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams
ROTFL
If nothing else, the lady does know her marketing...
loneswimmer.com
I just checked it out and the soundtrack was "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" by AC/DC
Is that a "shortie" stinger suit she has on?
Well, when swimming w/ Ryan Lochte, this would not be an issue...
Around Hour 37
Edited to post link, unable to post photo
This morning I got compared to a" flea on an elephant" for bothering to question and inquire about DN's swim and her swim now.
So, it that better than or worse than a "Hater"?
We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams
You go girl!
"Nyad ends NY swim, raises $103K for Sandy victims"
http://news.yahoo.com/nyad-ends-ny-swim-raises-103k-sandy-victims-130121129--spt.html
Actually according to her own website she raised only $38,246. The rest was raised through the hard work of others.
http://www.crowdrise.com/SwimForRelief
Why can't she just say that she raised $38,246 and with the help of many others a total of $103K was raised? Is it that hard to give credit to others?
Because, well, you know, $38,246 is not as impressive an amount as say $103,000, and may indicate that the Diana Nyad show is not the blockbuster it was expected to be. A bit of an embarrassment when you consider the $850,000 production cost. Kind of makes me wonder how video and future book sales will pan out.
Note "honestly" SMH...
Keep moving forward.
"A month ago, Nyad had become the first person to complete the 53-mile swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage, a journey that took her 110 hours."
This misstatement for some reason seems makes more sense.
@smith, it is being reported that DN covered 98 miles in the 48 hours.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/10/10/us-usa-nyad-swim-idUSBRE9990ZT20131010
Keep moving forward.
Sawyer: "And come with us to the top of the Instant Index for the great Diana Nyad who showed those doubters of her swim through the shark infested waters off Cuba. The 64 year old got in a pool right here in New York, summoned her endurance and swam 48 hours straight - no break! She raised $103,000.00 to help victims of Super Storm Sandy.
Nyad said it was tougher than she thought , but she repeated her mantra, "find a way, find a way!"
I watched the live feed of the swim Wednesday night between 2 and 3 am NYC time.
There was a swimmer in the lane next to Nyad and a swimmer in the same lane with Nyad. She was backstroking just in front of Nyad, with Nyad following close behind.
She was weaving from one side of the line to other, more than her usual pull to one side.
There were breaks, more than a few.
I was curious about the water temp, she was in more than her swimsuit when I saw the live feed. Apparently, at the beginning of the swim the water temperature of the pool was set at 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 Celsius) but raised to 96 degrees over the course of the swim as Nyad reported being "constantly chilly".