Open Water Swimming for Beginners with Author Hilary Topper Ep 164

At 53, Hilary Topper couldn't swim one length of the pool. About ten years later, she swam 8.2 miles around Mackinac Island. In this episode of Find Your Edge, Coach Chris Newport welcomes Hilary back to talk about her new book, Unlocking the Open Water Swim, and how anyone can go from nervous to confident in the open water. If the swim is the leg that holds you back, this one's for you. In this episode: Why fear of open water stops so many people from trying triathlon, and how one swimmer went from panic to a fast mile Simple mental strategies to calm your nerves before and during a swim Fish, crabs, and the "creepy crawlies" (spoiler: they're not interested in you) Open water safety: swim buddies, tow buoys, bright caps, and knowing when to get out Cold water acclimation and the warning signs of SIPE Wetsuit styles, booties, and buoyancy shorts Why you swim slower in open water than in the pool Why a DNF doesn't define you Adventure swims, aquabike, and planning your first "swimcation" Links: Unlocking the Open Water Swim by Hilary Topper: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local bookstore Hilary's blog: ATriathletesDiary.com Ep 114 How to Get Started in Triathlon: https://www.theenduranceedge.com/how-to-get-started-in-triathlon-with-author-hilary-topper/  Get the full episode here: https://www.theenduranceedge.com/open-water-swimming-for-beginners-hilary-topper 🏃 Are your training, nutrition, and recovery habits supporting your performance today AND longevity tomorrow? Take our FREE 3-minute Endurance Longevity Quiz to discover where you stand and what to focus on next so you can stay strong, healthy, and active for years to come! 👉 Take the quiz: https://www.theenduranceedge.com/quiz Stop guessing. Start understanding your body. 💪 Support the show 🎧 Thanks for listening to the Find Your Edge Podcast! We're here to help you train smarter, fuel better, and stay strong and active for years to come. 📚 Want more practical tips? Explore our free resources: 🥗 High Performance Healthy Eating Guide 💧 Hydration Guide for Athletes 💪 Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review, or share it with a friend! 🌐 The Endurance Edge | 📲 Instagram Performance Today. Longevity Tomorrow.