Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – On a dark morning last fall with an audience of two, Neale Adams of Mapleton completed a lap to reach his goal of swimming 3,000 miles. On Monday, Nov. 2, 2006, Adams reached the aquatic milestone at the Presque Isle Indoor Pool during morning public swim.
“He’s an early morning regular,” said Joyce Price, the director of the pool. “I know he’s been doing it at least 25 years, as long as I’ve been here. I don’t think anybody else has kept track.”
Adams, Aroostook County’s district attorney, began his quest on Feb. 20, 1984, encouraged by Jim Ferland, former Presque Isle Police Chief, and a group of other men who kept track of their mileage on a bulletin.
“I thought I’ll swim as far as my parents house, they live in Massachusetts. Then I just thought I’d keep going,” said Adams.
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning he continued to swim 40 to 45 laps, equivalent to about one and a half miles. The goal kept boredom from setting in, Adams explained.
“The thing about swimming is you have to be consistent and find the time,” commented Adams. “I get a private pool a lot more often than I deserve.” He knows how difficult it is to get out of bed in the morning, especially in the colder months in the dark.
But the morning of the event his wife, Debbie and a colleague from work made their way to the pool to congratulate this dedicated swimmer.
Price and the pool staff awarded Adams with a lifetime membership, which he declined, donating the money back for new equipment.
With no future milestones set in the water, Adams continues to get up most mornings for his exercise.
“My goal is to live,” joked Adams. Humbly, he agreed to a picture as promotion for the pool.
Staff photo/Meridith Paterson NEALE ADAMS and Joyce Price at the Presque Isle Indoor Pool.
