Closing Out the Season: Winning the French Creek Racing Fall SwimFest 5k at Hopewell Lake

/
Closing Out the Season: Winning the French Creek Racing Fall SwimFest 5k at Hopewell Lake

Coach Dan Daly closes out his 2025 open water season with a first-place finish at the French Creek Racing Fall SwimFest 5K at Hopewell Lake. In this recap, he shares what makes Hopewell Lake swimming such a special experience — from the calm, scenic waters to the strong community behind French Creek Racing. Learn about the race conditions, key takeaways from the season, and how Dan is transitioning from open water endurance to pool speed training this winter.

Read More

Manhattan Island Marathon Swim: My 7 Hour 35 Minute Journey

/
Manhattan Island Marathon Swim: My 7 Hour 35 Minute Journey

On September 10, 2025, I completed my solo Manhattan Island Marathon Swim, covering the 28.5-mile current assisted marathon swim distance in 7 hours and 35 minutes. After years of coaching and crewing this event, I finally took on the challenge myself. From the fast chop of the East River to the long Harlem and the powerful Hudson, the day was a test of rhythm, patience, and resilience — the true essence of marathon swimming.

Read More

Five Years Strong: My Journey at the Balaton Átúszás

/
Five Years Strong: My Journey at the Balaton Átúszás

Five years, five wins – a tradition that has become both a personal benchmark and a celebration of consistency. Coach Dan Daly shares his journey at the Balaton Átúszás, Hungary’s iconic Lake Balaton swim. From pacing 1:31 per 100m to securing first in the M40 age group, he reflects on lessons learned in endurance, technique, and mindset that swimmers everywhere can apply to their own goals.

Read More

Join Me in the Open Water: Open Water Swimming Events 2025

/
Join Me in the Open Water: Open Water Swimming Events 2025

Swim with Coach Dan Daly for a season of unforgettable races across NYC and the Northeast — including the UrbanSwim: PRIDE and Liberty to Freedom swims, Lake George, and a solo 28.5-mile Manhattan Island Marathon. Whether you’re new to open water or looking to level up, these events offer the perfect mix of challenge, community, and coaching support. Explore the full race calendar, get inspired by past performances, and find out how to train smart and swim strong this season.

Read More

How to Swim Long Distance with Better Technique

/
How to Swim Long Distance with Better Technique

Mastering long-distance swimming isn’t just about endurance—it’s about technique, pacing, and mental strength. As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, I’ve coached athletes from local events to Olympic trials, refining their stroke efficiency, breathing patterns, and training plans. In this guide, I’ll share expert tips on improving body position, increasing distance per stroke, and building stamina through structured workouts. Whether you're preparing for a 5K swim or just want to swim farther with less effort, these proven strategies will help you conquer long-distance swimming with confidence.

Read More

Swim Workouts for Triathletes: Build Speed and Endurance for Race Day

/
Swim Workouts for Triathletes: Build Speed and Endurance for Race Day

Training for the swim leg of a triathlon? This guide covers everything from structured swim workouts for triathletes to real-world tips for open water success. You’ll learn how to train swimming for triathlon with drills, technique sets, and threshold workouts designed to build endurance and speed. With coaching insights and supporting video content, you’ll gain the confidence to tackle any swim triathlon event—from sprints to 70.3 distances. Whether you're a beginner learning to swim for triathlon or a seasoned athlete fine-tuning race pace, this coach-approved swim plan will help you get there.

Read More

Do Wetsuits Make You Faster? The Triathlete’s Guide to Speed, Warmth, and Efficiency

/
Do Wetsuits Make You Faster? The Triathlete’s Guide to Speed, Warmth, and Efficiency

Wetsuits do more than keep you warm—they can actually make you a faster, more efficient swimmer. Backed by research, this article breaks down how different wetsuit styles impact speed, buoyancy, and energy use. You’ll also learn how to choose the right wetsuit thickness based on water temperature, what to wear underneath, and when wetsuits are legal in races. Whether you're training for a triathlon or open water swim, this guide will help you select the best gear for performance, comfort, and confidence in the water.

Read More

Holiday Gift Guide: Best Gifts for Swimmers

/ Train Daly/
Holiday Gift Guide: Best Gifts for Swimmers

Looking for the perfect gift for the swimmer in your life? I am grateful to work with these companies, and could not coach or train the way I do without them. Read why these four brands and products are indispensable in my training, and take advantage of some exclusive discounts as part of the Train Daly community. Happy Holidays!

Read More

How to Safely Prepare for Cold Water Swims: A Guide to Acclimatization

/ Train Daly, LLC/
How to Safely Prepare for Cold Water Swims: A Guide to Acclimatization

Preparing for cold water swims like the English Channel or North Channel requires not only mental toughness but also proper cold water acclimatization. This blog explores the science behind how your body adapts to frigid water, practical training tips, and insights from both scientific studies and experienced swimmers. Learn how to build endurance, stay safe, and avoid cramping during long cold water swims. Whether you're preparing for an iconic swim or your first cold water event, this guide covers everything you need to know for safe and effective preparation.

Read More