The story goes that a group of friends in Sweden made a little bet on who could be the first to swim and run to 3 different restaurants on the islands between the start and finish. The last team to get to the final one would have to pay for all dinner and drinks ordered before they got there. We’re not sure if it’s actually true but it’s a great story.

If true, it spawned something near and dear to our hearts–wacky ideas that involve some kind of physical adventure and a whole lot of fun.

The only real rules (outside of organized racing) are that you must have at least two legs of swimming and two legs of running and that all equipment must be carried throughout the adventure.

This activity is about finding the right places to really have fun. It’s an opportunity to really explore where you live and find out what’s out there? Can I swim it? Can I run it? Every place on a map has something interesting to learn and experience there.

Start by identifying bodies of water–lakes, river, bays, etc.–and start investigating for trails and roads around them. No water? No worries. Surely there’s a pool somewhere nearby.

Using the journal below, write notes on the 10-ish or so best places that you identify near you.

Keep in mind that each swim can be in the same water, just repeat loops to complete the minimum two swims.

Also, if you’re terrified of open water, build your adventure around more calm bodies of water like clear lakes or swimming pools. Downtown hotels will often allow non-guests to pay for access to their pools just make sure your adventure doesn’t break any rules and check for COVID-19 use policies.

One last reminder, due to the inherent danger of swimming in open water, you might want to plan to swim with a buddy. Good luck with your ideas! We can’t wait to see what you all come up with!