317 Miles: Breaking The Longest Non-Stop Swim Record - Ross Edgley
12 Aug 2024 (1 month ago)
Ross’s Recent Swimming Achievements
- The speaker discusses his recent swimming achievements, including attempts at non-stop swims in Loch Ness and Lake Tresino.
- The Loch Ness swim was cut short due to hypothermia and cellulitis, a bacterial infection that can be fatal.
- The Lake Tresino swim was also challenging due to extreme heat and the risk of rhabdomyolysis, a condition where muscle tissue breaks down.
- The speaker successfully completed a non-stop swim down the Yukon River, setting a new record for the longest non-stop river swim.
- The Yukon River swim was an assisted swim, meaning the speaker received support from a boat to navigate the river and avoid hazards.
- The speaker emphasizes the unique challenges of river swimming, including the need to constantly navigate currents and potential obstacles.
- The speaker highlights the variety of classifications and categories within open water swimming, making it a diverse and challenging sport.
Preparing for Different Scales of Events
- The speaker discusses the differences in preparation for different types of swimming events, highlighting the distinction between speed-focused training for Olympic swimmers and endurance-focused training for long-distance swimmers.
- The speaker emphasizes the importance of building a robust body for long-distance swims, focusing on strength training to improve ligament and tendon strength rather than solely focusing on muscle growth.
- The speaker discusses the importance of gastrointestinal preparation for long-distance swims, highlighting the need to train the digestive system to handle high carbohydrate intake and the use of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) to further enhance calorie assimilation.
What Ross Wears for the Events
- The speaker discusses the wetsuit he wore for the swim, specifically mentioning a "butt flap" designed for bathroom breaks. He describes a humorous incident where the flap malfunctioned, resulting in him carrying waste in his wetsuit for 55 hours.
- The speaker describes the challenges of the swim, including the physical toll on his shoulders and the unpredictable nature of the river. He mentions encountering Five Finger Rapids, which required him to sprint despite being fatigued.
- The speaker recounts encountering wildlife, including a massive eagle, black bears, and moose. He notes that his bleeding attracted the attention of these animals, making him feel like a "blood-soaked ice cream truck" attracting wildlife.
- The speaker mentions the importance of treating the swim like a sailing expedition, focusing on finding the path of least resistance and treating his body like a vessel.
- The speaker briefly mentions the Nomatic travel backpack, highlighting its quality and features.
How to Prepare for Fatigue
- The speaker discusses the mental aspect of endurance swimming, specifically how fatigue affects the brain and how to manage it.
- The speaker explains that the brain acts as a "hypochondriac," sending signals of fatigue and pain to discourage the swimmer from continuing.
- The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing these signals as a form of mental narrative and not allowing them to influence the swimmer's biochemistry.
- The speaker suggests a mindful approach to these thoughts, observing them without reacting to them, rather than trying to fight them off.
- The speaker also mentions the importance of having a support team who understands the mental and physical challenges of endurance swimming and can recognize when the swimmer is experiencing hallucinations or delusions.
- The speaker shares their personal experience with sleep deprivation, noting that their ability to handle it has decreased with age.
Digesting Food Mid-Swimming
- The speaker discusses the unique challenges of digesting food while swimming, particularly the discomfort associated with lying down after eating.
- The speaker mentions that research at Liverpool John Moores University and Loughborough University revealed that their ability to consume and digest food with minimal discomfort was a significant factor in their success.
- The speaker explains that eating became a crucial strategy for combating hypothermia during the swim, particularly during the cold mornings when the sun was not yet up.
- The speaker describes how the team increased the frequency of feeding to every 15-20 minutes, providing hot porridge oats to help maintain body temperature.
- The speaker emphasizes the importance of warmth during the swim, highlighting how it became a primary need, surpassing other desires like food, shelter, and even financial gain.
- The speaker recounts how they consumed scorching hot porridge oats to combat the cold, even though it caused discomfort, as it was preferable to hypothermia.
- The speaker discusses their dietary intake, mentioning a preference for bananas and the use of PhD Nutrition products, including gels, electrolytes, and Beta Fuel, to provide a balanced carbohydrate intake.
- The speaker describes how the team's dietary strategies became more creative as the swim progressed, with the inclusion of bison burgers and moose soup.
- The speaker notes that the lack of a consistent day-night cycle due to the long daylight hours in Canada and the Yukon affected their circadian rhythm, but they found it easier to combat sleep deprivation than the team members who were on the boat.
- The speaker explains that the constant exposure to cold water acted as a natural wake-up call, making it easier for them to stay awake despite the sleep deprivation.
- The speaker acknowledges that the sleep deprivation had a significant impact on them after the swim, but they found it easier to manage during the swim itself.
Which Supplements Did Ross Take?
- The individual discussed using caffeine and Alpha GPC as supplements during the swim.
- Caffeine was used in high doses, exceeding 1000 milligrams, but the individual noted that the body reaches a point where it can no longer utilize more.
- Alpha GPC was found to be helpful in maintaining a positive mental state during the swim, particularly for extended periods.
