We swam across the Arctic Circle
This summer, three of my training friends from Texas wanted to take part in my Swedish summer training experience. Especially, the open water swimming competition that goes across the Arctic Circle! In preparation, we have been open water swimming once a week in the Guadalupe River in Kerrville. (This is the same town and river that recently was devastated by floods). At one spot there is a dam, and a quite large lake is formed which is perfect for our swimming practice. Winters in Kerrville can be quite cold, and we kept going with our wetsuits until water temperatures went below 60f. We were well prepared for Arctic swimming! Sweden's weather decided to put my friends through the wringer. The spring and early summer was unusually cold and wet, and every day seemed colder than the previous. Our first practice swim had water temperatures of about 62f, (17C), the next day 61f (16C). We decided to use earplugs and neoprene hats under our swim caps. First up was the popular Vansbro s...