Mirror Lake, nestled in the heart of Lake Placid, NY, is a place of serene beauty, its calm waters reflecting the surrounding Adirondack Mountains like glass. I swam its length during an Ironman competition in 2015, an experience etched deeply in my memory. Amidst the cold mountain water, I found myself beside another swimmer, whose relaxed, effortless stroke seemed almost otherworldly. Matching his rhythm, I let go of the frantic energy around us—others thrashing, surging, and colliding in their urgency. A deep calm settled over me as I swam, carried by the peaceful spirit of Lake Placid. The mountains stood sentinel, their reflections on the lake’s surface a quiet promise that I would make it to the swim’s end. In those moments, I understood why it is called Mirror Lake—it is not just the physical reflection, but the way it reflects the soul, offering a connection to something larger than oneself.

“So much can be learned, swimming in water. But, first we must find its rhythm and mirror it.”