Deep Dive: Jaimie Monahan’s first Signature Solo with LGSA in 2015
When I heard about and saw pictures of Jaimie Monahan’s 70km swim the length of Lake Geneva in 2015, I started researching the possibility. Then I came to find out that I was pregnant in early 2016 – plans shifted, to say the least.
So when Jaimie reached out to me a little over a month ago offering to relive her 2015 swim with Arik and Tim of the Lake Geneva Swimming Association, I was ecstatic!
It’s no small feat to prop up a huge swim for marathoner swimmers. And in 2015, this was a stretch for even Jaimie! Her longest swim prior was only half the distance. And solo crewman, Arik, faced no small task in supporting her for more than 30 hours.
Everything about this swim enchants me! I’m trying find an way to get my family to Geneva so I can find my way across the pristine alpine waters.
Enjoy this trip back in time as Jaimie, Tim, and Arik generously share their experience with us.
From the team:
Learn more about the first LGSA (Lake Geneva/Lac Leman Swimming Association) Signature Solo in 2015 (70k / 42 miles) swimming between beautiful France and glamorous Switzerland in some of the earth’s most pristine alpine waters.
LGSA officers Tim Davies shares stories of the formation of the LGSA from conception to execution, swimmer communications and details including some of the new offerings like the LGSA Classique and upcoming inaugural destination challenge, Escape Leman.
The Signature, also known as ‘The Ultimate Trophy Swim’, traverses the length of Lake Geneva from Chillon Castle in Villeneuve to Bains des Pâquis in Geneva. At approximately 70km it is twice as long as the English Channel and made up entirely of fresh water flowing directly from the stunning alpine scenery that surrounds it. This swim is the ultimate challenge and a considered by many to be one of the toughest open water swims around.
Arik Thormahlen and Jaimie Monahan speak about training / mental transitions from the typical 20 mile marathon swim distance to a 42 mile / 70k ultra marathon, and share swimmer/crew perspective for a long freshwater swim.
Enjoy stories from the boat and beyond, as well as Q&A.
Find out more about Lake Geneva Swimming Association:
https://www.lgsa.com/en/signature
https://www.facebook.com/groups/lakegenevaswimmers