Blaik Ogle's Marathon Swim Story

Blaik Ogle's Marathon Swim Story

Author: Shannon Keegan founder of Intrepid Water June 30, 2020 Duration: 34:05

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This stormy Knoxville morning, we chatted with the founder of Bridges to Bluffs, Knoxville Open Water Swimmers, and marathon swimmer himself, Blaik Ogle. Quick to dismiss his accomplishments, Blaik focused the conversation on building community in Knoxville, but I got him to tell us a little bit about tackling the cold, not taking no for an answer, and getting stuck in a tree on a birthday swim. 

In his own words: I am 40 years old and I live in Knoxville, Tennessee. I'm the co-founder of the Knoxville Open Water Swimmers and Co-founder/Director Bridges to Bluffs Open Water Swim. 

Prior to the pandemic I was training for SCAR and Catalina. Now I spend my time cross training with heavy weights - both to be faster in the water and survive the “Real Life Hunger Games .... Southern States Coronavirus, Global Warming, and Systemic Racism Edition.” 

I enjoy cold water swims, introducing new open water swimmers to year round/ distance/ night swimming, beagles, breakfast burritos, and dismantling the patriarchy of systemic racism with my white privilege and hillbilly accent. 

Goals: Keeping “Bridges to Bluffs” on track to become the “Boston Marathon of Marathon Swimming” as well as creating new and “affordable” opportunities for the marathon swim community.


If you'd like to be a guest on Marathon Swim Stories, mailto:shannon@intrepidwater.com 

Stay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.com

Music credit:

Epic Inspiration  by Rafael Krux
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5447-epic-inspiration-
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry.

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There's a particular feeling that comes from standing at the water's edge, toes in the sand or on cool concrete, looking out at the expanse. It’s a moment of choice between the solid ground of what you know and the fluid possibility of what could be. Stories from the Water explores that very transition, hosted by Shannon Keegan, founder of Intrepid Water. This isn't just a podcast about swimming; it's about the profound parallels between moving through water and moving through life. Each conversation flows into the mental and physical resilience required to push past our own shorelines, whether that's tackling a new fitness goal, navigating personal challenges, or simply finding the bravery to begin something unfamiliar. You'll hear from a diverse range of voices-athletes, coaches, everyday enthusiasts, and experts-who share their intimate experiences with water as a teacher. The reflections found here touch on the mechanics of sport, the nuances of health, and the quiet self-improvement that happens when we’re fully immersed in an element that demands our presence. Tune in for a blend of personal narrative and practical insight, all centered on the wisdom that surfaces when we dare to get in over our heads.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 203

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