From marathon runner to swimmer: Tim's journey of adaptation and perseverance

As a sports physiotherapist, I’ve always been passionate about staying active.

Before my knee injury, I was an avid runner, having completed two full marathons and running at least 30km per week.

I had big plans to transition into trail running, excited about the challenge of navigating rugged terrain and the beauty of running in nature.

But then, 18 months ago, everything changed.

A meniscal injury forced me to rethink my fitness routine and eventually led me down a path I never imagined I’d take—swimming.

It all started with the knee pain.

Initially, I thought it was just a niggling discomfort, but over time it became clear that it was more than that.

The pain was persistent, and it became apparent that running, especially long distances, was no longer an option for me.

It was clear my knee, wasn’t allowing me to continue the running routine I had once loved.

As someone whose life revolved around staying active, this was incredibly frustrating.

The thought of never running again was almost too much to bear.

But as a physiotherapist, I knew I had to find a solution.

I had to keep moving, and that meant making a change.

The idea of swimming, which had always been a part of my routine (I swam about once a week, usually around 1200 meters), started to seem like a more viable alternative.

It didn’t put the same strain on my knee, and it was a great full-body workout.

I knew I could push myself further in the water.

So, I started to increase my swimming and added regular bike rides into the mix.

I also incorporated strength training into my gym sessions, focusing on exercises that would help improve my knee stability and overall strength.

It was a gradual process, but I could already feel the positive effects of cross-training.

Despite my growing love for swimming, I needed a goal to keep myself motivated.

I wanted something to train for, something that would push me to take my swimming to the next level.

That’s when I heard about the Coogee Jetty to Jetty Swim.

I had never swum an event, in open water before, and I had a bit of a fear of it—after all, there’s something quite intimidating about swimming in the open ocean.

But I thought, ‘Why not?’

It felt like the perfect challenge to break out of my comfort zone and embrace a new chapter in my fitness journey.

The Coogee Jetty to Jetty Swim turned out to be an amazing experience.

The swim was great, and I enjoyed every moment of it.

It was my first real test in open water, and while I was nervous before, I felt a sense of accomplishment when I finished.

The swim gave me the confidence I needed to set my sights on something bigger.

That’s when I came across the Busselton Jetty Swim.

The event was celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, and the thought of swimming 3.6km around the iconic Busselton Jetty felt like the perfect next challenge.

I entered the ballot and my entry was confirmed.

The distance alone was enough to get me excited and nervous in equal measure, but what really sold me was the significance of the event.

I’d been aware of the events at Busselton for years, and now it was time for me to have go.

I knew I had a lot of work ahead of me, so I ramped up my training.

I increased my swimming volume to over 6km per week and began adding open water swims to my routine.

I still had a lingering fear of the ocean, particularly after an unpleasant encounter with stingers just three weeks before the event during a 3km training swim at Coogee Beach.

I had been stung, and it left me feeling a little wary of what the sea might throw at me.

But I knew I had to face my fears if I wanted to succeed in Busselton.

My training was focused on improving my critical swim speed (CSS), which I used as a key metric to measure my progress.

I trained three times a week, each session designed to improve endurance, technique, and speed.

It wasn’t easy, but I was determined.

With each swim, I felt more confident, more in control.

And with each open water session, the fear of the ocean started to dissipate, though I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t still apprehensive about those stingers!

Race weekend finally arrived, and my nerves were at an all-time high.

The morning of the event, I arrived at the Busselton foreshore to be greeted by a strong wind, whitecaps on the sea, and choppy conditions.

The conditions looked tough, and I heard multiple people say they looked unusual for this time of year.

At that moment, I wondered if I had bitten off more than I could chew.

But I had come this far, and I wasn’t about to back down.

With nerves and adrenaline pumping, I stepped into the water and began the swim.

The conditions were tough, but I kept focused.

I reminded myself that the hard work I’d put in during training had prepared me for this moment.

Slowly but surely, I made my way around the Busselton Jetty, completing the 3.6km swim in a time I was genuinely proud of.

The sense of accomplishment was incredible, and as soon as I finished, all the nerves, fears, and doubts seemed worth it.

The whole event was so much fun.

The atmosphere, the camaraderie with fellow swimmers, and the sense of achievement when crossing that finish line were all unforgettable.

Looking back, it’s hard to believe how far I’ve come.

From being a marathon runner who could barely walk without pain, to becoming someone who can swim 3.6km in the open ocean.

I’ve discovered a whole new passion for swimming, and I can’t wait to take on the Busselton Jetty Swim again next year—hopefully in calmer conditions!

It seems that the marathon runner I once was has now transformed into a swimmer.

And, honestly?

I would encourage anyone in a similar situation to do the same.

Finding a way forward after injury

For anyone struggling with injury, I know how disheartening it can be to let go of the sport you love.

But one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that injury doesn’t have to mean the end—it can be the beginning of something new.

Here’s my advice for those facing similar challenges:

1. Acknowledge the change

It’s okay to grieve the loss of your previous activity. But once you accept the change, you can start exploring new possibilities.

2. Seek professional guidance

A physiotherapist, coach, or specialist can help you find safe ways to stay active and rebuild strength.

3. Find an alternative that excites you

Whether it’s swimming, cycling, rowing, or another sport, look for something that challenges you in a new way.

4. Set new goals

Having a target keeps you motivated and gives you a sense of purpose in your training.

5. Be patient with yourself

Progress takes time, and adaptation isn’t always linear. Celebrate small wins and stay committed to the journey.

Your path may look different from what you originally planned, but it doesn’t mean it’s any less rewarding.

Keep moving forward, and you might just find something you love even more than before.