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Summer reflections and Winter Dipping

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What a summer, although we had lots to think about with all the NEW rules and regulations, I am delighted we managed to meet so many people over the summer months.  Active Blu managed to run some coach development days for clubs, open water camps, squads, group clinics and 121 sessions for the last few months of the season.  If you have been coached by myself you know I am super passionate about getting people active and dreaming about what could be possible in their lives. I always love to hear about the goals and ambitions individuals and groups have.  This year despite the situation with COVID, I was always totally blown away by the people attitudes and commitment to things. Their passion, creativity and innovative ideas to continue to do what they love and offers them well being and peace of mind.  I also listened a lot to people about how hard times have been for individuals, families and businesses. Its certainly tough for people out there.....so if I may offer any words to other
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Open Water Swimming - Feel the freedom, enjoy the feeling, take the plunge.

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GETTING BACK TO WHAT WE LOVE... Ok hands up, who has missed the feeling of the water running over their skin, the freedom that water provides and the opportunity to explore new places.  I certainly had been missing swimming, so you can imagine how delighted I am to be offering opportunities for open water swim experiences and world class coaching again.   We have been working hard to create 2 months of open water opportunities for you to come and get involved with. There is something for everyone - 121 sessions / Squads / Camps / Clinics and experiences in the heart of the Lake District. We are also excited to announce Active Blu has a NEW permanent open water home base at Brathay Hall Trust. The venue is outstanding and we get to train in private grounds in a beautiful, idillic bay. Not only can we run our courses, training sessions and camps from there, you can also stay over in the accomodation, boosting some of the best views of the Lake District from in and out the water.  Therefo
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Managing your energy - Making 'YOU' sustainable.

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Well its January, we all hit it hard with New Year resolutions, best intensions and goals for the up coming year. It is certainly an exciting time for many of us. As a coach and coach developer, I am certainly aware of the positive energy that is about me, lots of emails and conversations informing me of new goals, aspirations and training loads. I also love this time of year, lots of people trying lots of new things (I am certainly included in this)  With all these new goals and excitement, comes a busier then normal schedule, now we are fitting in a new activity, more training and further commitments to our already packed 6am - 10pm lives.  As a coach and coach developer my job is to support the athletes and coaches I work with,  to not only achieve their goals, but do it in a way that is unique to them, supports their existing way of life and to make sure it is manageable, realistic and most importantly sustainable.  As a coach, athlete or practitioner y
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'YOUR BLISS' - Why this is the year to make it happen.

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I just had my perfect xmas, I spent it mainly by myself.  Although I had many invites and lovely offers to spend the xmas period with numerous people, I actually decided I would love to spend the time by myself. Crazy you say!! Maybe but it was my bliss and this year I realised just how important it is to embrace 'YOUR BLISS' no matter how it may differ to others. This was a rare opportunity to be indulgent, not in gifts, food or alcohol, it was indulgent as I got to spend time doing what ever I wanted / needed too. I know we all lead very busy lives, family, kids, friends, jobs etc however sometimes we do need to just stop and be in the moment.  I often just stop and take time out, mainly walking in the mountains or swimming in the Lakes. For me it leads to a lot more clarity about what you want to do in life, goals I want to achieve and fears I wish to banish.  This year is the year for me and I hope for you all to do something different, to stand up, s
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How did that happen!!

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How did that happen!! Its seems we are half way through January already and I am sure many of us have some great plans for this year. There is so much opportunity and energy at the start of the year with people deciding on which dreams and goals they want to follow. Whether it be a new challenge, getting fitter, moving more or remaining injury free...... I guess after coaching individuals and groups for so long, what I have learnt is just how important it is to share those goals and dreams, whether it be with friends, family, coaches, team mates or colleagues. The power of sharing your ideas and plans for the year not only allows it to become reality, but it also makes you accountable. The power of having someone that cares checking in on your plans is so valuable. I am lucky to coach an amazing group of athletes in my squads, where although we have a lot of fun, they all set themselves challenges both in the long and short term, so not only so the rest of the squad can ask
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Prehab - Keeping healthy and Injury Free

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NEW - Prehab workshop.  DATE: 26th Nov 2017 - 2pm to 6pm.  Venue: 315 Health Club, Lancaster. BOOK NOW At Active Blu we have a lot of athletes coming from around the country to see us about injuries they have suffered with whilst swimming. The majority of these athletes have had to stop or reduce their swimming load whilst they get advice, go for treatment and deal with the cause of the injury.  Often theses swimmers and triathletes will come and see us for video analysis, to look at their swimming, to try and identify anything within their stroke that could be causing their injuries. Generally for the majority of these athletes there are common faults causing the issue, which we can often highlight, identify and then work on, with the relevant drills and technique that will reduce the risk of their injury getting worse or reoccurring. Obviously with anything like this, it is essential to also seek advice from a Physio or Sports therapist to get their opinion an
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The water is nearly open.... In a few weeks time the open water season is officially open here in the Lakes. Most athletes know that the water has to be at a certain temperature for good training session to commence, so although a few brave souls are getting in to acclimatize, waiting a bit longer to get the most out of your session would be the best option. Only a few more degrees...honest, it makes all the difference. This time of year is a lot of peoples favorite time and as the air temperature gets warmer, the temptation to jump into waters too cool off is very tempting, I would however suggest to be mindful that most of our big lakes warm up very slowly and cool off fairly slowly. So make sure you test the water and walk in slowly, rather then jumping in, just to be safe. If in doubt - stay out.  A few things you can get involved in over the come weeks with Active Blu: The open water swim squads - This may sound daunting, but there are two squads designed to
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