A 48 hour swim in Manhattan

ScottZornigScottZornig Charter Member
edited October 2013 in General Discussion
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?
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Comments

  • sylmarinosylmarino San FranciscoMember
    Pool - now she has the "no touching" rule? Just friggin' slay me now...
  • mjstaplesmjstaples Atlanta, GA, USSenior Member
    Funny! Saw a pic of her holding onto a lane line while she was talking to lochte.
  • JBirrrdJBirrrd MarylandSenior Member
    edited October 2013
    What exactly is this swim? Some kind of record attempt? If so I understand the need for rules, but if this is simply a charity event/publicity stunt, can't she do what ever she wants: hang on laneline, feed off the wall, have a tea party in the shallow end for fun. Confusing to see her support crew hand feeding her (what IS that all about?) and then this photo of her yucking it up w/ Ryan Lochte. Rigid rules...then not so much. I really don't get it.

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151925932089292&set=a.413167244291.185671.32686234291&type=1&theater
  • IronMikeIronMike Northern VirginiaCharter Member
    It is like I'm re-reading the bio of Webb and his after-EC stunts.

    We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams

  • Niek wrote:
    http://www.diananyad.com/blog/NYADSwimforRelief Unlike the ocean where we respect rules of the sport to the letter and I never receive any flotation or forward progress aid, where I would never touch the boat, hang onto the boat, or certainly get out onto the boat, there are no rules for these 48 hours.
    =))

    well, she has learnt to disclose the rules in advance :-)

  • paulmpaulm Senior Member
    OK...I just watched a 15-16 minute plus break of non swimming.....21.52 onwards.....sleep break/jellyfish/tides/makeup ???
  • paulmpaulm Senior Member
    I wish I had the technology......but does anyone have the ability to film the last 24 online........????? Guaranteed not many miles/K;s
  • Leonard_JansenLeonard_Jansen Charter Member
    IronMike wrote:
    It is like I'm re-reading the bio of Webb and his after-EC stunts.

    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

  • jvjjvj Charlotte, NCMember
    Is this being live-streamed anywhere?
  • IronMikeIronMike Northern VirginiaCharter Member
    JBirrrd wrote:
    What exactly is this swim? Some kind of record attempt? If so I understand the need for rules, but if this is simply a charity event/publicity stunt, can't she do what ever she wants: hang on laneline, feed off the wall, have a tea party in the shallow end for fun. Confusing to see her support crew hand feeding her (what IS that all about?) and then this photo of her yucking it up w/ Ryan Lochte. Rigid rules...then not so much. I really don't get it.

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151925932089292&set=a.413167244291.185671.32686234291&type=1&theater

    The comments to that FB picture are hilariously fun to read.

    We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams

  • IronMikeIronMike Northern VirginiaCharter Member
    edited October 2013
    It is like I'm re-reading the bio of Webb and his after-EC stunts.
    IronMike wrote:
    It is like I'm re-reading the bio of Webb and his after-EC stunts.
    Are you implying that we should encourage her to try the whirlpool below Niagara Falls?
    NO!

    We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams

  • Leonard_JansenLeonard_Jansen Charter Member
    jvj wrote:
    Is this being live-streamed anywhere?
    Try here: http://www.crowdrise.com/SwimForRelief

    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

  • loneswimmerloneswimmer IrelandCharter Member
    BTW, does anyone know what people have to do to swim along side her?

    I image not being a member of this forum would be on the list.

    loneswimmer.com

  • IronMikeIronMike Northern VirginiaCharter Member
    edited October 2013
    jvj wrote:
    Is this being live-streamed anywhere?
    Try here: http://www.crowdrise.com/SwimForRelief
    OK, I thought the live-stream would make me want to puke, but reading the fawning comments on it are so much fun. I wish I weren't at work; I'd play the drinking game Nyad that someone recommended earlier!

