Jen Schumacher will be swimming the Catalina Channel at midnight. Jen is a Cal State Fullerton Graduate. She is only 24 years old and will be part of a study they will be doing on Channel swimmers. While most people will be sleeping this young woman has taken on a huge challenge for herself as well as sharing part of the proceeds with the Surfrider Fondation. She choose this charity after swimming past plastic bags and trash in the ocean.
Jen told me thursday afternoon that she was feeling really excited and pretty confident. I asked her how she prepared herself today and she said, "I woke up early so I could take a very long nap and then will have breakfast" She was also planning to sleep on the boat ride from Palos Verdes to Catalina. When she gets to Doctors Cove in Catalina she will begin her preparation for the swim," suit on, food in kayaks, put on glow sticks for light in the dark, put on body glide to prevent chafing and super waterproof sunscreen for the morning"
I met up with Jen and her support team of 13 at Palos Verdes this evening before she left for Catalina. Her entire family is participating! Jen's mom will be on the kayak next to her, Jen's dad and uncle will swim with her as well as many others. Her sisters will be there too. Spending time with this extremely supportive family was an  inspiring experience, I could see where Jen drew the courage and strength to take on such an incredible feat!
Many have attempted to swim the Catailina Channel but only 163 have actually completed this 21 mile swim since 1927. I am hoping Jen will be 164!