Swimming The Strait

Kerianne Brownlie and the Heart Behind the Swim

If this resonated, you’ll probably enjoy my newsletter. I write it every week with thoughts on resilience, freedom, and choosing a bold life. https://www.aitanaforcen.com/newsletter [https://www.aitanaforcen.com/newsletter]  Kerianne Brownlie is a nurse, a marathon swimmer, and one of the newest people to swim the Cook Strait. In this episode, we talk about how she trained for open water swims using pools near her home, how the swimming community shaped her journey, and the role her partner played in supporting her goals. We also explore the powerful connection between her nursing work and the mental resilience needed for endurance swims. It’s a story of courage, community, and quiet strength, on land and in the ocean. She’s living proof that you don’t have to choose between a meaningful job and an epic life.   You can check out her blog here: https://kerianneswims.com/ [https://kerianneswims.com/]

Corrina Connor and the Power of Trying Again

If this resonated, you’ll probably enjoy my newsletter. I write it every week with thoughts on resilience, freedom, and choosing a bold life. https://www.aitanaforcen.com/newsletter [https://www.aitanaforcen.com/newsletter]  In this episode of Swimming the Strait, I talk with Corrina Connor, marathon swimmer, librarian, and cellist. We pick up after her first attempt to swim the Cook Strait. She opens up about what came next, what it took mentally, emotionally, and physically to return to the water after falling short. We talk about resilience, pacing, mindset, and what it really means to try again on your own terms. This is a story about endurance, but not just in the ocean. You can read more about Corrina's adventures here: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018907048/the-librarian-who-conquered-foveaux-strait-without-a-wetsuit [https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018907048/the-librarian-who-conquered-foveaux-strait-without-a-wetsuit] https://newsroom.co.nz/2023/06/28/corrina-connor-finds-her-stride-in-historic-foveaux-strait-swim/ [https://newsroom.co.nz/2023/06/28/corrina-connor-finds-her-stride-in-historic-foveaux-strait-swim/] https://gogglesatdawn.blogspot.com/ [https://gogglesatdawn.blogspot.com/]

Corrina Connor and the Courage to Keep Going

In this episode of Swimming the Strait, I talk with Corrina Connor, marathon swimmer, librarian, and cellist, about her first attempt to swim the Cook Strait. This is the first of a two-part conversation where we explore what it means to show up for something big, face the unexpected, and keep moving forward. Corrina shares what drew her to long-distance swimming, what it felt like to take on such a massive challenge, and the mindset it takes to keep going, even when things don’t go to plan. It’s a powerful reminder that courage isn’t just about crossing the finish line, it’s about how we meet ourselves in the middle of the unknown. You can read more about Corrina's adventures here: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018907048/the-librarian-who-conquered-foveaux-strait-without-a-wetsuit [https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018907048/the-librarian-who-conquered-foveaux-strait-without-a-wetsuit] https://newsroom.co.nz/2023/06/28/corrina-connor-finds-her-stride-in-historic-foveaux-strait-swim/ [https://newsroom.co.nz/2023/06/28/corrina-connor-finds-her-stride-in-historic-foveaux-strait-swim/] https://gogglesatdawn.blogspot.com/ [https://gogglesatdawn.blogspot.com/]

Caitlin O’Reilly and the Journey to Conquer the Ocean’s Seven

What does it take to push past your limits and take on the world’s toughest open-water swims? In this episode of Swimming the Strait, I sit down with Caitlin O’Reilly, who—at the time of our conversation—was on her journey to completing the Ocean’s Seven, one of the most grueling endurance challenges in open-water swimming. Since then, she has made history as the youngest person ever to complete it. We talk about the mental and physical battles, the resilience needed to keep going, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From brutal currents to freezing waters, Caitlin’s story is all about grit, determination, and the pursuit of something bigger than yourself.

Rebecca and the Power of Perseverance in Open Water

Joining us is Rebecca Hollingsworth, an ultra marathon swimmer whose impressive resume includes some of the most challenging swims in the world. Today, we'll dive deep into Rebecca's inspiring story, exploring the challenges, triumphs, and unwavering determination that drive her to push the limits of what's possible in the world of swimming. Get ready for an episode filled with motivation, incredible feats, and the relentless spirit of a true marathon swimmer.