- The individual did not use any other supplements during the swim, as they wanted to avoid any potential negative effects or complications.
- The individual did not use protein supplements during the swim, as the focus was on providing energy substrates, and protein was deemed less important in this context.
- The individual did not use creatine during the swim, as it was not considered necessary for the type of endurance event.
- The individual's focus on supplementation was to ensure a positive mental state and avoid any unnecessary complications or negative effects.
The Injuries Ross Collected From the Swim
- The speaker sustained several injuries during his swim, including rhabdomyolysis, hypothermia, sunburn, and cuts on the back of his legs.
- The cuts on the back of his legs were caused by the friction of his legs rubbing together while treading water.
- The speaker also experienced compression injuries to his face and hands due to the prolonged exposure to cold water.
- The speaker's hands were particularly affected, becoming sponge-like due to the cold water.
- Despite these injuries, the speaker's hands and legs have since recovered.
What Ross Has Learned About Resilience
- Resilience is suffering strategically managed. This means that instead of simply enduring hardship, one should actively seek ways to mitigate suffering and optimize their chances of success.
- This approach is exemplified by the heroic age of Antarctic exploration, where the Norwegian expedition led by Amundsen was more successful than the British expedition led by Robert Falcon Scott. Amundsen's team was better prepared, utilizing dogs for transportation and sustenance, while Scott's team relied on ponies, mechanical skis, and tins of food that proved ineffective.
- The speaker emphasizes the importance of learning from others' experiences and adapting strategies to suit individual circumstances. He cites his own recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon, where he drew inspiration from books like "Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holiday and "The Art of Resilience" by himself, as well as the documentary about Andy Murray's hip replacement.
- The speaker believes that the current glorification of toughness and heroism is a reaction to a world that prioritizes convenience and comfort. He argues that embracing resilience is a countercultural act that emphasizes traditional values of grit and determination.
- The speaker's approach to the Yukon swim was to work with the river, rather than against it. He acknowledges that this approach can be seen as spiritual, as it involves a sense of connection with nature and a willingness to accept its challenges. The Yukon provided favorable conditions, such as strong currents and brief periods of sunshine, which ultimately contributed to the success of the swim.
The State of Ross’s Mind During the Event
- The speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on the process rather than the outcome when engaging in a challenging activity. This means concentrating on the technique and execution of the task, rather than constantly thinking about how much time is left or how far one has progressed.
- The speaker discusses the role of dopamine and the temptation to focus on external rewards and progress updates, which can distract from the process-oriented mindset.
- The speaker highlights the importance of maintaining a focus on the process, even when faced with external distractions or a lack of tangible progress. This can be achieved by remaining stubbornly focused on the task at hand and avoiding external feedback that might disrupt the flow.
- The speaker emphasizes the importance of meeting basic needs, such as hydration, food, and warmth, as a foundation for achieving higher goals. However, they also acknowledge that sometimes, individuals may prioritize a higher purpose over basic needs, particularly when driven by a strong sense of purpose.
- The speaker discusses the shift from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation, highlighting how their initial motivation for the English Channel swim was driven by external factors like records and accolades. However, they have since shifted towards a more intrinsic motivation, driven by a desire to contribute to a cause or push personal boundaries.
- The speaker emphasizes the importance of finding joy and fulfillment in the process itself, rather than solely focusing on external achievements. They highlight how their recent swims, while not record-breaking, have provided personal satisfaction and valuable experiences.
Is There a Darker Side to Ross?
- The speaker is asked if he has a "dark side" and if he ever experiences anger, resentment, or bitterness, which are common traits in high-performing endurance athletes.
- The speaker acknowledges that he does have a dark side, but he attributes his ability to remain positive even in the face of suffering to his father's influence.
- The speaker shares a deeply personal story about his father's battle with stage four cancer and how his father's unwavering positivity and resilience in the face of adversity inspired him.
- The speaker describes his father's stoic nature, his dedication to coaching even while wheelchair-bound, and his thoughtful approach to death, which taught the speaker how to live and how to die.
- The speaker concludes by stating that his father's influence is a guiding force in his life, even after his death, and that he often hears his father's voice encouraging him to persevere.
- The speaker also discusses the British tradition of stoicism and resilience, citing examples of historical figures like Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton, who embodied these qualities.
- The speaker expresses admiration for these figures and their ability to endure hardship and risk their lives for exploration and adventure.
- The speaker concludes by stating that he and his team drew inspiration from these historical figures during their own Yukon River swim.
The Parts of Stoicism Worth Keeping
- The speaker discusses the value of stoicism and how it has impacted their life. They emphasize the importance of stories and the lessons learned from historical figures like Marcus Aurelius.
- The speaker highlights the idea of "tighter and tighter circles," which refers to the increasing resolution with which one views their pursuits as they become more skilled. This concept suggests that mastery is an ongoing process of refinement.
- The speaker shares their experience filming a documentary about sharks, where they attempted to compete with different shark species in various physical challenges. They found that even after years of training and expertise, they were still outmatched by the natural abilities of sharks.
