Why do I swim such long distances

This is a question I get a lot. The answer, well is a mix of things. First, my swims gain attention, which helps me raise awareness and money for under privileged children around the world and  Children International gives me the platform to do so. (If you want to read why I raise money for CI, click here.)  Second because the time and effort that not only I put into training, but also my parents put into driving me, supporting me emotionally and financially. My parents are my number one supporters and means so much to me that they come out to all my swims and get up super early with me. Lastly, I enjoy expanding my comfort zone and taking on challenges. Not many people do what I do, and so it makes me feel proud that I can do these swims. The feeling when I finish is incomparable, I feel very accomplished and like I can do anything I wish to.