Team Member 1: Lorraine Candy, Editor-In-Chief
Fit form:
Better than expected, but not as good as it could be.
I've just finished an 8-week course learning how to box, so while I am strong I don't have any endurance training under my belt yet.
I'm lucky to have the help of The Third Space gym's personal trainer Cathy Brown who spends a lot of time telling me firmly to 'dig deeper" at the gym. "Success is all in the mind," she says.
Which is the worry!
Training plan:
Fitting this in between work, school runs and the family's weekend commitments is a challenge.
But Cathy has devised a plan:Two one hour-long strength sessions with weightsTwo 45 mins bike then run sessionsOutdoor swimA fast, then slow, then fast outdoor 5kOne rest day.
Least likely to find you...
Giving up the booze and choosing the gym over a night of Netflix.
Also I won't be checking my times on an app or any other kind of gadget.
This is an adventure and an experience.
I don't want to win and I don't want to set any records.
I've only just learnt to do the front crawl and I still can't work the gears on my bike so the learning curve is steep
Most likely to find you...
Running. I love running. And eating donuts, I love donuts.
Biggest fear...
Not finishing
Secret skill...
This week I have been on antibiotics for an ear infection caused by swimming outdoors minus earplugs.
Team Member 2: Victoria White, Commercial Content Director
Fit form:
Somewhere south of Jessica Ennis but far north of Homer Simpson.
Training plan:
To do all the things I enjoy as much as possible.
Running twice a week when the weather is nice.
Swimming three times a week before work and cycling with my family at weekends.
Least likely to find you...
In a gym - can't stand indoor working out
Most likely to find you...
Singing karaoke
Biggest fear...
Not being able to get out of my wetsuit after the swim
Secret skill...
I can ice skate backwards (not much use in a triathlon though – is there a winter version?)
Team Member 3: Lisa Potter Dixon, Benefit - Head make up artist & Brow expert
Fit form:
7/10 (I was only ever at peak fitness during my disco dancing days as a teenager. Strength is easily built up when all your outfits are made of 10'000 sequins)!
Training plan:
So I stupidly have friends who are seemingly excellent at the 3 elements of a triathlon.
This week I went on a 30mile ride with my friend Kas, who's more used to sprint cycling through the Nevada mountains than pushing me up Richmond park hill - Oh and apparently it's not ideal to eat Jelly babies as a reward for every mile completed!
Since I began training for my first Tri last year, my best friend Emma has joined in with the swimming side of things.
Turns out she's more mermaid than human. At least that's what I imagine her to be as I chase her 2 to 3 times a week in Hampton lido.
3 miles of swimming-done! Then there's the run-the bit, which I hate the most.
Yep, you've guessed it, my other BFF Rosie runs marathons in sub 3hrs20!
I mean-COME ON!! She is most excellent at talking to me during a 10k run whilst I just try to breathe!
So all in all, training is going well.
The slight spanner in the works could come next week as I'm heading to Las Vegas for work!
Going to attempt the gin, I mean gym daily. Wish me luck!!
Least likely to find you...
Going for a run for fun!
Most likely to find you...
Sat in my husbands boxers (they are so comfy) with a tub of Nutella and a spoon!
Biggest fear...
That there will be alcoholic beverages at the finishing line!
Secret skill...
I can do a Dolphin impression. Extremely useful when swimming in open water!
Team Member 4: Annie Rice, Contributing Fitness Editor
Fit form:
To be honest I am pretty fit. I am the kind of annoying person that needs to get out every day like a dog or I am a nightmare to be around.
I love being outside in any weather!
Training plan:
I am a yoga teacher, so I practice yoga every day either on my own at home or in class.
I cycle around town between my classes which keeps me busy – I can clock up to 2 hours a day on the bike.
I run about 5 times a week, either running home from somewhere or along the canal.
I also try to swim once or twice a week if things are going well!
Least likely to find you...
Playing any team sports or sport that involves a ball.
The last time I played tennis, my ex-boyfriend got so frustrated with me he aimed the ball at my head.
That's probably why he's my ex.
Most likely to find you...
Outdoors or in the kitchen making meals
Biggest fear...
I'm quite a scaredy cat and always think the worse thing will happen especially if I'm not in control, sports like skiing also freak me out.
And I worry about sharks a lot.
Secret skill...
I think I probably tell people my skills. But I can hold a lunge for a really long time and credit that to my thighs.
Meet Team Swim & Tonic...
Team Swim & Tonic will be taking part in the Blenheim Triathlon in aid of Bloodwise. There are still 500 spaces left to take part and run alongside team ELLE!
