In addition to training volume, some open water swimmers also stress the need to adapt to new and volatile situations. Christie, who is currently training to complete all seven stages of the 8 Bridges Swim, explains that one of the foundations of her preparation is to, “constantly put myself in uncomfortable situations during my training…that way I can roll with the punches come marathon swim time.” While one of the appeals of open water swimming is the excitement of the constantly changing environment, Christie feels that, “nothing will ever scare me because I’ve already simulated it in training, or I have the mental capacity to deal with it and move on in order to execute the goal.”
