Published by macyswim on 26 Jun 2007 at 10:16 pm

About Michelle

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50 Responses to “About Michelle”

1. Patricia Brown on 02 Jul 2007 at 1:45 am #

   My dear Michelle. How proud I am of you. I can not believe you are swimming the English Chanel. What a wonderful experience. I will be with you in prayer and in emotional support. You are a fantastic young woman and I LOVE YOU!!!!

2. Kathy (Woods) Rakowczyk on 06 Jul 2007 at 7:45 pm #

   Michelle – what a wonderful adventure you are taking yourself on … and the rest of us through your blog! I was excited to cheer you on as a teammate at St. Ben’s and the best wishes continue as you prep for the English Channel! Kathy

3. mom on 08 Jul 2007 at 12:12 am #

   I have been re-reading the Zanders’ book The Art of Possibility. It is a great reminder of the stories that we tell ourselves that limit rather than expand our world. You have created a new story for yourself and it is a great one full of possibility. I am proud of you and your expanding possibilities.

   “If I were to wish for anything I should not wish for wealth and power, but for the passionate sense of what can be, for the eye, which, ever young and ardent, sees the possible. Pleasure disappoints, possibility never. And what wine is so sparkling, what so fragrant, what so intoxicating as possibility? Kierkegaard, Either/Or

   To possibility and accomplishment supported by great love.

   Mom

4. Pat on 12 Jul 2007 at 8:19 pm #

   I’m proud to say I’m your brother….

5. NERD on 19 Jul 2007 at 2:58 am #

   YOU ARE MY ROCK STAR!!!! SWIM HARD, SWIM FAST!!!! You can DOOOOOO it!

6. Colorado Support on 26 Jul 2007 at 5:08 am #

   We are cheering for you, come visit us for some high altitude training!!! We can not say how proud and supportive we are and will be cheering for you the whole way. Kick Hard, from Team Colorado (Heidi, Scott, Riley, and Soca)

7. Lori on 26 Jul 2007 at 6:42 pm #

   Michelle,
   This is some dream! We wish you the best and will be praying for you and your crew. You’ve already made it so far, you should be so proud!
   Love,
   Justin, Lori & Abby

8. Laura Schob on 26 Jul 2007 at 11:29 pm #

   Hi, Michelle,
   Cool that you are doing this!! WOW!
   My name is Laura Schob, and I swam three hours of the Channel on the Karen Gaffney relay in 2001 and did a 10k last summer, so I get at least some of your training. I wanted to tell you about long arm, long sleeve swimsuits to protect you from sun during this training. (No, it’s not a speed suit.) I’ve had melanoma, so I have to be very careful with the sun. I would love to talk with you about your experiences, too. Hope to hear from you soon!
   Laura 389-3868

9. Sybil Fisher on 31 Jul 2007 at 3:17 am #

   Hello Michelle,
   I was passed your information from a fellow masters swimmer. I swam the Ditch 8.8.03 in 13:52 and live here in Portland. It seems you’ve got the training down to a science and a ton of great support which is half the battle! I’d be happy to chat more with you if you want. I have a little video (15 min..the condensed version) or anything I can help with, I’d be happy to help. Just email me.
   Two mantra’s for you while you swim, repeat this over and over when needed: I will not get out, I will not get out. My other vital mantra….push past the pain, push past the pain.
   Best wishes, stay in the positive and enjoy every incredible minute
   Sybil

   ps. those crabs in Manzanita bay used to crack me up!

10. Brendan on 31 Jul 2007 at 7:42 pm #

    Hey Michelle!

    What an awesome task you’ve started on. Congratulations and keep up the hard work!

    Brendan

11. Jenny Riley on 31 Jul 2007 at 7:49 pm #

    Michelle,

    When Brendan told me that you were going to swim the English Channel, I was blown away. Ever since I read Swimming to Antarctica, I have an incredible respect for open water swimmers. You go girl!

    As a fellow swimmer, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you attempt this ultimate swimming challenge.

    Best
    Jenny

12. Kristy on 01 Aug 2007 at 8:17 pm #

    Hey Michelle -

    We’ll be thinking of you during your final weeks of training. I’m going to try and get you a little note to take with you in the mail as soon as I can…I wish nothing but success and safety for you and your crew as you make your way across the channel to France.

    You are an inspiration and I cannot wait to hear your stories from your most incredible journey.

    Godspeed,
    Kristy, Brian & Riley

13. Hoainam on 02 Aug 2007 at 9:09 pm #

    As a non-swimmer, let me say “Are you out of your effing mind?”

