In the final video of our series filmed at Low Wood Bay, Cassie Patten talks to Kate, Anna and Rachel about training in preparation for next years Great North Swim.
Training advice in preparation for the next Great North Swim
After the session with Cassie, we spoke to Kate, Anna and Rachel.
As a passionate advocate of open water swimming, Kate says:
Each swim is unique. I love the freedom, the exhilaration, the feeling of well-being that open water swimming gives me. It’s something you can do alone or with a friend, or with several friends. It can be a shared experience or it can be just you … and the water … and nature.
I have arthritis in my hip and so a non weight bearing sport like swimming is great for me. I am also a nurse and strongly believe in the huge impact that open water swimming can have on physical and mental health.
Anna discovered swimming again 6 years ago as a great way of re-capturing some ‘me’ time.
As a busy mum of 3 lively boys I found that my fitness levels had dropped and action was needed to improve my fitness and lose weight.
Cassie told us that she did other forms of exercise to help with her swimming, in particular pilates which builds core strength. This is something I’m interested in and indeed, since meeting Cassie I have signed up for a 6 week course in the local church hall.
Each of the ladies is well along in their training for their next Open Water Swim.
Kate is swimming in the pool 3 times a week and trying to sea swim whenever she can, weather permitting. The last few weeks have involved building up stamina and doing a couple of 1.5 mile swims.
Anna has joined a triathlon group in order to train with their swimmers. She swims once a week in the pool and since May has been swimming outdoors in a spring fed quarry, increasing her distance by 400m each week.
It certainly sounds like they will be ready for the Great North Swim in Windermere next year!
Great North Swim Tips and Advice
We have lots of Great North Swim training tips, open water swimming advice and stories from competitors here on the English Lakes Blog. Read More
Great North Swim Windermere
The Great North Swim, Windermere is the UK’s biggest open water swimming event which attracts 10,000 to the shores of Low Wood Bay resort.