Tappan Zee to Midtown NYC
Swim from Tappan Zee Bridge to Midtown NYC - 18 Miles
September 18, 1999
This is my third swim for Juvenile Diabetes Foundation in honor of my father, and my first in open water. The big day is here. We’ll see how the preparation in the pool translates to the River. Alan Friedman and Mark Bodde seem very nice. Also, Bob seems terrific. The water looks nice, about what I expected. It is nice to have not only Trina there but also Jen, Brooke, and Kate.
1 X Hudson River Swim from the Tappan Zee Bridge to Chelsea Piers in Manhattan 18 Miles
Comments
Not only should one practice in similar water, one must not be too arrogant. In my head, I figured the mighty Hudson River would more than compensate for the tide. I didn’t even check the tides in the river but figured I could out swim anything. I was completely wrong.
The River was perfect. We left from the marina and went towards the Tappan Zee Bridge. I jumped out of the boat and swam under the bridge. This is where I started my habit of swimming backstroke under all bridges to view the superstructure.
The timing for the first mile was perfect. Then I ran into the tide in front of Dobbs Ferry. I didn’t expect it as I was arrogant. I didn’t move for 1 1/2 hours. In that time I should have made it down to the middle of Yonkers, but I just couldn’t go anywhere. At Dobbs Ferry I was just off the shore from the rail road bridge. Also, you could see a copper copula on top of a building. There was also a white warehouse with a black top that continued to be just north of where I was swimming. It was frustrating to keep seeing these landmarks for an hour and a half.
In my head I would dedicate 1000 strokes to various people that I know in Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
Finally, the tide broke and I started to inch down the river again. At one point you could see both the Tappan Zee and George Washington Bridges. I also could see the Manhattan side of the Henry Hudson Bridge. Going under the George Washington Bridge was a tremendous sight. I did butterfly and then turned over on my back to go under the bridge. It was impressive. As for speed, I remember being in front of Riverside Church. Then, ten minutes later, it was way behind me. The last 2 hours we covered close to 8 miles.
It was fantastic. Thirty or so friends and colleagues came to celebrate with me and the family. We shall see how much we raise of JDRFI. The only downside was the lack of support from the Chapter.