In my conversation with Graeme Schlachter, we talk about swimming the English Channel to sort out back issues, working out when and how you want, being outcome driven and so much more!In his own words:12 years ago was the start of my incredible journey that was to change my life and me as a person. It all started with, at the time, I thought was a very silly idea to help sort out a back issue. Swim the English Channel. 11 hrs 45 minutesOrganiser and participant in Extreme 5 challenge involving Cycle Lands End to John O’Groats (length of Britain) Run a marathon Kayak Across Scotland 5 rounds of Golf in a day Raise £100 000 for charityFor Some reason, Swimming eventually found me again and since then the following have been doneLake Zurich 26.4kmLago d’Orta, 28kmSCAR – 41 miles over 4 daysJubilee River 3 times solo and 1 time as a relayChampion of Champions in DoverThames marathon 14km 2 time solo swimLong reach Swim 8.6 km Swim the island in Italy. 6 km, 3km, 1,5kmMultiple 3 and 5km swims10km charity event for the last four years2Swim4Life as a team (24Miles in 24 hours)Guildford 12 (12 Miles in 12 hours – 1 mile per her every hour on the hour)Humdinger 6 hour swim Loch Lomond 21 mile Overnight swim.Loch Lomond 24 mile Relay swimAs you can probably tell from the above, Ultra distance is something I tend to gravitate towards but never stop challenging myself with shorter swims in Pools and galas and colder swims during the winter. I just love the idea of swimming without wetsuits and tend to try and do it all year round.My 12 year journey has been amazing but my passion lies in helping others realise their dreams and goals no matter how big or small they are. Not only has sport changed my life but it has taken me to some wonderful places around the globe and brought me into contact with some amazing peopleSo why not start your journey. In 2019 I released my book (Let’s do Something different – An open water swim journey). Available on Amazon. Public speaker on Mind matters for endurance events.If you'd like to be a guest on Marathon Swim Stories, mailto:shannon@intrepidwater.comStay in touch by joining our email list at http://intrepidwater.comMusic credit:Epic Inspiration  by Rafael KruxLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/5447-epic-inspiration-License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Swimming sounds courtesy of swimmer Todd Lantry.