I grew up in Oradell a small town in Bergen County, New Jersey. I was captain of the cross country and wrestling teams and achieved all state honors. I started swimming two years ago at the suggestion of a co- worker- friend who was very persistent in her attempt to get me into the pool. I had a serious running injury and this was a way of getting my head away from running and into the water. I completed the Governors Island swim in 2009 and really enjoyed the challenge. Since then, I have completed other open water swims and love all the variables/elements that make up the sport. Endurance events are a large part of my life. I have competed in many road races, marathons (over 50 of them), bike races, and ultra events over the past thirty five years. I have run several Boston marathons as well and received many age- group awards at various distances with the NYRRC. I am a single parent of two boys, Marc and Derek, ages 21 and 20 and live in Manhattan.