Madhu Nagaraja’s Marathon Swim Story

Not only has today’s guest taken on such feats as the Straits of Magellan and a multi day ultramarathon run across the Moroccan Sahara, but he’s taking initiative to raise water quality concerns with local officials.

No one wants to swim through plastic, trash, drain overflow, not to mention sewage. What can you do to preserve your local waters, if not for others, and for future generations, for your own swims? Check out the global waterkeepers initiative at waterkeepers.org, find your local water keeper, or become one! “We’re all water keepers”, says Madhu. And he’s right.

As our previous guest, Neil Agius mentioned when he created Wave of Change Malta, it’s not about giving money to the cause, it’s a movement. Take the time to pick up the litter on the shore or in the water. Don’t leave it for someone else–just pick it up. It might seem like, just one wrapper or plastic bag, but it adds up. Please take responsibility for your local waters.

But that was just the last 2 minutes of my interview with Madhu Nagaraja. He hits on the exact reason that I created Marathon Swim Stories, the connection we share as like minded limit pushers is comforting. There is honesty and truth. Each of your stories speaks very deeply to me. I hope you enjoy Madhu’s!

It’s Not About Swimming

Great Lakes Trust – Science, Art, and Advocacy for the Great Lakes

GLOW Swimming – In the water, on the water, & by the water

Mark Mattson + Madhu Nagaraja — Lake Ontario Waterkeeper

https://www.soloswims.com/nagaraja.htm

About Madhu from, Superman in a Speedo: Madhu and his friends meet regularly at Coronation Park (in Oakville, Ontario, Canada) to swim, whatever the weather. Amy Ross, a swim pal of Madhu says “we do it because we love it and we love the people that come with it. All of us might be a bit crazy but it sure does make for good times and motivation.” Her recent Facebook post sums it up: “in a few weeks, one of our ‘crazies’ is heading to the tip of South America, where the oceans collide in the Strait of Magellan to don his Speedo, jump in those crazy waters, and be the 1st Canadian to swim across that Strait”.

Madhu says that “Training for an expedition like this is impossible without support. What I have learned is that these kinds of challenges bring with them a unique group of people who are not only great human beings, but have the art of excelling under stress. They have the ability to be selfless, to keep the training safe and achieve the goals. Hanging out with this group of people, enjoying a cup of coffee at our favorite cafe (Bean There in Downtown Oakville) and planning a flawless execution is a thrill for me. And, when it’s all done – it’s really not about swimming.” He has a profound love and respect for the water and when he is not working, swimming or with his family, he devotes many hours working with both Great Lakes Open Water Adventures (GLOW) and Great Lakes Trust, A fund supporting scientific research, artistic expression, and civic engagement for the Great Lakes.