    We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams

  • jvjjvj Charlotte, NCMember
    "I will tread water for my food & drink stops, rather than casually stand on the bottom of the shallow pool, in some sort of solidarity with the Sandy victims and their tough times." - from DN website

    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?
  • Leonard_JansenLeonard_Jansen Charter Member
    I just timed Ms. Nyad for 320 yards (4 full laps) and she was doing 38:30/mile pace (1.56 miles/hour). Not too bad for 25+ hours of swimming.

    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

  • loneswimmerloneswimmer IrelandCharter Member
    @ScottZornig, if only someone would invent something like a lap counting watch...

    loneswimmer.com

  • JBirrrdJBirrrd MarylandSenior Member
    edited October 2013
    Just tuned in. Gave it 2 mins. About as fascinating as watching paint dry, and this coming from a former swim coach and 13 year swim parent veteran. I have spent many hours watching swimmers swim. This was mind-numbingly boring to me. That being said, if other people want to watch this event or pay to swim and donate money to help a good cause, I say, what is the harm? I don't plan on tuning in again or supporting her swim in anyway.
    I did appreciate your comments and analysis @ScottZornig.
  • IronMikeIronMike Northern VirginiaCharter Member
    I have no problem with her stunt. I only still have it up in a Firefox tab to read the comments from the fans. Entertainment for free!

    We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams

  • I am just grateful that I have finally found out I am NOT as slow as DN.
    That just made my day.
  • ScottZornigScottZornig Charter Member
    I was told by Bonnie yesterday that anyone can swim with DN for free. One just has to get in line, but there did not seem to be an overly long line when I was there. The one rule is to swim her speed which makes sense to me. There seemed to be some fast swimmers (NYCFD) who obviously had to hold back.

    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.
  • IronMikeIronMike Northern VirginiaCharter Member
    To be fair, should we judge her stroke rate in this live-streaming? She did just do the cuba-florida thing a month ago. Could she still be sore from that?

    We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams

  • jvjjvj Charlotte, NCMember
    Just jumped on the streaming site to see how she was doing and the screen showed "This Relief Moment brought to you by CHARMIN"

    ROTFL

    If nothing else, the lady does know her marketing...
  • loneswimmerloneswimmer IrelandCharter Member
    I was just about to describe @ScottZornig's account to someone when I found myself using the word Observation. Due to the irony overload, I was unable to continue.

    loneswimmer.com

  • bobswimsbobswims Santa Barbara CACharter Member
    edited October 2013
    jvj wrote:
    Just jumped on the streaming site to see how she was doing and the screen showed "This Relief Moment brought to you by CHARMIN"

    ROTFL

    If nothing else, the lady does know her marketing...

    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?
  • lcolettelcolette Charter Member
    So she is going to admit to peeing in the pool?
  • JBirrrdJBirrrd MarylandSenior Member
    So she is going to admit to peeing in the pool?

    Well, when swimming w/ Ryan Lochte, this would not be an issue...

  • vvisevvise Member
    edited October 2013
    http://instagram.com/p/fRPdZYKRc1/
    Around Hour 37

    Edited to post link, unable to post photo
  • vvisevvise Member
    edited October 2013
    Sorry all, tried to post the above as an image from internet, and from my Dropbox account, still getting the hang of it!
  • paulmpaulm Senior Member
    OK...cant be bothered watching it all but 44 hrs in - another 15 min plus break..watched 4 laps since jumped back in- stand up and 10-20 second break after EACH lap !!
  • paulmpaulm Senior Member
    and then another lap and 2 min break and another lap and a 30 sec break........................and...and ..and
  • ScottZornigScottZornig Charter Member
    It will be interesting to compare the 'immediately after' picture of this swim compared to Cuba. She should be done swimming in 20 minutes.
  • Just for kicks and giggles...
    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"?
  • IronMikeIronMike Northern VirginiaCharter Member
    suziedods wrote:
    Just for kicks and giggles...
    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"?
    I'd say worse. A hater is at least a person. A flea...well...

