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

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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.

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Manhattan Island Marathon Swim: My 7 Hour 35 Minute Journey

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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!

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The Ultimate Open Water Swimming Guide: Your Checklist to a Successful Swim

/ Train Daly/
The Ultimate Open Water Swimming Guide: Your Checklist to a Successful Swim

Open water swimming offers a unique thrill, but preparation is key for a safe and successful experience. From mastering race starts and sighting techniques to selecting the best open-water swimming goggles and wetsuits, this comprehensive checklist has you covered. Learn how to handle feeding, navigate turns, adapt to weather conditions, and stay safe in different water types. Whether you're training for open-water swimming events or just diving in for fun, this guide ensures you're ready to tackle every challenge confidently. Ready to dive in? Read the full article!

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Improve your Cardiovascular Swimming Performance: The Benefits of Beets and Nitric Oxide

/ Train Daly/
Improve your Cardiovascular Swimming Performance: The Benefits of Beets and Nitric Oxide

Beetroot is gaining traction among athletes for its ability to boost nitric oxide—a key player in cardiovascular performance. Whether you're drinking beet juice before a swim or adding beet chews to your training routine, beets can help improve endurance, oxygen delivery, and even adaptation to altitude. This guide explains how beets and nitric oxide support swimmers and how much beetroot to take before a workout for best results. Read on to explore how beets can elevate your swim training!

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Exploring How Water Temperature Affects Swimming Paces

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Exploring How Water Temperature Affects Swimming Paces

Water temperature can indeed impact swimming paces and performance. Warm and cold water temperatures can have both positive and negative effects on swimmers:

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