Tuesday 19 March 2013

Winter Sunshine



Three years at Bath University has flown - and in early May this year I will be graduating with my degree in Sport and the Social Sciences. It's no secret that sport has been the priority over the last three years - having originally come to Bath to pursue Modern Pentathlon, a few months into first year and Triathlon caught my eye...now, university progress is measured by seconds deducted in the pool rather than seminar attendance rate. Now, I'm deciding what to do with life post-graduation and the possibilities are endless, it's an exciting if not slight daunting time in life!



2012 was merely my taster
in the sport of triathlon

After my first year in triathlon in 2012, I know I've got an awful lot more to give...don't even feel like I've begun to get started on what I feel I am yet to prove. Therefore before I exhaust the sports performance avenue all together and sit in an office 9-5, I've decided to turn full time in Triathlon next year, and, I am hoping to spend a substantial winter block in Lanzarote. 

After visiting the island in 2011 and 2012 with the University triathlon club I fell in love with it, the climate that allowed us to be outside from 7am-10pm in sunshine...in January! Lanzarote is not only a hot-spot for tourists all year round, but also the choice of the Brownlees, Jenkins and other top triathletes to put in some serious winter hours.

Some may ask what the benefits are of spending money and leaving the UK during the winter to train? Last month is a perfect example. After the pool and gym closures that come as standard over Christmas and New Year, we were then landed with a week of snow, closing these facilities further. The roads were un-rideable in any safe manner and the pavements were ice laden stalling run training. Short of a daily stint on the turbo and masses of conditioning, it was a pretty frustrating time for all...

The University of  Bath and the cities facilities will take some beating, the 50m pool, hills (!) and gym. However one venue is contesting  pretty highly... 

...and that venue is Sands Beach in Costa Teguise. A complex South-East of the Island perfect for the family, sports enthusiast or those looking to kick back and enjoy a cocktail or two.



A short clip showing the 'Iron Couple' Stephen and Bella Bayliss (and baby Bayliss Charlie) based at Sands Beach who describe the venue as 'perfect' for triathletes.


Professional Ironman Triathlete Eimear Mullan from Ireland also frequently bases herself at Sands Beach facilities.

The Sands Beach 25m laned pool was built last August and has already attracted over 15 triathlon camps who have based themselves at the facility. Not only that but a fully equipped gym with treadmill, rowing machines and weights, and not to forget dry empty roads, sunshine and free (and warm!) open water swimming. And for those uber-active ones amongst us, for the days off training there's windsurfing and dive tuition...




What more could a triathlete, of any level want?


To keep updated with Sands Beach offers, athletes and events or simply to find out more click on any of the links below to be redirected to their official pages.

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2 comments:

  1. Great post Katie, let's get you over here to join the team at Sands Beach Active!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Katie, thank you very much for this blog, I hope to see you soon at Sands Beach Resort!

    ReplyDelete