Podcast Episode

Open Water Swimming for Beginners with Author Hilary Topper Ep 164

Find Your Edge: Training, Sports Nutrition & Mindset Tools for Triathletes, Runners & High Achievers Chasing Performance & Longevity·Chris Newport | Tri Coach, Sports & Longevity Nutritionist and Exercise Physiologist at The Endurance Edge·15 October 2026·40 min

About this episode

At 53, Hilary Topper couldn't swim one length of the pool. About ten years later, she swam 8.2 miles around Mackinac Island. In this episode of Find Your Edge, Coach Chris Newport welcomes Hilary back to talk about her new book, Unlocking the Open Water Swim, and how anyone can go from nervous to confident in the open water.If the swim is the leg that holds you back, this one's for you.In this episode:Why fear of open water stops so many people from trying triathlon, and how one swimmer went from panic to a fast mileSimple mental strategies to calm your nerves before and during a swimFish, crabs, and the "creepy crawlies" (spoiler: they're not interested in you)Open water safety: swim buddies, tow buoys, bright caps, and knowing when to get outCold water acclimation and the warning signs of SIPEWetsuit styles, booties, and buoyancy shortsWhy you swim slower in open water than in the poolWhy a DNF doesn't define youAdventure swims, aquabike, and planning your first "swimcation"Links:Unlocking the Open Water Swim by Hilary Topper: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local bookstoreHilary's blog: ATriathletesDiary.comEp 114 How to Get Started in Triathlon: https://www.theenduranceedge.com/how-to-get-started-in-triathlon-with-author-hilary-topper/ Get the full episode here: https://www.theenduranceedge.com/open-water-swimming-for-beginners-hilary-topper Support the show🎧 Thanks for tuning in to the Find Your Edge Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave us a review — it helps more athletes like you find the show. 💪✨📚 Download our free resources:🥗 Guide to High Performance Healthy Eating🏊‍♀️ 6 Steps to Triathlon Success: Free Guide💧 Hydration Guide for Athletes🏃‍♂️ Runner's Fueling & Hydration Cheat Sheet 🌐 Find us here: TheEnduranceEdge.com 🏆 Race with us: Humans of Steel Olympic & Sprint Triathlon at Harris Lake, NC 💊 Purchase Safe Supplements here (you'll be prompted to create an account) ⭐ Explore our Favorites Things & Partners 📲 Follow us on Instagram or Facebook