Eating 40,000 Calories in a Day
- The speaker describes a process of depleting their energy reserves in preparation for a physical challenge. This involved 24 hours of non-stop exercise, including a 12-hour stint in a heat chamber, which resulted in dehydration, muscle cramping, and electrolyte depletion.
- The speaker explains that they were attempting to mimic the physiological state of a tiger shark, which undergoes periods of famine. They note that humans have lost the ability to endure such extreme levels of suffering, which was once commonplace for our ancestors.
- After the depletion phase, the speaker experienced an intense craving for water, followed by an overwhelming hunger. They consumed a massive amount of calories, including pizza, burgers, fish and chips, cinnamon loaves, custard, and ice cream, in an effort to replenish their muscle glycogen and energy stores.
- The speaker discusses the physiological impact of consuming such a large amount of calories in a short period, noting the significant inflammation and muscle glycogen replenishment that occurred. They also mention the malleability of the human body, highlighting the dramatic changes in body composition that can occur with extreme calorie intake and depletion.
- The speaker compares their experience to the weight management strategies of mixed martial arts fighters, who often engage in extreme weight cuts and rapid refeeding. They discuss the potential negative effects of such practices on the central nervous system and the importance of strategic suffering in athletic performance.
How to Be More Resilient in Your Body
- Resilience is a combination of physiological and mental factors. The speaker explains that mental and physical states are influenced by various physiological processes, such as hormone levels and neurotransmitter activity. These processes can be viewed as "knobs and levers" that affect our feelings and capabilities.
- Experience plays a significant role in resilience. A study of successful ultramarathon athletes revealed that they often achieve peak performance in their 30s and 40s. This suggests that experience, rather than just physical attributes, contributes to endurance and resilience. The speaker argues that this is because experienced athletes have learned how to manage discomfort and suffering, having encountered similar challenges before.
- Overthinking can hinder performance. The speaker suggests that excessive knowledge and analysis can sometimes be detrimental to performance. He uses the example of highly educated athletes who may overthink their performance, leading to hesitation and self-doubt. He contrasts this with the "naive" approach of inexperienced individuals who may perform better because they lack the knowledge to overanalyze their actions.
Tour de France Unchained Series
- The speaker discusses the Netflix series "Tour de France Unchained" and how it provides a unique perspective on the sport by showcasing the suffering and dedication of the athletes over multiple days and weeks.
- The speaker compares the series to other sports documentaries like "Full Swing" (golf), "Drive to Survive" (Formula 1), and "All or Nothing" (football), highlighting how these behind-the-scenes narratives revitalize sports for viewers.
- The speaker then discusses the "Last Dance" documentary about Michael Jordan and how it reveals the different approaches to success between athletes, using the example of Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov in MMA.
- The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to success and that different athletes require different methods and motivations.
- The speaker uses the example of David Goggins to illustrate how different individuals respond to different types of motivation and that what works for one person may not work for another.
- The speaker reflects on Conor McGregor's journey and how his early success was fueled by a different approach than his current one, suggesting that his current lifestyle may not be conducive to his peak performance.
- The speaker shares their own experience with the Yukon swim and how they chose to have a different experience at the finish line compared to their previous swim, highlighting the importance of personal preference and individual needs.
The Ending of Ross’s Swim
- The swimmer decided to end the swim when he reached a point where he could safely walk onto a beach, fulfilling the requirements of the record.
- The decision to end the swim was influenced by the challenging river conditions, including submerged trees that could pose a danger.
- The swimmer felt a sense of accomplishment and contentment, recognizing that he had achieved his goal and was ready to move on to other experiences.
Training With Chris Hemsworth
- The speaker discusses the Hemsworth family's genetics, noting that they are exceptional athletes. They mention Chris Hemsworth's training for the film "Limitless," which involved ice swimming and rope climbing, and how he was able to achieve these feats despite not having the typical body composition for such activities.
- The speaker highlights the athleticism of other Hemsworth family members, including Liam, Luke, and their parents, noting their impressive strength and endurance.
- The speaker emphasizes Chris Hemsworth's mindset as an elite athlete, despite his acting career, and how he doesn't receive enough credit for his athletic abilities. They compare his feats in "Limitless" to those of Olympic gymnasts, highlighting the extraordinary nature of his accomplishments.
What’s Next for Ross
- The speaker is considering several future projects, including a potential shark-themed project with National Geographic.
- The speaker is also interested in continuing to push the boundaries of long-distance swimming, exploring different bodies of water like lakes and oceans.
- The speaker draws inspiration from the myth of Sisyphus and the philosophy of Albert Camus, emphasizing the importance of the struggle itself and finding meaning in the pursuit of challenging goals.
Where to Find Ross
- The speaker suggests that people interested in following the swimmer's journey can find updates on social media platforms, specifically Instagram.
- The speaker mentions that a YouTube series documenting the longest swim will be available on the platform.
- The speaker encourages viewers to watch a conversation with Chris Bumstead, which is available on the same platform.