Emma Brunning - Active Blu

Celebrating our success - Today we look at two amazing members from the squad who have shown commitment and improvement this year. We are lucky enough for them to share their stories. James Mcleod This year my season has been completely focused around Ironman Sweden in August.  This was my first Ironman so my target was just completion and to enjoy it. James looking in Pain after CSS testing. :) My swimming has come on really well this year (from a CSS of 1.55 in January to 1.39 in June) so that was never a concern for me.  I'm a pretty new cyclist so that was a big limiter for me, not ideal when you've got 180km to get through.  So I've spent many an hour on my bike this year, almost all endurance based work.  My running has pretty much gone to pieces this year as well as I’ve had chronic shin splints for most of the year.   All my events this year have been pretty enjoyable, except maybe the 11ºC water in the river at the Wetherby triathlon.  T

Taking to the water!!! Ummmmmm, I could probably list 50 words or more off the top of my head as to why people take to the water.  Active Blu Open Water Venue.  However by asking the squad this question we get a real insight of their journey since joining Active Blu - I asked them to do this as we do not celebrate ourselves enough and often we do not think we have achieved enough to write or tell people about.... However I believe most people are amazing and therefore try and encourage them to share their stories. Most people have to juggle work, kids, relationships, amongst other things to come training and it is important to acknowledge this.... :) ASA coach assessment day 2014 Many of the squad have responded and agreed to write and share their stories....they have mentioned by writing this it did make them realise how far they have come in such a short time. I hope this helps inspire those in the squad that sometime doubt their performance, everyone has to

This month celebrates people achievements...We look at people stories and the journey they have been through in order to get there.  The first person to Celebrate is:  Kath , here is her story.... Two years ago I rode my bike then my legs stopped working properly.  18 months ago I found swimming was the only movement which didn't hurt so decided I ought to learn how to do it a bit better.  I could manage two lengths of front crawl before I needed a rest.   Kendal Tri club got me going, thanks to all the volunteer coaches there. I ended up having a video session with Emma and discovered that I braked 23 times a length by sticking my elbows in first.   Emma gave me some drills to improve, my body stopped hurting and someone else gave me a shove to enter Ironman  Austria ..... 3.8km is a bit further than two lengths so, despite being very daunted by the name 'Sunday Swim Squad'- which seemed to imply you had to be very good, I nervously asked Emm

Why we do what we do.... I often wonder why we do the things we do, what drives us and makes us tick. I know this differs from one person to the next and thats what really interests me as a coach and tutor.  This month I have worked with some great coaches, athletes and tutors all over the UK within the sport of triathlon and swimming. In the times in the between work, I often find myself reflecting on what a privileged position I hold. Not only can I continue to learn and educate myself, but also support peoples goals, dreams and ambitions.....  Active Blu - Faults and Corrections Workshop - Triathlon England AGM - Nov 2014. A few of the squad after a hard CSS set - The Red mist Rises. Nov 2014. I often wonder if I have the best job in the world? Ok sometimes its long days and tiring, however for the most part I get to spend my life with motivated, dedicated people that just want to improve and develop their skills or performance.  Tutoring Triathlon Englan

Last night we saw the last Thursday Night Training Session. We had a great turn out for the last session of the season, finishing the evening celebrating all our successes with a lot of CAKE.... Lake Cake - Thanks to Sarah I want to say a massive well done to everyone that has achieved a goal, a dream or a challenge over this summer period and I am privileged to see so many people aiming so high.  Lesley after the GNS.  I also wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU to all the Active Blu safety team, who are all highly trained and do an outstanding job - without them Thursdays would not be possible.  POOL SQUADS. So although the summer has not finished I am turning to look at the Pool Squads starting next week.  If you are interested in continuing in a pool squad over the darker months check these out:  SQUAD INFORMATION Lancaster 315 Thursday Mornings: 6.15am - 7.15am - 10 weeks - Starting 11th Sept.  Sunday Evenings: Next Squ

ASA Open Water Coaching Assessment.  This weekend we saw a number of new coaches being assessed for the new ASA Open Water Coaching Qualification. It is never easy signing up for an assessment process, testing your knowledge and understanding in a subject area.  However this weekend we saw 9 new ASA coaches attended the assessement day at Active Blu's venue in Windermere.  It was fantastic to see so many enthusiastic coaches, passionate about improving their knowledge, performance and practising their skills, drills and coaching styles in Windermere.  The coaches were assessed over the day in a number of areas:     Theory and demonstrations: The coaches identified and correctly demonstrated the drills and skills needed to coach in the open water.  Progressive practice: The coaches developed and delivered progressive coaching sessions to develop, enhance and monitor the swimmers progression.    Practical coaching session: Demonstrating their coach

Thursday Nights - 3 weeks to go... Active Blu Open Water Thursday Training Nights have been a great success this year. With only  3 more exciting weeks planned before the light fades - It is time to make the most of the beautiful natural settings that Active Blu can be proud to have as their training venue.  Swimmers and Safety Team ready to rock. The Team at Active Blu have been lucky enough to meet such wonderful people this year, with such inspiring stories and reasons for training with us.  We would love to hear what you have been up to this year, whether you have been training for a challenge, event or for fitness...If you have a story to share that can help people get involved with the sport or help motivate we would love to hear from you. Please email your story: emma@activeblu.co.uk Thursday Night Training Briefing.  However with 3 more weeks of fun to come, make sure you sign up for the following.  Aug 21st 2014 - 1 Mile Timed Swim and Tra

Swimming The English Channel.  Sue Oldham - 68 years young attempts to break her own world record.  Lets get the UK behind Sue - give her the support she deserves.  Check out last years Blog. http://activeblu.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/sue-oldham-getting-better-with-age.html I last wrote about the Ripple effect and again I am suddenly compelled to write about this amazing women.  Sue Oldham is a modest women with so much talent - Next week she attempts to Break her own World record and be the oldest women to swim the English Channel.  The Channel was regarded as the most difficult open water swim in the world, Sue says. "You just don't know what you are going to get because you've got currents and tides that could take you anywhere" I am lucky enough to be supporting Sue to swim the channel and I am hoping to try and get the Nation behind her for the swim.  Last time Sue swam, she was asked what had kept her going over th

The ripple effect.... The Great North Swim.  It is Tuesday Morning on the 17th June 2014 and I feel absolutely inspired, proud and amazed at what I witness over this weekend. Great North Swim - Sat Morning After a weekend commentating at the Great North Swim, I am compelled to write and congratulate everyone that took part. 10,000 swimmers took to Windermere over a 3 day period, all challenging themselves in different events from the half mile swim up to a 5km elite event on the Sunday.  The red wave heads out into Windermere.  Standing at the finish, I got to see people cross the line and witness first hand the amazing smiles and sense of achievement on peoples faces. Most people had never actually swam the distance in the open water before and others were swimming for a cause close to their hearts.  Finish Line commentary. What ever the reason you took to the water, the Ripple effect is enormous. So keep celebrating your achievements, talk about how well