    Just kidding. Best of luck. If you buy me a life jacket, I’ll join the team on the boat to cheer you on.

14. David Dauwalter on 08 Aug 2007 at 9:40 pm #

    Michelle,

    I’m so excited for you. I’ve been telling everyone I know about your upcoming swim. They all think it’s as incredible as I do. Keep up the hard work, stay focused and you are sure to reach your dream!

15. Mark, Becci, Kristen and Kimmy Farmer on 11 Aug 2007 at 6:42 pm #

    Michelle -

    Wow! What an inspiration you are to our girls. Best of luck to you. We look forward to following you along your journey. We are proud to be your cousins!

16. Donna Budman (Joanning clan) on 13 Aug 2007 at 4:49 am #

    I saw the post on the Alaska solo swim! What a great accomplishment Keep up the great work. We are pulling for you from California…

    All the best.
    Donna and Family

17. Kerry Hallee on 14 Aug 2007 at 2:38 pm #

    Michelle,
    I am in awe of what you are doing. I wish you all the best on the last stretch of your training and on the big day. You are truly an inspiration to all of us former swimmers!

18. george hunihan on 15 Aug 2007 at 1:27 am #

    Michelle,

    Good Luck! I will probably see you in Dover! I am swimming on Sept 17th with Eddie Spelling as captain. My wife and I also swam in Alcatraz on June 10th. I am 53 and have been open water swimming for the past eight years, swam in all sorts of stuff but am a bit apprehensive about the Channel but in a good way. Mother Nature is the boss with this one!
    Suzanne and I are staying at the Castle Guest House feel free to come by and say hi if you want. My son was in your town this summer on a college project, he loved it up there!
    Good Luck!

    George Hunihan

19. Kirin on 15 Aug 2007 at 1:30 am #

    Hi Michelle, It’s been along time since we’ve talked and WOW! Have you ever been doing great things. I’m really excited for you. Hope your family is doing well. Email me sometime when your not busy, we’ll chat!! Good Luck, and be careful!!

    Kirin Hahn (Shermock)

20. Mary Paul on 21 Aug 2007 at 8:03 pm #

    What more can I say Michelle, except how proud I am of you! You have the determination, guts and strength that our family is known for, and if there is anyone that can do this-you can. Brian and I will be wishing all the best for you, and whatever you do, don’t look back! Love you!

21. Oshkosh Macys on 23 Aug 2007 at 2:32 am #

    Hi Michelle, the whole Oshkosh Macy clan is here cheering you on!!!! We love you and think of you often. Relative Lee’s favorite line was “Never say die, say damn” So damn, you go girl!!

    Love, Jim, Nan, Ben, Austin and Jack.

22. Leroy on 23 Aug 2007 at 1:31 pm #

    Wishing you clear weather and calm seas, and your allowed to take the ferry back

23. Nick Ireland on 27 Aug 2007 at 6:24 pm #

    Hi Michelle,

    I’ve trained mornings with Barracudas the last two Octobers when over in Portland on business – I remember you from last year. I’d just done my own solo English Channel crossing on the 13th September 2006. Best of luck with the swim – I’ll be watching your progress on AIS.

    Nick

24. Kirk W on 28 Aug 2007 at 8:15 pm #

    Best of luck Michelle!! We’ll be thinking about you a ton during the big day. Thanks for keeping all such a great journal, this is just an awesome journey and I can’t wait to hear the stories about the swim. May God bless your trip and keep you safe during the swim.

    Kirk and Kate

25. Lyn Montague on 30 Aug 2007 at 8:49 pm #

    Michelle -
    I swam in Pennock with you – LOVE the website – and so much enjoy your journey – plus – your mom & dad sound really cool!! will be thinking of you on the journey in 2 1/2 weeks!! I am coming to Oregon to participate in cycle oregon Sept 9 – 16 – 480 miles of bike riding in 6 days!! good thing I can’t run!! I am just fine with swimming & biking! Blue skies and be of courage!

    Lyn Montague – Anchorage, AK

26. Barbara Christensen on 06 Sep 2007 at 3:50 pm #

    Hey Michelle ! Kim forwarded Cindy and I your website, and it is great to read about all you have done…plus it is great to see the pictures. I imagine there will be hundreds put up upon your return from your loooonnngg swim? Look forward to seeing them! Anyway, best of luck, and while I’m floating in my 99 degree bath tub, I’ll be thinking of you Hee-hee.

