Although she did not reach her goal of swimming continuously for more than two days and clocking 105 kilometres in Cowichan Lake, Susan Simmons’ efforts are still nothing short of remarkable.
Simmons was set to achieve what would have been a world record for continuous freshwater swims, although the glory of a world record was never her primary desire. Simmons, wanted to remind the public that MS should not be seen an insurmountable barrier to great achievements.
Departing from Heather Campsite on Aug. 19, Simmons’ first 10 hours of swimming were “glorious,” however, at the constant motion began taking a toll on her stomach. She took a Gravol to help settle her stomach and that’s when she starting feeling drowsy.
“And then ultimately [I was] falling asleep with my face in the water,” she said in an email to the Gazette. “I battled this for five hours but by 1:30 a.m. Friday night decided that it simply was not worth the risk and exited the water at [Lakeview Park].”
Simmons said she wants to extend a huge thank you to everyone in Lake Cowichan for their support, especially Country Grocer.
“Whenever I take on a swim project I go into it knowing that I may not make the distance but I will always achieve my personal goal,”she said.
“That is to share the message that staying healthy and fit helps many of us with Multiple Sclerosis live active and fulfilling lives.”