On September 20, athletes from EXPERIENCETriathlon, led by Coach Craig Strong, hosted the first ever open water swimming race held at Diamond Lake in southwestern Michigan. Events included a 2.5K, 5K and 10K. Over 25 swimmers competed in the event. The field included one 10K swimmer who had just completed the English Channel swim in August, another 10K swimmer about to do the Channel, and many first time ever open water competitors.
Craig and I looked at each other after the event was successfully completed, and asked, "How did we do that!!???" It all started with an age-group triathlete needing swim coaching (me), an exceptional coach (Craig), and a determined Channel-Swimmer-In-Training (Todd P) who needed more open water for his long swims.
I had been training with Craig since December, and told him about the beautiful lake where we've owned a cottage since 1988. In the meantime, Todd had tired of doing his long swims in Lake Michigan. In late June, Craig and Todd came to Diamond Lake for Todd's first training swim there.
After that swim, we all put our heads together and decided that Diamond Lake was too beautiful to be without its own open water event. Both Todd and Craig have organized events before, ranging from bike races to full-scale triathlons. Me? I've only organized teenagers, depositions, and corporate meetings in my various roles. The three of us happened to be a good combination since our backgrounds were varied and we brought different perspectives to the table.
We started by lining up the officials - the local sheriff's office marine unit (who ended up being our earliest and best supporters), and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources - and then moved on to meeting local community supporters. One of our local community contacts was an expert in Diamond Lake history. She advised us that Johnny Weissmuller, the famous Olympian and Tarzan actor, used to swim in Diamond Lake from the mainland to the Diamond Island, where our cottage is. We knew we had picked a great venue with a great tradition!
In the meantime, Craig secured USAT and US Masters sanctions, and focused on the technical details of swim course layout and race day schedule. We also attended a few key races in Michigan and Illinois to handout promotional materials and recruit participants. Throughout, Todd rendered key advice, including what we would award as trophies - driftwood pieces bearing inscribed labels.
As we learned, organizers must be ready for last minute surprises. With one week to go, the yacht club where we had planned to start the race withdrew its support, so we had to start from our cottage on the island, transporting all racers to the island by boat. But once on the island, swimmers were able to prepare in comfort, with access to all the modern facilities. After the race, swimmers were able to shower and enjoy a great picnic, featuring food from a local caterer, complete with ribs and brats.
The 10K winner, Will Simmons of Indianapolis, completed the race in a blazing 2:24:00 - an incredible time by any standard.
Feedback on the race has been strong. One swimmer, who celebrated his birthday on race day, wrote that:
I am beyond words for what happened last week. For those who left early, I had the opportunity to celebrate my 33rd, er, 48th birthday at Diamond Lake last Sunday, and frankly, one couldn't ask for better company. For an open water enthusiast like myself, last week wasn't just my birthday-last week was Christmas. This last birthday was the most special and best I've ever had-probably among the best of gifts to give to an open water swimmer.
I live for this time of year-the open water season, and my feelings run heavy to sad having to have to "go inside" in early September. There is no venue in the Midwest after Big Shoulders, and I am so glad you have provided this incredible opportunity. In particular, I am glad you have provided a 10K opportunity for those swimmers living in Southern Michigan/Indiana/Chicagoland looking for that open water experience without having to travel outrageous distances to er, go the distance.
For a first time event, it was wonderful to meet new friends, enjoy good food and camaraderie.
I may have had a "terrible" time (my 5K last week is my WORST in terms of finish time in all of the eleven years I have done open water swimming), but I had the best time ever.
Next year, I am looking forward to participating in my first 10K here. I can think of no better place where to make this happen, where legends like Weissmuller and others once swam in this jewel of a place.
As race organizers, we couldn't ask for higher praise or more satisfaction from our first effort. Next year, we'll be back in the water for more! Look for the Diamond Lake Open Water Challenge next year - maybe you'll be in the water, too!
Congrats Craig, Todd and Kay for establishing this amazing ET event! Can't wait to see how this grows for 2010. - Coach Joe
