Top tips for Cold Water Swimming

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

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

My Top Picks: Women’s Tri Suits

A triathlon suit or tri-suit is a multi-purpose piece of kit specifically designed for multi-sports. It has a material ideal for swimming, a small fitted chamois for cycling (wear it like cycling shorts without underwear) and is comfortable and versatile enough to run in. You can get tri-suits in short or longer sleeve versions, or even opt for two piece kits if the all in one look isn’t for you. So if you’re looking at investing in your first tri-suit or want some inspiration for your next purchase, i’ve rounded up my favourite tri-suits in this latest blog. … More My Top Picks: Women’s Tri Suits

Top tips for Sea Swimming

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

Ironman Virtual Race Club: VR3

I’ve decided that it’s time to start stepping out of my comfort zone in the comfort of my own home and I’ll be pushing myself to take on a different challenge each weekend during the lockdown period. This weekend was my first experience of the Ironman Virtual Racing Series and a steep learning curve in balcony running, turbo transitions and mastering multiple bits of tech (which I am useless at)! … More Ironman Virtual Race Club: VR3

Swimming tips: getting started and getting faster

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