Marathon Granny strikes again
Anne Besser earned the name “Marathon Granny” at last year’s Maccabiah. She competed in the recent Coles Classic Ocean swim.
from Anne Basser
“Wow! How much fun was that!!!!! I don’t remember the last time a gun went off for an event and I just went out and had a ball without worrying about time/pace/placing etc. I just did what I do on a long, slow swim and enjoyed the fish and the fun. Easy on the way out then the turnaround….bam…there was the swell!! It got to the stage where I had the giggles because I was so far off course and nearly ended up in New Zealand! Was laughing with the lifeguards on surfskis until I was back on track. Danced up the finish shute with lots in the tank knowing I didn’t have to get on the bike!! Awesome!! My time of course was slow but only 6mins off what I do a long, slow 2k in the pool but I reckon I swam almost 3ks!
Anne and Michael Besser flanked by other Maccabi Coles swimmers pic courtesy Maccabi NSW
Did a 63min – don’t know about age group etc. (don’t care either), but did beat about 30 people in time so it wasn’t too bad, considering the double laminectomy and only back in the water for about 4 weeks.
Michael [Anne’s husband] also swam off course, as did most people I spoke to because of the size of the swell, but still finished well in a respectable 54mins.
The Rifkin boys, David, Daniel placed in their age group and young Michael also did an excellent swim. Dash Rotherberg also placed. I am sure they will give you the details – they also have the photos. We all went to lunch together and had a blast!! It was like Maccabiah all over again!
Can’t wait for the next ocean swim, but have the Tasmania ride from Launceston to Hobart in 2 weeks so that’ll keep me off (or on) the streets.”
Anne and Michael Besser are 63 and have nine grandchildren
Cycling Granny
…and she has a message to send. She says: “There are only two types of people; there are winners and victims and no matter what life throws at you, you can embrace it with determination to succeed, or feel sorry for yourself and say it is ‘just too hard’ (I believe this applies to every decision or choice you make in life..)”
Michael Besser
