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How different is open water swimming from training in a pool?

Far more than most people realize.

This week, Natalie Hood is joined by ultra-endurance swimmer Hilda Lopez, fresh off completing the 50th Annual Swim Around Key West—a grueling 12.5-mile marathon swim that tested her endurance, mindset, and determination.

Hilda shares her inspiring journey from struggling with her health and being significantly overweight to becoming an accomplished open water swimmer tackling some of the world's most demanding marathon swims.

Together, Natalie and Hilda break down some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding open water swimming, including:

• Why pool training alone isn't enough for marathon swims
• The reality of swimming in currents, tides, waves, and changing conditions
• Why your open water pace rarely matches your pool pace
• Building endurance without swimming race distance every training session
• The importance of strength training for injury prevention and performance
• Why hydration and nutrition can make or break a long-distance swim
• Managing fear, self-doubt, and race-day nerves
• The critical role of a strong support team during marathon swims
• Why pacing—not sprinting off the start—is often the smartest strategy

Hilda also recounts the emotional final mile of her Swim Around Key West, where exhaustion, heat, and powerful currents nearly ended her race before encouragement from her support crew—and especially her son—helped carry her to the finish.

Finally, Natalie announces her own next adventure: taking on the Tennessee Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming while raising funds for Every Child A Swimmer, helping provide lifesaving swim lessons to children.

Whether you're an experienced swimmer, training for your first open water event, or simply love hearing stories of perseverance, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and an honest look at what it really takes to conquer the open water.

Topics Covered

• Marathon swimming
• Open water training
• Swim Around Key West
• Endurance sports
• Race preparation
• Hydration and nutrition
• Strength training
• Mental resilience
• Swim myths
• Every Child A Swimmer
• Tennessee Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming
• Swimming safety
• Long-distance swimming

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