If you've been listening to Marathon Swim Stories for awhile, you’re familiar with my frequent refrain, "I love that". At times, I wish I had a more interesting response, but it's true! I just love it - all of it! Like my guest today, Amy Gubser, I'm in love with open water and marathon swimming. And I love every marathon swim story. It's the one hour a week that I drop everything and just listen. I'm smitten and I'm recruiting! Trying to cast my net far and wide. If you know someone who's marathon swimming intrigued, send them my way shannon@intrepidwater.com. I want everyone to learn to swim efficiently, experience self discovery, and uncover deep seated determination. I want everyone to effuse joy like Amy. I hope you enjoy this episode!In her own words: I was a swimmer at university of Michigan 1986-1990...after college I hung up the suit and started my career in nursing and my family. I have a husband, Greg, whom I met being an ocean lifeguard. We have been married 28 years. We have 2 adult children. I was busy with life for many years. 6 years ago, my daughter was getting ready to leave home to go to college. I needed to find something for myself! I had a friend who was a Southend rowing club member who challenged me to swim with him, I had every excuse in the book but he saw right through these excuses and still asked me to swim. I reluctantly, agreed to swim with him in February, no wetsuit, 10 degree water Celsius/50F. I put my feet in the water and felt the shock. I had a panic attack, and started to cry. He looked at me and told me to put my face in the water and swim. I did! The shock was almost unbearable, but I kept swimming. Then, I started to feel a warmth come over me! Every cell in my body came alive, it was exhilarating! I was immediately hooked! I found my people and my pod! I just started small swims then progressed to bigger swims! I swim and I love it!!!!Questions, comments, feedback, or if you'd like to be a guest on Marathon Swim Stories, email me! mailto:shannon@intrepidwater.comStay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.comJoin a supportive group of limit pushers at The Marathon Swimming Collective Music credit:Epic Inspiration  by Rafael KruxLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5447-epic-inspiration-License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry.