Last Saturday morning in Lake George (in upstate New York), I swam a 2.5 kilometer (about 1.5 miles) open water race to raise funds for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. As always, Parky the Raccoon, official World Parkinson Congress mascot, cheered me on – and had some fun himself!
You can see the story in pics below…but before we get started, I’d like to thank everyone who generously contributed to my Team Fox donation page! Thank you, thank you, thank you! If you haven’t already done so and would like to donate, please click
As you know, I am swimming these races for my health AND to speed a cure for Parkinson’s disease and dystonia. Please support me in this endeavor!
Now on to the story!
On Friday night we drive up – late – to Lake George, arriving at our motel at 11:30 p.m. When the alarm clock rings at 5:30 the next morning, everything is ready – swim suit, goggles, towel – except for Parky, who sleeps through the alarm. Wake up, Parky!
Here we stand on the shore of Lake George in the town of Hague. Sunshine aplenty…and lots of clear, blue water!
Here’s how the race goes: We stand single file as one of the race coordinators checks our name and the number written in black marker on our upper arm. Then we walk out to the start location. Note the sparkling water!
When the starting horn sounds, everyone will begin swimming between those two yellow buoys. Then we’ll swim about 1.25 kilometers south, round some more buoys, and swim 1.25 kilometers back to the finish line.
Did I say starting horn? Yes! But a race official on a dock also holds a red flag aloft. Ready…….Set…………
Go!
And we’re off!
While I swim, Parky takes advantage of the wait time to indulge his penchant for climbing trees! I am moving horizontally, Parky vertically! It’s all good!
I emerge from the sparkling water after an hour. Parky joins me for the finish line photo!
My husband, Yong Ih Kim, wins 2nd place for his age group (men aged 40-44). Prize: a lovely tall blue glass with the race logo etched on it.
I came in 4th place for my age group (men 60-64). I seem to come in 4th place often in these races. I look at it this way: It allows me to say things like “I am very fourth-right.” And: “I used to hesitate after I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, but now I sally fourth!” And: “May the fourth be with you!”
Thus ends my 2016 open water swim season! As the afternoon parking sun lights up the landscape, Parky poses once more in front of the check-in sign for this morning’s race. Check us out when we check in next year!
Thanks again if you were able to donate
to my Team Fox page!
You can still do so, too! Just click
here: Team Fox!
To view the photos of my earlier races,
Congratulations to you and Yong Ih, Bruce! Great pictures! And hats off to Parky!
You and Yong-ih’s spirit make my day brighter! Thanks.
Lots of love. Phyllis
What a beautiful picturesque spot. Obviously the location, weather and fellow swimmers, made for a great day. So proud of all your endeavors this summer Bruce. YOU ARE AMAZING!