“Swimming Out of Water” by Catherine Garceau Book Review

By Ruth on August 1, 2012 in book, book tour, review
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Olympic Medalist Catherine Garceau Recounts True Tale of Survival & Success: An Insider’s Story of Olympic Trials and Real-Life Struggles
For an Olympic athlete, the quest for excellence can take a heavy toll. Catherine Garceau, a 2000 Bronze Medalist, has paid a heavy price since her victory, dealing with numerous physical and psychological issues experienced and ‘stuffed down’ during her years of constant training and single-minded focus. Training at the Olympic level can have a dark side; depression, anxiety attacks, and eating disorders are more prevalent than anyone knows. The stress of constant training so often becomes both a cause and a cover for great physical and psychological troubles.

In her upcoming book, Swimming Out of Water: How an Olympian’s Struggle Inspired Breakthrough Discoveries in Health and Well-Being (Morgan James Publishers, July 2012), Catherine talks candidly about life before, during and after the Olympics. The book recounts how she became a healthier person AFTER she stopped competing. Today, with certificates in eating psychology and mind/body nutrition, she also advocates a reduction of chlorine by-products in pools. Prolonged exposure to high levels of chlorine by-products can be toxic, and has been linked to numerous health issues including asthma and other chronic respiratory ailments, skin irritations, digestive issues, and hormonal disruptions, all of which she personally struggled with. Catherine advises competitive and leisure swimmers on how to swim smart, swim safe, and also champions new pool filtration innovations that minimize chlorine by-products for healthier swimming pool environments.

Despite some of the tough topics she covers in her book, Catherine is a staunch supporter of the Olympic experience and of aquatics. While she has found other ways to keep fit and enjoy an active lifestyle, she still loves to swim and enjoys doing so in pools that utilize chlorine alternatives and more holistic processes. Her book shares great information and solutions on all these topics; delivered with the delightfully upbeat energy that make her a great storyteller and interview.

 

Swimming Out of Water: How an Olympians Struggle Inspired Breakthrough Discoveries in Health and Well-Being by Catherine Garceau (Olympic Bronze Medalist 2000 Sydney Games)

Morgan James Publishers, July 2012

Paperback | 210 Pages with 35 black & white photos

ISBN: 978-161448259-8
$19.99 (US)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was not at all what I expected.  I figured it would be an autobiography written by a former Olympian who shared her secrets to Olympic victory through health and wellness.  I was wrong.  This entire book takes place in a 24-hour time span in one solitary place (no spoilers).  The story is told through flashbacks and self-discovery.

This Olympian struggled most of her life with things I would not think an athlete her would.  Poor body image, negative self-talk, chlorine toxicity, and much more.  It was only after her Olympics and swimming career that she learned to “swim out of water” and fix the problems that had ruled her for most of her life.

I was intrigued by many of the stories she told, but sometimes my interest waned when she became a little technical or quoted other people.  I also could not fully appreciate her spiritual views–syncretism in religion is not something I ever support.  But it was good to see her go from great distress to perfect peace within her life.

Sometimes her style left a little to be desired.  I sometimes got confused when she jumped around in her life story.  I could not keep everything straight at times.  But I was mostly impressed with the book, and I think people would basically enjoy the story as I did–especially in light of the Olympics.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are 100 percent mine.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Catherine Garceau is a dynamic health motivator and speaker. Catherine’s unconventional healing path began after her life as an Olympian (in synchronized swimming) when she discovered that chlorinated water was a big part of the toxic environment that was making her sick. As she dove deep into the world of water and wellness, she learned about many other sources of toxicity found in our world today, including her unfelt and unresolved emotions.

In 2006, during a life-altering day and night spent caught in the Red Rocks of Las Vegas, Catherine’s mission to educate and inspire others was birthed. With her eyes set on inspiring a wave of healthier pools free from chlorine byproducts, Catherine knew that cleaning up the water we drink and bathe in wasn’t enough…Thus, gathering insight from her battles with eating disorders and completing certificates in psychology of eating and body-mind nutrition, she developed EAT 360 – Emotional Awareness Training for 360 Degrees of Nourishment – to help women gain freedom in their relationship with food, body and mind.

Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, she believes that wholeness occurs from having faith and courage and from embracing each life lesson as an opportunity to embody strength and to own our radiance. Catherine’s energy and enthusiasm inspires us to discover our own pearls of wisdom as we realize the incredible possibilities that life has to offer.

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About the Author

RuthView all posts by Ruth
“Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” — Franz Kafka Ruth is an inspirational entertainment journalist who instinctively sees the best in all and seeks to share universal beauty, love and positivity. She is an artist who leads with her heart and gives readers a glimpse of the best of this world through the masterful use of the written word. Ruth was born in Tacoma, Washington but now calls Yelm, Washington her home. She lives on five acres with her parents, a dog, two miniature goats, cats and a teenage daughter who is a dynamic visual artist herself. Ruth interviews fellow artists both inside and outside of the film/television industry. At the core of all she does is the strength of her faith.

2 Comments

  1. Kathrine March 12, 2019 Reply

    Another option is to check in the port. Speedboats to Nusa Penida leave from Sanur Beach. There you will find several booths offering tours. I was on a tour provided by Mola-mola express.

  2. Babs BookBistro August 1, 2012 Reply

    Hi Ruth,

    Thank you for your honest review I appreciate it.

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