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Showing posts from 2015

12 hours in the water - Swimming up stream....

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12 hours in the water - Swimming up stream.... What a team of swimmers have decided to do to support a community.  https://www.justgiving.com/Activeblu Keswick 2015 As many of you know the North of the country has been badly effected by the floods. As Active Blu is based in Cumbria and Lancashire with many of the squads families, friends and businesses have been effected by the horrendous floods.  The Coaches, Squad and 315 Health Club staff and members are joining together for a 12 hour swim at their venue in Lancaster.  The plan to have 4 lanes and 4 groups swimming non stop for 12 hours. .....This is to raise funds to support those effected by the floods and bring people together to support the community.  On 19th dec 2015 at 8am we start this challenge - We have 4 teams of people coming together and swimming for 12 hours.  Lane 1 - Active Blu coaches - Emma, Tom and Paddy will take it in turns to swim from 8am - 8pm - Ouch.  Lan

Lots of news....

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Whats been happening!! Time goes by so quickly.... its important we stop now and again to appreciate, celebrate just how much we have achieved this year, its also a good time to thank all those around us that have supported our challenges and aspirations. Abingdon - 3 day course 2015 I realised that looking back, the last time I posted was in May. Well it has been a busy 7 months, however I think as someone that likes to support and educate people I will write and share much more - at least on a monthly basis. For now lets have a quick catch up as some exciting things have been happening. Active Blu Venue 2015 Open Water Stuff.... The 2015 Open water swimming season was a great success - Not only seeing record numbers take to the water in Active Blu sessions on Windermere, but the Great North Swim saw over 10,000 swimmers take the plunge into the Lake and events all across country saw a massive increase in popularity. A massive thank you as always to the Active Bl

A moment in time...Are we as good as we can be?

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A moment in time....Are we as good as we can be? I have just finished working with the International Coaches in Perth, Australia. Where I have been coaching, tutoring and mentoring them over the two week period. New Coaches stepping out the comfort Zone on pool deck.  It is now a few days after they have all left, which has allowed a bit of time for reflection not only upon the 2 weeks supporting the Coach Ed programme but also on my own professional development. Sue Oldham - Always inspiring - always setting her next challenge. It got me thinking 'am I as good as I can be '? I imagined if I were, what would that feel like, look like and what would I see. Could this be even possible!! Shelley Taylor Smith - Talking to the coaches about being realistic and whats really important in life.  Then my thoughts turn to my athletes and the conversations I have with them about their achievements and occassional disappointments. Do I as a coach support

Summer Training - The right mix....

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Summer Training - The right mix !! I have been out in Perth now for two weeks supporting the New International Swim Smooth coaches with the certification programme. It has been an amazing opportunity not only to meet another great bunch of coaches and swimmers, but to also try and capture the culture of training out here in Perth. Getting the right Mix - RED MIST - This morning Friday 1st May 2015 I have been talking to many of the swimmers, coaches and visiting athletes - asking them about the importance of the "Right Mix" when training. Open Water Training at Claremont Across the board it seems thats that they all highlight the need to break the training up. Keep it Simple and make it manageable. Open Water Training in the pool  At Swim Smooth we often talk about the T hree Keys to training: Coaching CSS 1. Fitness - CSS / Endurance. 2. Open Water Skills and Practice. 3. Technique. Often in the UK when the weather gets warm enough to

The birds are singing, the evenings long....

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So its nearly time, The weather is warming up, the birds are singing louder then you have ever remembered them doing so and the nights seem like they go on forever - This can only mean that spring is here..... Active Blu Venue - Windermere Time to think about getting the wetsuit out, looking around for events and joining a training group.  However more importantly do not put off your desires and goals for another year. Take the plunge, sign up for the challenge and smile, because you are that one step closer. Great North Swim Training Day. If you are a seasoned athlete or a total beginner in the open water the start of the season can be tricky, Working out the right time to go, knowing what the water temp is and where you will be safe to swim are just a few of the questions you may have.  Active Blu Venue - Windermere. I would suggest talk to your local Triathlon club or local open water venue and they will take the pressure off for you, by doing the hard w

3 years on....

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3 years and going strong...... I have always enjoyed coaching Triathlon and Open water swimming, however 3 years ago I decided to start my own business and Active Blu was born - It feels like no time at all from when I first stood on the edge of Windermere wondering if an open water coaching business could possibly be sustainable. Active Blu Open Water Venue   However my love for the sport and passion for giving it a go won over any doubts and before I knew it Active Blu had its very first open water and video analysis sessions. From that very first moment I always new I was starting something I would enjoy for a long time. Do not get me wrong it was not always easy and along the way I have learnt many lessons. My biggest learning over the 3 years is to listen to your head and heart and if they are both saying go for it.....Make or Take the opportunities offered - no matter how scary it may seem.  Active Blu - Wild Training room First Open Water Session