The results

This crazy swim turned out to be not so crazy after all. It has proven that our silly and lovable Tina is one heck of a swimmer! She got second place masters and won a beautiful conch shell trophy. As she says, "I shelled!"

The winner, a 27 year-old woman from West Palm Beach, did the swim in 4:27. Tina was 19th overall and the 7th woman out of the water. This out of roughly 50 solo (not relays) swimmers. I'm blown away!

Some of us leave tonight, the rest on Wednesday morning. We have all enjoyed the sun, Key West spectacles, and this amazing event. Brian is on the mend and was able to enjoy a fun sunset cruise and dinner with us last night. It's no wonder some people come to visit Key West and stay (nearly all of our cabbies). But we'll all be happy to get home to children, pets and our normal routines all the richer from this experience!


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Location:Thomas St,Key West,United States

An amazing woman

Her tongue is numb and she's a bit sick feeling, but so glad to be done! There's about a 30 mph wind that hurt on the west side of the island, but helped at the finish tremendously.

She is eating and drinking now. Mike the kayaker has some red legs, but is very proud of his swimmer.

Even Brian has rebounded and was at the beach to welcome her with a big smooch. She couldn't really lift her arms, but that's sure to go away.

Thanks to everyone who's been following. Tina is truly an amazing woman! Her time was 5 hours and 28 minutes.

You go girl!!


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Location:Sunrise Dr,Key West,United States

The finish!

We are watching her cross the finish right now!!! SHE DID IT!!!!


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Location:Flagler Ave,Key West,United States

9 miles down!!

Just met Tina and Mike at the bridge at mile 9 and met a smiling Tina. She was waving, smiling and even broke into a little fly stroke! We've decided this event is similar to Brian's 50k a few years back, only wetter with less bruising.

Will try to Facebook some pics soon. We're off to the finish. She should be rolling in around 3 pm.


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Location:Florida 5,Key West,United States

Only 10 to go

She just rounded the point at Ft Zachery Taylor State Park, the 2.5 mile mark. She's doing GREAT!! She's been drinking a lot but taken no food yet. The water temp is 83 and we've got a breezy sun and clouds kind of day. Perfect for swimming and spectating.

We're going to get Bri out of bed, to have lunch and see her at mile 9. It's the next most convenient viewing spot.

More later!


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Location:Duck Ave,Key West,United States

She's off!

She is swimming and has found Mike's kayak! Seems like only about 50 solo swimmers started. The first 3 miles are with the current and should be fast.

Check Tina's Facebook wall for photos!!!


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Location:Sunrise Dr,Key West,United States

Good morning from Key West!

The participants are off to Smather's Beach still feeling excited and relaxed. We will meet them there in an hour for the start.

A note about the blog: I will not be checking my email, so text or call me if you need to communicate; and I'm having trouble posting photos from my iPhone, so we will probably post on Facebook instead. I think most of you are friends with Tina.

More soon!


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Location:Duval St,Key West,United States

Prep time

The meeting is over and we've had dinner - now it's time to prep for the morning. There are two waves, a slow one at 9 am and everyone else, including Tina at 9:30. We'll all be there to send them forth into the warm waters, and have found 4 spots to catch them en route to the finish. Tina is anticipating about 6 hours for the event and she seems very relaxed.

Mike (kayaker) and Tina have prepped food and drink, and are now headed to bed (separately). Check back in the am for more pics and updates on the swim!

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Location:Florida 5,Key West,United States

All together now

There is just a different feeling when your feet hit ground in Key West. It is truly tropical and plantation-like all at once. I feel at one with ole Papa himself.

Tina & Mike are at the mandatory race meeting and they'll meet us for dinner afterwards. Bri is pretty sick with a cold, but seems okay for now.

I'll post again later when we have more race details.

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Location:Florida 5,Key West,United States

And so it begins....

Brian and Tina are off to Key West today. Tina is at T-2 days to her CRAZY swim around Key West. I use the word "crazy" because that is the best adjective to describe this feat. She's been training like a dog (or should I say dolphin). Stay tuned for more details and pictures of her swim!