Two bridge swims in two weeks

Petaluma swimmer Kathie Hewko, 71, continues to chase 100 Golden Gate Swim goal.|

Although she is still having trouble walking, Kathie Hewko is convinced she can swim well enough to master the demanding 1-1/8-mile Golden Gate Bridge Swim. She is so convinced, she plans to do it twice in two weeks.

Hewko will make her first attempt on Oct. 15 in a swim sponsored by friend Bob Roper and come back on Oct. 29 in an event sponsored by the South End Rowing Club.

Given her health and age (71), even Hewko isn’t certain she can pull off the strength-demanding double. “We’ll see,” she says. “The will is there, but the body will have to do it.”

One thing Hewko doesn’t have to worry about is getting lost. She has already traveled the treacherous wave, tide, fog and ship-mined course 92 times. That number is significant as she continues to strive for her goal of 100 Golden Gate swims.

“I will reach 100, I’m just not sure when,” she says.

Hewko’s accomplishment is even more remarkable considering she has been battling Lyme Disease and co-infections for more than 30 years.

For the past three years, a co-infection has sent tremors through her body, making it difficult, and at times impossible, to walk. Despite the health setback, Hewko was able to complete her 92nd swim in October of 2016.

She says she has been doing better since she started working with a neurophysical therapist.

She is making one concession to her health and maturity. She is considering wear a full wet suit to combat the cold water.

“After 40 years, I bought myself a wet suit,” she explained. “I got a deal and it is lime green - not black. Black is not my color.”

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