27. Cindy Jacobson on 07 Sep 2007 at 11:28 pm #

    I totally admire the fact you are going after your dreams – and what an extraordinary dream that is! Best of luck in your endeavor. I know you are in good hands with a very supportive & knowledgeable crew. I look forward to seeing pics from your trip/swim. Remember, don’t feed the fish

28. Paul on 10 Sep 2007 at 12:26 pm #

    I met you today (Monday) and “escorted” you to the pier and back at Dover. Hang on let’s get this right. I wanted to escort you to the pier and back but unfortunately you were somewhat faster than me so I fell behind by a factor of erm let’s say some hundreds of metres. You must have been lucky enough to catch a rip tide is the only way I can explain it and nothing whatsoever to do with the fact that you are an extremely good swimmer. Are you really only 30 years of age? Good grief, just like Police officers, cross channel swimmers look so young lately. Good luck and no doubt I’ll see you in the sea before you take the trip to France.

29. Teresa Farrell on 11 Sep 2007 at 2:03 am #

    I am a latecomer to your website (quite an impressive one, I might add) and see you are already across the pond. I am impressed with your decision to JUST DO IT and to work in such a focused and dedicated way to accomplish something that is important to you. Of course, you have already accomplished much–a litany of events. As you connect those dots to this last one, please know that you have our love, prayers and sincere admiration for identifying this challenge and thoughtfully pursuing it. We are clear out in California, but we are really pulling for you! All the best, Teresa & Family.

30. Ann Goodman on 23 Sep 2007 at 2:39 am #

    I KNEW you would be faster than 13 hrs – a ton faster! We are proud of you girl, now you can rest. I hope you have some pics and experiences you can share with us when you get back to Oregon.
    Take care and see you at the next Masters meet, Ann Goodman, Columbia Gorge Masters, The Dalles, Oregon

31. Nell Loftin on 24 Sep 2007 at 4:56 am #

    Michelle, congratulations. I’m one of your co-Pennock Island swimmers. You made the crossing on my birthday, so I can think about your swim as an inspiration every year.

32. Adam Bleck on 28 Sep 2007 at 2:54 pm #

    Hey Macy, NICE WORK! I’ve been keeping track of your progress and I’m proud to say you’re the only person I know with ability and drive to make the swim, especially in the time you did! Congrats!

33. Brian Kirkvold on 22 Oct 2007 at 2:33 pm #

    Very impressive swim Michelle – you should be very proud of yourself – as Lynne Cox would say “swimming the English Channel is the Zenith of the sport”
    I’m still hoping that one day I will have an opportunity to make an attempt.

34. Tacy on 08 Nov 2007 at 6:08 pm #

    I just read the story of your swim on Oregonlive and it moved me. Congratulations and thank you for sharing such a motivational moment with those of us out there that need the reminder that that with focus and dedication, dreams can be reality. I’ll be swimming at THPRD to begin my recovery from a broken ankle in a few weeks – while I will never be an english channel swimmer, I will have your story in my head while I drive to the goals I have set for myself in the next 12 months. Thanks so much.

35. Michael Egans MD on 17 Nov 2007 at 12:09 am #

    Read the article in the Washington County Weekly and was very interested in your wonderful accomplishments. I am a retired physician and Rotarian in the Hillsboro club and would love to have you come and present your story of your English channel crossing. If you would consider this, please call me at 503 648 9517 or respond via email. Congratulations on a great effort. Michael F. Egans

36. Todd Nielsen on 10 Feb 2008 at 10:31 pm #

    Michelle, I just found out you swam the English Channel and I am very moved by your great accomplishment. Congratulations!! I went into Gold N’ Treasures yesterday (Saturday), spoke to Todd, and he said you were just in the day before (Friday). He showed me a few pictures and gave me one of your cards. I just spent the past hour and a half reading nearly everything on your webpage. I have enjoyed reading about the preparation and training, the actual swim, and everything thereafter. I am extremely happy for you and proud of you as well. I am glad to hear you are well!

37. Charlie on 11 Feb 2008 at 6:27 pm #

    Hey Michelle!

    Great blog and story…. but SURELY you don’t mean Lyn Cox is “infamous!” “Infamous” means known for being terrible. I’m sure you mean incredible, wonderful, extraordinary, legendary…..

    -Charlie

38. Britta on 13 Feb 2008 at 6:47 pm #

    crazy lady! I loved opening up my USMS swimming magazine to see your bright smiling face! I let out a little scream in the post office! So, you think you’ll be up in k-town (ketchikan) for another fun loving august swimming sensation?!?! I’d love to see you, put in a good swim, and sit on the Artic porch afterwards!

