Category: swimming

Top tips for Cold Water Swimming

March 31, 2021

Open water swimming is an exhilarating and enjoyable experience. Being in the water, especially colder water has great linkages to boosting mood and encouraging management of anxiety through controlled stress exposure. Each year thousands of people safely experience open water swimming, either as a total newbie or returning swimmer. However, open water offers different challenges to being in the pool- largely linked to deep, cold water and limited visibility. In winter and spring these challenges are exacerbated by the colder temperatures which put more stress on your body than swimming at other times in the year. Whilst numerically speaking the water temperatures that persist annually across the UK mean we still feel the chill even in summer- in winter the temperatures both in and out of the water are much colder. Whether you’re a seasoned open water swimming (OWS), a novice or a complete newcomer here are some of my top tips to make your open water spring swim experience run smoothly. … More Top tips for Cold Water Swimming

A Beginner’s Guide to Triathlon

January 5, 2021

During 2020 I saw many people take up new sports, especially to pass the time during the lockdown and subsequent summer and I have no doubt people will continue to relish the challenge of trying something new in 2021. Running, Cycling and Open Water Swimming are becoming more and more popular, and alongside this there maybe he temptation to dabble in triathlon. This is a comprehensive guide of all my top tips and insights to help get you started, keep you motivated and guide you through your first event (whenever these may return). I want to encourage more people to participate in triathlon and I especially want to empower more women to join me and toe the start line at multi sport events. I’m not a coach, or a super experienced athlete, I’m just a girl who gave it a go and fell in love with triathlon. … More A Beginner’s Guide to Triathlon

Goal setting for 2021- challenging yourself during challenging times

December 29, 2020

2020 has been a tough year for us all. For many, just navigating our way through all the uncertainty has been a priority and any running, swimming, cycling or fitness goals we might have had, have been forced to take a backseat as we adjusted to a new normal. If like me, you’re really feeling ready to bid farewell to 2020 and looking ahead to 2021 you might be thinking about goals and what to aim for. It is likely 2021 will be another challenging year and goal setting might look a little different. … More Goal setting for 2021- challenging yourself during challenging times

Swimming and the City: Open Water Swimming in London and beyond

September 14, 2020

Open water swimming is one of my favourite activities, and somewhat surprisingly London certainly has a lot of venues on offer. From Central London to further out into the greater London (and beyond) area there are a range of swim centres, some open all year round for you to get your cold, open water fix. Here are some of my favourites to help inspire you to get out there and test the water. … More Swimming and the City: Open Water Swimming in London and beyond

Fuelling your summer training and adventures

August 6, 2020

As warmer weather approaches fuelling becomes an even more critical part of our running and sporting lives. It is important to ensure we are still maintain an adequate supply of carbohydrates to fuel our summer training adventures and stay hydrated too. With this in mind, I have teamed up with NHS Dietitian and good friend Livvy Mason to share some of her top summer nutrition tips. … More Fuelling your summer training and adventures

Top tips for Sea Swimming

June 18, 2020

With the combination of current pool closures due to COVID-19 and the improvement in the UK weather, there is notably a rise in open water swimming at swim centres, lakes, rivers and beaches across England. With more and more people dipping their toes into open water swimming (pun intended) it is increasingly important to familiarise yourself with water safety, as whilst outdoor swimming is allowed, safety remains paramount. There are huge differences between pool swimming and open water swimming, and many further contrasts in swimming in lakes and the sea. When it comes to Open Water, I am predominantly a lake swimmer, and I am acutely aware of the differences and challenges between swimming in lakes and the sea. With this in mind, I recently caught up with fellow triathlete, ASICS FrontRunner and good friend of mine, Victoria Stears, to discuss all things sea swimming. … More Top tips for Sea Swimming

Swimming tips: getting started and getting faster

February 2, 2020

I’m absolutely loving my swimming during this half ironman training block. It is fantastic cross training, gets your heart rate up without the impact to your joints, helps build muscular strength and endurance, plus there is something about being in the water which makes you feel truly free. I’ve been sharing my swim progress on my instagram page and answering your questions along the way, here are some of the most recently asked swim Qs. … More Swimming tips: getting started and getting faster