Here we go, it's 2025!
New Year
It's a New Year, and every club member I speak to - whether in person, on WhatsApp, or via TrainingPeaks - is starting to think about their new goals for the season. But remember, just because it's a new year, there's no need to get caught up in the "new year, new me", Dry January, Veganuary, or, for fans of the legendary Nessa, Januhairy. With the cold weather heading our way, that might actually be the most sensible decision to stay warm and get through the longest month of the year.
Personally, my New Year starts on Monday, January 6th. Why?
Who starts a new goal on a Wednesday - especially when the new year starts with W.T.F.
Starting on the 6th gives me time to reset after a very busy Christmas and New Year filled with family, friends, partying with my bridesmaids, and planning for a very hectic 2025 (which of course, required some glasses of fizz). I'm proud that over those two weeks I managed three runs, a good few dog walks and a couple of horse rides. Just enough to keep me ticking over and happy, which is the most important part.
Finally, the extra few days also gives me the opportunity to reflect on 2024, acknowledge achievements, and set realistic athletic and sporting goals for 2025.
So, my first tip for 2025 - Pick an event you can do with a friend. Aim for a low key event that gets you excited, reignites that fire, and gets you motivated for that first dip back in the pool, lace up of the trainers, or clip into your cleats.
On that note, this is the first call for anyone who would like to take part in the
Torbay Team Relay on the 5th of April.
It consists of:
12 lengths 300m swim
5 laps bike 7.5km
1 lap run 1.8km
You then high 5 your team mate and the next one goes.
Teams are made of two men and two women, just like in the Olympics.
Last year, we had 2 fantastic teams, and this year, I would love to do one better by getting 3 teams together for a day of cheering, racing, and, of course, for those mad enough, a dip in the sea followed by a celebratory dinner.
If you would like to take part, please send me message, and we can start to bring the teams together!
Races for the Year
There’s plenty of opportunity ahead in 2025, and it’s always better to go with a friend or teammate. Many of our members also take part in local park runs, so it’s always worth sending a message on the WhatsApp or Facebook page to find a buddy.
Here is a list of races to get you thinking:
Runs and Triathlons
Exeter Trail 1/2 Marathon 22/03/2025
Torbay Team Relay 06/04/2025
Costwolds Middle Distance Tri 01/06/2025
Cheddar Gorge 5km, 10k Trail Run 08/06/2025
Cardiff Sprint and Olympic Triathlon 22/06/2025
T100 Sprint/Olympic/100k Triathlon 10/08/2025
Dawlish Sprint Triathlon 21/09/2025
Hever Castle Tri festival 28/09/2025
Minehead Sprint 12/10/2025
Open water Swims:
Roadford lake swim 17/05/2025
Wild Dart Swim and Aquathlon 07/06/2025
Plymouth Swim 15/06/2025
Cardiff Try a Tri and Swim 21/06/2025
The Burgh Island Swim Race 21/06/2025
English Riviera Swim 29/06/2025
Outdoor swimmer Henley Swim Festival 11-13/07/2025
The Thurlestone Arch Race 14/09/2025
Dawlish Swim 21/09/2025
Handy Links:
Swim Sessions
Pool sessions at Welly resume this week—feel free to bring a friend!
Sunday, 5th Jan: 8:00–9:00 am with Frances
Monday, 6th Jan: 7:00–8:00 pm with Juliette
Thursday, 9th Jan: 7:30–8:30 pm with Bea and Frances
We can’t wait to see you back in the pool to kick off the new year! Grab your hat, goggles, and funky suits, and join us for hypoxic sets, press-up pyramids, Tetley-T drills, and some underwater lengths.
Open Water Swimming
Our Open Water swim sessions will start back at the Huntspill River towards the end of April (weather dependent). Keep an eye out for updates on the club socials and webpage.
We will also be running seas swim courses from Lyme Regis, dates yet to be confirmed with the first opportunity for sea swimming likely to be in June (to give it a few weeks to warm up).
Things too look out for......
Team Kit
The design for the mens jammers is nearly complete, here is a sneak peak....
If you would be interested in purchasing a pair please let me know so I can provide cost for a bulk order.
On the way are also new swim hats, T-shirts and for open water season, hoodies and big bobble hats to keep us nice and cosy.
Sunday Morning Coach Led Group Ride
*New to this season - The first coach led group ride is scheduled to be Sunday 26th January.
Sunday morning group ride meeting at Welly Pool
10:30am - 20miles (ish) with cafe stop
A steady paced ride (15mph)
Aimed at people who are working towards their first Sprint or Olympic Triathlon, to gain confidence on their bike with others.
The route will be shared on the facebook page each week via Strava and Garmin
Book for the ride via the Website - there will be a limited number of spaces
As the season goes on, I would like to create a second group for those looking at longer distances and who are more confident on the bike and open roads.
Requirements:
Serviced and road ready bike
Helmet
Puncture repair bag
Bright clothing
Rear red bike light
Water bottle
Phone
I look forward to seeing you all at the pool, and hear all your news and ambitions for the coming year.
I will endeavour to be the Dory in your life.
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