In at the Deep End

Becca is an ultramarathon runner, Doctor, swimmer and founder of The Healthcare Club.   Having recently taken part in the Peak District 100KM running challenge, Becca placed 1st female and was crowned the Ladies Winner! In the last episode of S1, we speak about top tips for running & how you should enjoy training and not automatically rush in to races and PB’s - it’s okay to go at your own pace and feel good about it. We also touch on how important it is to inspire others to try new things, that it’s OKAY to walk on runs, how sometimes having an injury can lead to new and exciting opportunities AND we hear all about how she made the transition from being a Doctor inside the 4 walls of a hospital to exploring other areas of the medical field via expedition medicine & founding a club for the mental and physical health of healthcare workers. We of course also dive in to how Becca’s swimming journey is going and hear about what being in the water means to her.   For updates and guest announcements follow along on Instagram: @Onlyswimz   If you’d like to check out Becca and follow her incredible challenges, visit her Instagram: @Drbeccasalmon  

Ffion is an avid open water swimmer, swimming all year round and is a Mental Health Swims host at Northdock, Llanelli.   From dipping with the Dawn Stalkers at sunrise to swimming 5K in the Cotswold Big Swim in June just gone, Ffi showcases the most beautiful dipping spots across the UK and beyond.   In this episode we talk about what being in the water means to Ffi and how it has allowed her more freedom and body confidence. We touch on the community she has built through her swimming Instagram account and how far she has come since her first rocky sea swim. There are also some top tips for anyone thinking about taking up cold water swimming later this year. It was a delight to chat to Ffi, she is such a warm and genuine character – I hope you enjoy the episode. For updates and guest announcements follow along on Instagram: @Onlyswimz If you’d like to check out Ffi and see some of her beautiful dipping spots, visit her Instagram: @Ffiswims

I spoke with the impressive Emma Joy, an endurance runner and triathlete, who has recently completed her first Half Ironman. We talk about Emma’s journey from beginner runner to Half Ironman and how recovery for your mind and body is a priority amongst lots of big events. Emma talks to me about a cycling accident she experienced at the end of last year and how she overcame this and dealt with the setbacks. Plus, we discuss how you should never compare your situation or training to anyone else AND Emma offers some top tips for beginner triathletes. For updates and guest announcements follow along on Instagram: @Onlyswimz If you'd like to check out Emma and her upcoming events, visit her Instagram: @Lipstick.and.trainers

I spoke with the amazing Andy Donaldson, an ultramarathon swimmer who swam the world's 7 toughest oceans within a year to raise funds and awareness for mental health. Andy is also a 3X world record holder and one of the most humble guys I've ever met. In this episode we hear all about how Andy got in to swimming and the ebbs and flows of his passion for the sport. We talk about his incredible Channel crossings and what his motivation behind the challenges were. Plus, Andy opens up about the mental aspects of marathon swimming and the importance of believing in yourself. We had such a laugh during this chat – it’s was so nice getting to know Andy and see his love for swimming shine through. Hopefully you feel inspired to do something that makes you feel good after listening!   For updates and guest announcements follow along on Instagram: @Onlyswimz If you'd like to check out Andy and his upcoming challenges, visit his Instagram: @Andy.swimming

I spoke with the incredible Amy Ennion, an ultramarathon swimmer, endurance swim coach, and not to mention the first British woman to swim Lake Geneva as a soloist. We touch on the mental and physical preparation required for long distance swim events, as well as hear all about her journey and support for the big Geneva stretch. We also swap some funny stories about our English Channel swims and Amy gives some advice for new swimmers, so hopefully you can learn some tips and feel inspired along the way. For updates and guest announcements follow along on Instagram: @Onlyswimz If you'd like to check out Amy and her coaching, visit her website: https://www.amyennion.co.uk/

This is my first episode and I am so excited to share it with you, I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed creating it. I spoke with the wonderful Rachel Ashe, the Founder of Mental Health swims - an inclusive organisation that is on a mission to make cold water dipping more accessible and welcoming for all. We touch on the organisation and how Rachel's life experiences have shaped this, cold water dips, body positivity and having a sense of community...plus, much more. For updates and guest announcements follow along on Instagram: @Onlyswimz For further information on Mental Health Swims, visit: https://www.mentalhealthswims.co.uk

I'm taking the next few months to chat to some wonderful people and find out all about their stories. Until then...here's a little introduction to the podcast and what you can expect from listening to In at the Deep End! Enjoy...I'll see you soon.