Workshop

Introduction To Swimrun

Tal Y Llyn Lake, Snowdonia National Park
Sunday 30th August 2020, 10am - 2pm

IS IT FOR YOU?

Entered your first swimrun race? Unsure about swimrun gear? Or just curious about this fabulous and unique race format? Then come along to our workshop and get hands on with swimrun gear and experiment with it in a safe and supportive environment. If you have already completed a swimrun and want to share your experience and continue to learn then this is for you too. It's a great way to meet some other like minded people and potentially meet a future race / training partner.

CORE SESSIONS:

kit choice & customisation
swimming/running with a tow system
sighting techniques
open water swim technique
use of hand paddles & pull buoys
transition training
race strategy
kit management in transition
racing with a partner - team mentality
race nutrition
insider tips for specific races

During the workshop we will mimic a short swimrun over several short legs. There will be a key focus on towing, transitions, and kit management. We’ll move at a comfortable pace for the group. Demo wetsuits will be available from HEAD, Yonda, Orca, Zone 3 and HUUB, possibly the largest range of swimrun specific demo wetsuits in the UK. We will also have a range of paddles and tow systems to try.

THE VENUE

We will be based at The Tyn Y Cornel Hotel, with special access to Tal Y Llyn lake, and a great range of trail running options in the vicinity. Address: Tal-y-llyn, Tywyn LL36 9AJ.

If you have any questions please get in touch: mike@weswimrun.org or call 07725416134. Keep posted with our Covid-19 news here.

SWIMRUN WORKSHOP TESTIMONIALS

"Going through kit ideas, modifications...the whole thing was very useful, friendly and supportive. 10 out of 10!" - Sarah

"The advice from Mike about his experiences was extremely helpful. Being able to practice with different equipment was brilliant. Practicing run/swim/run transitions was excellent." - Petra

"Favourite part was practicing transitions...equipment...really useful discussions - ready for my first swimrun now" - Andy

Your Coach

EXPERIENCE
Mike is one of the most experienced swimrun athletes in the UK and has competed in both male and mixed category swimrun across Europe including the OtillO World Series, and the BRECA UK Championships. His vast array of experiences is wide, with several podium finishes. He is passionate about swimming, off-road running and swimrun for so many reasons and he enjoys sharing what he has learnt. Mike organisers the longest estuary swim event in the UK, and one of the toughest half-marathon's in the world. He has also pioneered some "adventure" winter swims, including a 10km swim of the Mawddach Estuary between Barmouth and Penmaenpool (February 2013).

Mike has also climbed many significant peaks in Europe, Russia, Alaska, Africa and Bolivia, kayaked across the Irish Sea, and competed in World Series multi-day Adventure Races.

QUALIFICATIONS
+ Level 2 Open Water Swimming Coach
+ ISKGA Advanced Sea Kayak Guide
+ BCU Advanced Sea Kayak Leader, Canoe Leader & Level 2 Coach
+ RNLI Beach Lifeguard
+ RLSS Level 3 National Water Safety Management
+ MT Mountain Leader & Rock Climbing Instructor
+ BAIML Trained
+ UKCG Technical Canyoning
+ RYA Day Skipper, Powerboat Level 2 & Safety Boat
+ Remote Emergency Care First Aid & AED Trained
+ PGCE & MEng

If you would like one to one swim coaching please get in touch to discuss. We have had many success stories with "coachees" going from first time in open water to completing up to 10km open water swims within 12 months. Get in touch via email: mike@weswimrun.org

The Venues

Aberdovey, Snowdonia National Park
The beautiful village of Aberdovey on the fringe of Snowdonia National Park is a fantastic place to train for swimrun. You could say that Outward Bound's Aberdovey Sea School invented swimrun long before OtillO. Mike's expert knowledge of the Dovey/Dyfi estuary opens up many opportunities for safe and effective training in tidal conditions, along with challenging hill running on the doorstep. See also Aberdovey Swim for swim events.

Tal Y Llyn, Snowdonia National Park
A beautiful glacial ribbon lake at the foot of the iconic mountain Cadair Idris. Based out of the Tyn Y Cornel Hotel, this is a stunning training location. See also Tal Y Llyn Swim for swim events.

Mike's knowledge & experience of tidal planning, river running and how weather patterns affect our waters and mountains is extensive, as is his experience of leading groups in challenging conditions.