You can find all Laura's "Re-losing the Covid Stone" podcasts here ...
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.
Walrus Levels
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
HOME WORKOUTS
Home workouts remind me of Davina McCall fitness videos in my ‘couldn’t swing a cat’ sitting room in my flat in town, half concentrating, half looking out the window wondering what I’ll be having for my tea..... Read the full article CLICK
NO PAIN NO GAIN..FACT OR FICTION?!
Listen to the podcast CLICK
IF LOCKDOWN RETURNS ARE YOU PREPARED FOR HOME TRAINING?
Some examples of why you might need to train from your home and stay out of your gym...read full article CLICK
THE CLEANER LIFESTYLE PROGRAMME
By Personal Trainer life coach and Sport Scientist Adam Kelly
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.
It's a straight run into Christmas from here with no distractions. So, if you want to work on improving your body shape and lifestyle, then now is your best chance...read full article CLICK
FIVE WEEK WELLBEING CHALLENGE
With Athletic Therapist, Personal trainer and Yoga teacher Kim Jacob
Building habits that support our physical and mental well-being is a small but incredibly powerful step that we can take to nourish and bolster ourselves amidst a changing landscape. With that in mind I would love to suggest that we join each other in a "Five week Wellbeing challenge."....read full article CLICK
LOSING THE COVID STONE- INTERFERENCE
Life sometimes gets in the way of healthy eating and training and Covid and the resulting lockdown have caused major disruptions in many people’s routines. Schools being off, working from home, gyms being closed/with limited availability, too much work on/too little work on, lack of time for food prep and exercise…read full article CLICK
LOSING THE COVID STONE ..Well still trying anyway
Well I did it, King Of Greystones triathlon in the bag and a not too shabby time of 1’40....read full article CLICK
LOSING THE COVID STONE
Anyone else sick of setting goals that are unrealistic or challenges that are unobtainable? ....read full article CLICK
Light rain shower
High: 14°C | Low: 9°C
Sunny intervals
High: 14°C | Low: 9°C
Light rain
High: 13°C | Low: 8°C
Light rain shower
High: 14°C | Low: 7°C
Light rain
High: 15°C | Low: 7°C