Glow with Laura Wood

Sea swimmers Sea swimmers everywhere! (Although not as many right now)

You’ve probably noticed people seem to shouting from the rooftops about sea swimming more than ever since the outbreak of Covid and lockdown, why is that?

BECAUSE IT DESERVES TO BE SHOUTED ABOUT!

I do have lockdown to thank for my addiction, I took my first winter dip in Connemara off the coast of InnisTurbot this time two years ago and was horrified by how cold it was, but something clicked with how good it made me feel and I was hooked.

I’m currently nearly finished a thing called The Walrus challenge (Yes, it’s a very unfortunate name) which basically involves me swimming 3000m a month (or 20,000m minimum in total) from Nov1st last year to March 31st this year. The hardest part is we’re not allowed wear wetsuits, gloves or boots so your warm up gear is so important. My sister Tab is doing this level with me and my Mum  is doing the Novice Walrus which is 1000m a month or 2000m minimum and you can wear wetsuits, gloves and shoes with that one.

It's no mean feet in Wicklow waters but I’m hopeful we’re going to get there by the end of the month. There’s nothing waiting for me at the end except a Walrus badge a bit like the Brownie/Guides ones I used to strive for years ago but we’ll have earned those badges and I’m nearly more excited to get it then I was getting my Masters!

I’ve had a very difficult few years and my children regularly say to me “Mum, I think you need a swim” whenever I’m in terrible form. That says it all really, it provides a total reset, recharge and huge mood boost.

The Winter Walruses began under the patronage of king Walrus Ger Kennedy. It was started by a group of friends in 2014 to promote all aspects of winter swimming from competitive to Social and Mental Health benefits.TheChallenge is a fun way to encourage swimming through the Winter. It simply helps you personally challenge yourself by setting an achievable Goal and I would highly recommend it as a healthy way of distracting yourself from the stresses of life.

Here's some tips to help you along from King Walrus himself Ger Kennedy:

It's ok to say NO or turn back from any distance.

Don’t swim beyond your ability, as temperatures drop most incidents happen on the return leg of your swim, be responsible to yourself.

1. Each level has minimum totals for the challenge period, the idea is to do more acclimatizing swims during Nov/Dec in preparation for the colder months Jan-March
2. Enjoy with friends and perfectly normal for the body to shiver during the acclimatization period and beyond, lots of Cake & Hot Drinks afterwards.
3. Try a pick a swim distance target at your location like a swim buoy or rock or land reference, much easier than swimming in circles or swimming to nothing 
4. Bright Color Swim hat and Tow Float is best practice
5. Good warm clothes and footwear easy to put on after your swim (merino wool best), Tight leggings or tight tracksuits we found difficult after winter swimming  
6. Quality Socks, I've been using these for years, Extra Long type https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=HEAT+HOLDERS&ref=bl_sl_s_ap_web_1667347031 also do gloves and hats 
7. Dryrobe or Similar, great for changing and keeping wind chill away, not great for warmth if base layers are bad, but highly recommended investment 

Walrus Levels

1. Novice Walrus - swim 1000m “each” month and complete 7000m minimum total distance during the challenge period. Note Neoprene Allowed
2. Beginner Walrus - swim 2000m “each” month and complete 15,000m minimum total distance during the challenge period.
3. Competent Walrus - swim 3000m “each” month and complete 20,000m minimum total distance during the challenge period.
4. Proficient Walrus - swim 5000m “each” month and complete 35,000m minimum total distance during the challenge period
5. Expert Walrus - swim 10,000m “each” month and complete 60,000m minimum total distance during the challenge period
6. Ice Walrus Under 7c
7. Extreme Walrus Under 5c
8. International Walrus Ireland

Ilona Madden!

Certified Nutritional Therapist and Health & Lifestyle Coach shares her top tips for the festive season here

My top 10 tips for the Festive Season - RightFood4U

RE-LOSING THE COVID STONE

Well well well, here I am again surrounded by leftover wrappers from trick-or-treating asking myself what happened in the last year that caused me to regain most of that stone that I had so painstakingly lost. The answer...life. That simple really, much as I like to be in control of everything going on in my life and indeed I am over what I put in my mouth/the exercise I do, life can throw curve balls that make the journey a lot rockier so now all I can do is get back on the horse/bike/rowing machine and try again for what if I'm honest probably won't be the last time. That's the thing though..once you realise, just like a dog is not just for Christmas, a fit/healthy dare I say slender body is not just for the next wedding/event you're going to then you're halfway there! It's a long journey and we're on it together. Just to remind you of the words of Kate Moss though ..nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" 

Over the next few weeks we'll chat to some of the people in the know from Shoreline Leisure Greystones who'll give us the advice that we need to try and look and more importantly FEEL good for Christmas (and hopefully beyond this time) 

Good Luck! Laura

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The period from September to December has traditionally been a key time period for goal achievement both for my clients in Pura Vida and for many others.

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