39. Stan on 26 Jun 2008 at 8:08 am #

    Michelle,

    We are moving to Bingen, WA in a few weeks. I came across your site while trying to find information on open water swimming in the area.

    I am training for Ironman UK scheduled for 9/7/08. I recently did my first triathlon in Philadelphia. It was an Olympc distance tri (swim 1.5K, bike 40K, run 10K). The swim took me 46:33. I swam the same distance in the pool with the wetsuit in 32:50. I was nervous, I had trouble swimming in a straight line and tired quickly. I ended up floating on my back and doing the back stroke every 150 – 200 meters. I was all over the river, I would look up and I would be in the middle of the river, then I would look again and be close the bank. The thing to do is look up (site) every five strokes to see where the heck you are. I probably swam at least 100 meters further than I needed to.

    I need to face my fears and get more open water swims under my belt. I am hoping you can point me in the right direction

    Regards,
    Stan

40. Tracy on 06 Jul 2008 at 7:13 pm #

    Hi Michele! I was looking for news and photos of the Manhattan Marathon and was happy to find you had a website! You were awesome and I was proud to be a part of your swim as your kayak escort. Your boat crew was fantastic as well. This was a wonderful experience for my friends and I who volunteered and we’re looking forward to doing more swim supports because of it. Congratulations on an amazing accomplishment!

41. Mark Slade on 09 Aug 2008 at 9:33 pm #

    Hey Macy,
    All I can say is wow. You are quite the adict. I was just talking to Courtney and we were both saying we swim maybe one or twice a year. You and Bergman… you are still swimming more than ever and Bergman did the Hawaii Iron Man! I will keep checking back to see how you’re doing. The best of luck to you and keep churning!

42. Dave Cuthbert on 10 Aug 2008 at 11:47 pm #

    Your blog is a terrific training resource for channel and other open water swims! Thanks for sharing all of this information with us.

    I also swim in Manzanita Bay, but the one on Bainbridge Island, WA.

43. E on 09 Sep 2008 at 9:24 pm #

    I see you are planning another English Channel swim. This time in July. Is it “better” than September?
    Is there an opportunity to get more information on the details on your swim?

    Do you know Catherine Cronin of Portland?
    A more detailed response or link to the how’s would be appreciated.
    - the older lady

44. Kim (Nuytten) Pilney on 19 Sep 2008 at 11:36 am #

    Michelle Macy! I’m floored by your accomplishments! Courtney Remes… wait, I think she is married by now?… told me about your site. I will keep checking in on you, but don’t ask me to swim behind you like I used to at St. Ben’s. I couldn’t last 5 minutes. God Bless!

45. Ann Goodman on 06 Oct 2008 at 3:12 pm #

    Have a great swim across Catalina channel tonight Michelle. I will be thinking of you all day even though you are probably trying to rest and sleep right now. Uh, I will probably be doing the same at your midnight start time but I will check on you first thing in the morning. You are crazy brave to swim in the open ocean at night, and you are wicked awesome because I know you will be successful! Talk to you later in the week! Ann Goodman

46. Garrett Smith on 01 Jun 2009 at 1:53 am #

    Hi Michelle:

    Thanks for sharing your story and your passion this weekend at the Hagg Lake swimming clinic and races. All the best on your epic swim from England to France later this summer.

    -Garrett Smith
    Portland, Oregon

47. Teresa Divine on 25 Jul 2009 at 6:36 pm #

    Michelle,
    I was sitting and watching your video with my son and I was very proud to say I use to swim with her in high school. What an amazing accomplishment, and how amazing it must feel. Congrats on the accomplishment and thank you for sharing it with us! Keep up the good work, I am proud when I swim a mile. Way to go!

48. Don Macdonald on 08 Sep 2009 at 11:01 am #

    Congratulations and very inspirational. I am in the beginning three year effort for a channel swim, would you be available to discuss the myriad of issues in early planning, etc.?

49. Tim Lunney on 06 Oct 2009 at 12:44 pm #

    You are awsome!!!!!! Come to bend and teach a distance training clinic.

    tim

50. Anna (Signorelli) McNanley on 30 Oct 2009 at 12:28 pm #

    Michelle you rocked at St. Ben’s and you rock now! I LOVED the video! I am studying for my board exam and that movie was so inspirational! I am very inspired by your drive and work ethic. You go girl.

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