    We're all just carbon, water, starlight, oxygen and dreams

  • LynnkubLynnkub Charter Mem​ber
    Wow and her page says she raised $107,081. Too bad her sponsors didn't bypass the ridiculous $850,000 grandstand and give directly to the hurricane victims.
    You go girl!
  • lcolettelcolette Charter Member
    Yes, but most of the raising is by teams of supporters.... so I'm not going with 'she raised it' more like 'she facilitated it'..... And the sponsors could have spent that money to help much better but it is all the advertising I guess...
  • bobswimsbobswims Santa Barbara CACharter Member
    And the Nyad PR machine marches on.

    "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?
  • JBirrrdJBirrrd MarylandSenior Member
    @ bobswims said:
    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.
  • NatalieswimsNatalieswims Orange County, CAMember
    "It honestly was tougher than I ever imagined it to be," the 64-year-old Nyad said as she emerged from the pool at 8:48 a.m.
    Note "honestly" SMH...
  • smithsmith Huntsville, AlabamaSenior Member
    This wasn't what I hoped for. Based on the few pictures I saw, she appeared to be in stellar physical condition, and I hoped she would go for the 48 hours without holding on to the lane line or resting on the side of the pool. At any rate, despite the fact that this isn't as pure as I hoped, are there any accurate estimates on the actual amount of laps or miles completed in the 48 hour time frame?

    Keep moving forward.

  • gregocgregoc Charter Member
    Here is a line from SI.com about DN's Florida Strait swim:

    "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.
  • gregocgregoc Charter Member
    smith wrote:
    This wasn't what I hoped for. Based on the few pictures I saw, she appeared to be in stellar physical condition, and I hoped she would go for the 48 hours without holding on to the lane line or resting on the side of the pool. At any rate, despite the fact that this isn't as pure as I hoped, are there any accurate estimates on the actual amount of laps or miles completed in the 48 hour time frame?

    @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
  • lakespraylakespray Senior Member
    I was told by Bonnie yesterday that anyone can swim with DN for free. One just has to get in line, but there did not seem to be an overly long line when I was there. The one rule is to swim her speed which makes sense to me. There seemed to be some fast swimmers (NYCFD) who obviously had to hold back.
    If one had thought ahead and created a temporary body tattoo that stated “To seek to conquer the world's great bodies of water with merely a textile swimsuit, cap, goggles with neutral, qualified and certified observers” and then jumped in to pace her….. ;-)

  • smithsmith Huntsville, AlabamaSenior Member
    Almost 3600 yards per hour. If that's 100 percent verified.....very impressive regardless of hanging on the lane line, etc.

    Keep moving forward.

  • jvjjvj Charlotte, NCMember
    That's complete BS. I timed her at several points and the best I ever saw was about 1.5 mph. But half the times I checked in she was hanging on the lane lines flapping her gums.
  • paulmpaulm Senior Member
    I agree....absolute BS. Someone should challenge that reporter. 1.5mph (I would have thought 1.2mph would be more accurate ) would be the max- with all the breaks (especially at night with next to no spectators but still streaming on line) she took lots of breaks- including 1 @15 minute plus was often over an hour period going 2 laps, stopping for a break continually. ABSOLUTE BS
  • bobswimsbobswims Santa Barbara CACharter Member
    I also call BS. I know the pace she was swimming and there was no way she did anymore than 3,000 yd per hour; and that's assuming she stopped no more than once every 1,000 for a 15 second feed.
  • jvjjvj Charlotte, NCMember
    Evidently she must have caught a pretty strong current during the night when we weren't watching....
  • evmoevmo SydneyAdmin
    edited October 2013
    I would be surprised if she even covered half that reported distance (98 miles). This is what happens when you combine someone for whom truth-telling is apparently not a priority, with media who are disinclined to fact-check feel-good stories.
  • Last night on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer:

    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".
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