Miller making marathon swims
Darren Miller has ambitious goals for 2013. The 28-year-old Delmont resident has resolved to become the first to complete the “Ocean’s Seven” Challenge.
In March, he will attempt to swim the Cook Strait and in August, he will cross the North Channel. He has already completed long-distance swims, crossing the English, Catalina, Molokai and Tsugaru Channels, as well as the Strait of Gibraltar.
“I like to push myself,” said Miller, who recently spoke to an assembly of students and adults at Seton-La Salle High School in Mt. Lebanon. “It’s amazing to see what you are capable of doing and to see what you are made of.”
Miller is made of sheer willpower and desire. He not only achieves the remarkable, but he helps others in the process.
For example, when he completed the English Channel in July, 2010, he donated $21,203.62 to the Forever Fund. Donations were also made to this non-profit organization from Miller’s other swims.
The “Forever Fund” is a charitable foundation that Miller and Cathy Cartieri Mehl have established. This foundation is dedicated to the memory of Mehl’s father, Anthony Frank Cartieri, and aids families in their struggle to afford the costs associated with infant cardiothoracic surgery that takes place in the cardiothoracic unit of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
“I wanted to raise money in honor of my dad and those kids who undergo open-heart surgery. That motivates me. That inspires me,” Miller said.
“I love the challenge and know the importance of goal-setting, but you want to do something that is important. People pay attention to you when you do.”
“I know that every breath is a gift,” he continued. “That’s why goal-setting is so important. You need to focus on your dreams. You need to find what motivates you and inspires you.”
Throughout high school, swimming inspired Miller. After his competitive days at Franklin Regional, he swam at the collegiate level for Penn State University. A private investment banker, he is pursuing a sport and exercise psychology masters degree from Chatham University while he also trains for his upcoming marathon swims.
In order to build endurance and prepare for the physical challenges of open water swims, Miller adheres to a strict training schedule that includes proper nutrition, distance running, cycling and of course, swimming. Miller primarily trains at Keystone Lake in the Laurel Highlands of western Pennsylvania.
Acclimatizing his body to the different environments and water temperatures are critical to success in long-distance swims – rules require him to compete in only a Speedo, cap and goggles, despite potentially harsh weather conditions.
For example, to build his body’s cold water tolerance, Miller swims outdoors year round, takes only cold showers and maintains a low temperature in his home throughout the season. Miller is also active and supportive within the open water swimming industry, regularly volunteering to assist, kayak and support his peers during their swims.
“You have to take steps to achieve your dreams,” said Miller, who outlines performance, process and outcome goals prior to each event. For example, a performance goal would be increasing his cold water acclimatization. Process goals would be focusing on techniques, hand position, proper kick and full body rotation. “You have to pay attention to details,” he explained.
Once he has covered all that and plunges into the ocean for one of his swims, Miller finds himself alone but for the sharks and jellyfish that abound in the choppy waters.
“It’s a very lonely sport,” Miller said. “You are your own worst enemy at that time and you have to overcome adversity and block out all negative thoughts.”
Miller does so by thinking of those for which he is swimming. “When you are in the water, there are a lot of troubling things occurring, like swimming over a shark,” he said, “but your thoughts are always about the kids and the people who care about those kids and their struggles. You find that motivation and inspiration from them. You want to make a difference in their world. I believe we are all on a path in this world for a reason and God has challenged me. This is my calling to help other people.”
Miller’s simple presentation helped Seton-La Salle students in the audience, many of whom compete on the Rebels’ swim team, which is at the height of its season.
“I think it’s cool what (Miller) is doing,” said Nora Simmers, who plays lacrosse and soccer in addition to swimming for SLS. “He has motivated me.”
From Miller, Simmers said she learned how to better prepare for meets and to set goals. This season, she hopes to qualify for the WPIAL championships in both the 100-yard butterfly and the 200-yard individual medley. She also has set her sights on the PIAA championships later in March.
“When you are in the water and even though you are alone, you can think about the people who motivate you in your life,” said Simmers, who says she will recall her grandmother during her workouts. “Even though some of these people aren’t here anymore, you can keep them alive with your memories. My parents, my family, they keep me strong and help me.”
For those wishing to help Miller in his endeavors to complete the “Ocean Seven” Challenge, they may make donations to Team Forever and mail to PO Box 205, Murrysville, PA 15668.