From Pool to Ocean: Taylor’s Journey

Taylor Stallings-Pinnick, based in Indialantic, FL, has a lifelong passion for swimming that started when she was just a child. Taylor shares her early days competing in the pool to now swimming in the ocean as a dedicated marathon swimmer. A former college athlete turned marathon swimmer, Taylor balances her love for challenging swims with a busy family life, a full-time job, and the support of her husband. This article dives into her journey, training, and the strategies she uses to stay focused and achieve her open-water goals.

How Did You Get Into Swimming? Were You Always a Swimmer?

Taylor fell in love with water at a young age, beginning competitive swimming by age six. In college, she excelled as a butterflier and backstroker, representing her school on the national stage at West Virginia University. After college, Taylor shifted her focus to family and took a break from swimming, but her love for the water remained.

How Did You Get Into Marathon Swimming?

After starting a family, Taylor joined a local open-water group for Saturday morning one-mile swims at the beach across from her house. With the arrival of COVID, she began to reconnect with swimming on a different level, embracing the ocean’s unique challenges. In early 2021, after a glass of wine, Taylor signed up for her first marathon swim, the “Swim for Alligator Lighthouse,” an 8-mile open-water race in Islamorada, FL. Preparing for that race reignited her competitive spirit, lead her to join a local masters’ team, reconnect with former teammates, and design a training plan. The triumph of completing that first marathon swim left her eager to explore more challenging open-water races.

What Is Your Next Race?

Having completed two jewels of the Stage Swim Triple Crown (SCAR and Maui Nui), Taylor now has her sights set on 8 Bridges, a seven-day, 120-mile stage swim, as well as the Oceans Seven, a set of the world’s most challenging open-water swims.

What Does a Typical Training Week Look Like?

Unlike her college days of high yardage, Taylor now takes a more adaptable, well-rounded approach to training that fits around her responsibilities as a mom and full-time professional. Here’s what a week typically includes:

• Pool Practice with USMS Team: 1 hour, 3-4 times per week (early morning)
• Long Open Water Swims: 1-3 times per week, whenever possible
• Peloton or Running: 45-60 minutes, 4-6 times per week, either early morning or after work
• Targeted Strength Training: 30-60 minutes, 2-3 times per week (during lunch or after work)
• Rehab/Recovery Sessions: 30-60 minutes, 1-2 times per week

This balanced approach, combining swimming, cardio, and strength training, allows Taylor to maintain her fitness and endurance without grinding through endless pool yardage.

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How Do You Balance Training, Work, and Life Commitments?

Taylor has learned to prioritize flexibility. Family comes first, and she’s accepted that sometimes a short 15-minute workout is all she can fit in. Her training plan is adaptable, and with her coach, also a mother, structured a weekly routine that accommodates last-minute changes. For example, if her husband is out of town, she might substitute a Peloton ride at home for a pool session, or stack swims earlier in the week if she has work travel. Her husband is a strong support system, often serving as her kayak guide for races. Together, they’ve turned races into couple adventures, traveling to Florida, Arizona, California, and Maui for her events. Both former college athletes, they share an appreciation for endurance sports, and Taylor admits it’s gratifying to still impress him after all these years.

What Advice Do You Have for Anyone Wanting to Get Into Distance Swimming?

Taylor’s advice is simple: “Just start.” For her, signing up for that first race was the turning point. She emphasizes that you don’t need a perfect plan or the latest equipment; all you need is the willingness to challenge yourself and see what you can accomplish.

What Mental Strategies Do You Use to Stay Focused During Long Swims?

Taylor describes long swims as a rare opportunity to mute her thoughts. “My mind is usually ping-ponging around with all the things, and it is one of the few times I can slow down my thoughts and shut off the white noise.” She finds comfort in the rhythm of her breath and the water. In challenging moments, she reminds herself that time will pass regardless, so she may as well keep moving forward. When fatigue or discomfort sets in, Taylor focuses on her support system: the friends, family, coaches, and teammates who’ve invested in her journey. She thinks of her kids, who are graciously looked after by her parents and in-laws during races, her coach who creates flexible yet rigorous training plans, and her boss, who supports her by approving time off for events. Visualizing their support keeps her motivated when the going gets tough.

How Do You Manage Nutrition and Hydration for Long Open-Water Races?

Taylor’s nutrition strategy is straightforward but effective. On race mornings, she loads up with water, coffee, two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and fruit. Just before her swim, she takes a caffeine gel and drinks Gatorade. During her swim, she feeds every 30-60 minutes, alternating between regular and caffeine gels, Gatorade, and water. Huma gels are her preferred choice, as they’re gentle on her stomach, which is especially important in saltwater swims where salt can irritate her mouth.

What Was the Most Challenging Swim Experience You’ve Encountered So Far?

Taylor’s toughest swim to date was the 2024 Apache River swim in Arizona, part of the SCAR series. The 18-mile course on day three of the four-day event was grueling, with water temperatures between 52°F and 57°F, heavy rain, and headwinds up to 43 mph. At one point, Taylor found herself swimming in place against the wind, facing the same cactus landmark for several strokes, a mentally exhausting experience. Halfway through, she felt a painful pop in her shoulder, later diagnosed as a ruptured bursa, adding a physical challenge to the already brutal conditions. Another challenging swim was the 2023 Alligator Lighthouse swim in Islamorada, FL. With water temperatures nearing 90°F, relentless wind, and punishing sun, Taylor also endured a jellyfish sting across her face. Despite these obstacles, she completed both races, embracing each challenge as a learning experience. Taylor’s journey in open water swimming is a testament to the joy of pursuing a passion. She encourages others to keep an open mind, enjoy the adventure, and remember that it’s never too late to reconnect with something you love. Whether battling rough seas or embracing the rhythm of an open-water swim, Taylor’s story inspires others to challenge their limits, connect with a supportive community, and find joy in their journey of going from the pool to the ocean. You can find Taylor on Instagram.