Watching a wall of rain barrel across Laguna Bacalar is a breathtaking experience. There’s barely time to batten down the hatches before the tormenta strikes. During the rainy season we close up the house before any outing, no matter how clear the sky or the weather predictions. You just never know.
Last weekend was the maraton or swim across as we fondly call it, across Laguna Bacalar. It’s a three quarter mile swim with hundreds of flailing bodies. I saw three boats almost run into each other trying to get to a swimmer requesting help. People were panicking in water that wasn’t even over their head.
Over a thousand registrants.
The weather was perfect and the Laguna calm. The sun even peaked out as the race was beginning. After days of torrential downpours, the gods were with us.
Checking out our medals.
Swimmers come from all over Mexico, Central America and the US to participate in this open water, fresh water event. There were many young people who left me far behind, some old people too. My official time was 37m 33sec. Not bad for not having trained. I was experiencing residual pain from the kayak marathon.
Team Bacalar – Shawn, Alex, Jim, Polly and myself
I know so many people that say that they hate to exercise. I don’t go to the gym because I love going to the gym. I go because I can sleep better, walk further and lift more without hurting myself. I go because it helps me live in my body in a way that nothing else does. DO TORTAS
Blog follower Emily came from San Miguel to swim!
the adventures of dos tortas 
Great blog!!! I can just imagine you swimming the lago. GOOD FOR YOU!!!
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Miss you Laird. You need another visit on your calendar!
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Fabulous post! What a great event. I’m curious about your comment that
boats were trying to reach swimmers flailing in water that was not even over their heads. Were there many inexperienced or even non-swimmers attempting the maraton?
It’s always intrigued me how many people I’ve met in Mexico who don’t swim at all: people living right on the coast, fishermen… I remember a Mexican man explaining to me in a tone of almost fearful reverence that he did not swim, the ocean was “like a woman”!
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There were many inexperienced swimmers. They were hanging on boats and buoys. Bacalar has made a concerted effort to get kids out on a the Laguna in boats. Many live here and have no idea of where they live. There is also much superstition as you mentioned. Parents are afraid and pass that fear onto their children.
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That is farther than I can swim! I need to join a gym. Closest one is about ten miles away and is not very good, though.
Congratulations to you for even contemplating, let alone completing, such a swim!
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I started out, many moons ago using common household items for weights, cans of soup, milk bottles, you can improvise. There are also lots of exercises using your own body weight, yoga, walking, the list is endless.
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We, your fans, are so proud of you! And…”it’s not about how you feel, it’s how you look, and dahling….you look marvelous! In fact, you ALL do.
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Hahaha. You are a great cheerleader my friend.
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Well done. I felt exhausted reading the post!
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Ha Jack! I was kept from exercise as a kid, due to asthma, at least that was the thinking then. Getting away from home I took up running. There as no going back. I don’t run now, but I’m an exerciser.
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