Lake Michigan Swim
June 1st, 2008, Nial Funchion will begin a three month long swim that covers Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Nial will finish where he started on September 8th at North Avenue Beach in Chicago, having circumnavigated the entire shoreline of Lake Michigan.
1,000+ Mile Journey
Nial plans to swim about 10 miles per day, using GPS to certify his mileage and ensure he doesn’t use boats or cars to make any forward progress. He will swim several miles in the morning, take a break either on the boat or ashore, and finish that day’s leg in the afternoon. He is looking to form partnerships with local businesses and media for evenings ashore. Nial is available for short speaking engagements or to share his much-deserved dinner meal with interested groups.
Unlike his prior swims, such as English Channel crossings and a Lake Michigan crossing, the focus of this swim is outward: connections with other people who are also taking a chance on their dreams and reaching for a new level in life. There will be opportunities to share your personal journey and even get in the water with Nial if you can.
How You Can Be a Part of This Journey
Those who share their story may find Nial chooses to dedicate a leg of the swim to them and their story. Click here to submit your tale of trial and triumph—even if the triumph part is still in your future. Check out featured stories here.
Also, check out our sponsorship page to see how supporters large and small can make a difference in helping Nial carry on.
About Nial
Nial Funchion is a coach, community leader, medic and police officer for the Chicago Police Department.
Learn more about Nial’s life and prior swims.
The Connect to the Journey Team
- Nial Funchion: Swimmer. Chicago police officer. A man who lives life as hard as it can be lived.
- Tim Gallagher: Chicago police officer. Ultra-distrance runner. Supporter.
- Alice Hohl: Public relations professional. Publicist for Nial. Supporter.
- Marketing Max: Marketing, website and promotional materials. Supporter.
- Joe Marth: Fellow Dreamer, Life Traveler.
Not Swimming Alone
The Lake Michigan swim isn’t a record attempt for Nial, nor is it a ploy to attract fame and recognition. Nial is embarking on this journey because he feels compelled to push himself further than ever before to combat the forces in our modern world that suck the life and spirit out of most of us as we trudge through our daily lives. But one life filled with the fire of grasping and pushing to the limit won’t be enough to push back against those forces. He needs you to push, too. That’s the point and the secret. That’s why Nial always says, “It’s not about the swim.”
“I need you to reach to live your life fully and having nothing stand in your way. Accept no excuses.”
“I am not concerned about the distance, logistics, or variables. I am not concerned about living right on the edge.”
“I am concerned about connecting to people’s lives through the efforts of this swim. I am concerned about reaching into life and discovering hope.”
