After competing in triathlons for 9 years, I decided it was time to try something different. In the back of my mind I had always had this idea that I would try to swim the English Channel some day. Now, after almost 2 years of distance swimming training, that day is almost here!

Plot of my course

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Final post

After being home now and back to work for 2 days it almost seems like the swim was just a dream. Were it not for a sore left shoulder, the fact that I still can't taste anything due to the saltwater bath, and this really cool French rock sitting on my desk, I would wonder if it really happened! But it did and I'm happy as can be. It has been amazing to be able to live out this childhood dream.

Thanks again everyone for sharing in the fun with me. This will be my last post. I have put a few new pictures on the blog (bottom right) that you may enjoy. Best wishes and don't be afraid to go after something you want in life!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

We just read your Final Blog Allan, pretty amazing accomplishment!! Once I finally found one that worked, I almost quit today after 15 minutes on the eliptical, then I said "hey, if Allen can swim for 16 hours, I can hang on for another 15 minutes"! LOL OK, not quite the same, but Amy, Avery and I wanted to say congratulations!!!!

The Jenners

Anonymous said...

Allan,

I would venture to say that you will be the only person I will ever know who actually swam the English Channel!!! Witt and I are thrilled for you...what a great example for your kids that they really CAN do whatever they can dream:)

Best wishes,
Beth and Witt Langstaff

Anonymous said...

Allan,

This is just incredible. I'm thinking you are as good a writer as you are an extreme athlete. As to the swim, no surprise that you took it on and made it. Very encouraging to the rest of us "life is short" thinkers.

Thanks again for sharing all this. Tell Lauri hello.

David & Christy Holcomb

Anonymous said...

So, Allan, are you to have all of us training for the BIG swim now? You are THE man - you certainly have grit, fortitude, perseverance, drive, ambition and GOALS. Is Everest next? Congrats - you have all of my R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
Dave Crutchfield

Allan McLeland said...

Thanks so much everyone. I had a wonderful time on this journey start to finish. I am looking forward to a new adventure but want to rest a bit before committing to it. Plus, I still have about 10 pounds I need to lose. It was great to be able to get back on my bike yesterday and go for a spin.

Anonymous said...

Allan. Bill, Michele and I are amazed. What an accomplishment. Congrats. can't wait to hear about it first hand. See you soon.

Hodge