One positive about the multiple jellyfish stings to my neck, back and arms? The burning sensation pulsating from the stings helped me to forget how the air was a brisk 49 degrees & water was 71 degrees. This was my first time participating in The Maryland Swim for Life, a U.S. Masters Swimming-sanctioned event in the Chester River in Chestertown, Md., on Sept. 24. Sponsored by the District of Columbia Aquatic Club (DCAC), a USMS swim team for the LGBTQ community & their allies, over 200 swimmers took part in this 31st annual event. Friends of mine had recommended this race, it was only 90-minutes away & the weather looked pleasant for the upcoming weekend. So with less than a week until race day, I was looking forward to this river swim which benefits the non-profits ShoreRivers & Quality of Life Retreats . By race day, the forecasted temperature had dipped, the water had dropped from a comfortable 77 degrees & it was cloudy. But that was no...
Amy A. Winnemore takes you on a first-person look through the open water, pools, pavement, trails, woods and deserts of open water and 5K running races.