One Bay area woman decided to ring in the New Year by swimming across Tampa Bay. 

Marcy MacDonald, 53, started her 24-mile swim Sunday morning just after 6 a.m. at a marina by the north side of the Sunshine Skyway. 

It was Marcy's first time taking on Tampa Bay solo. Many factors can affect a swimmer's time. The wind and waves can cost even experienced swimmers precious minutes. 

Her team navigated the way so Marcy could focus on form and speed. And the cold morning was no match for the Connecticut native. 

"This is a perfect temperature for me in the mid 60s. I truly am a cold weather swimmer anyways," she said. 

Marcy crossed the finish line at Ben T. David Beach in Tampa after 9 hours and 13 minutes.