Sport Relief support women-only swim sessions

Absolute Triathlon Club in Nottingham have been successful in securing a £1,000 Sport Relief grant to provide women-only triathlon swim sessions.

The swim sessions will take place at 4.45pm every Sunday afternoon at Southglade Leisure Centre in Bestwood, Nottingham, and will feature specialist swim coaching from local swim teacher Kate Long, who is herself a highly skilled swimmer and triathlete. The sessions are £3.50 and are available to non-club members and beginners.

The launch of these sessions is to try and boost the number of women taking part in triathlon in the area, as currently only 30% of the clubs membership base are female, which mirrors how the sport is made up across the county.

Chairman Steve Lloyd said: “Triathlon is considered a male dominated sport but there are more and more women-only events taking place across the country. Triathlon isn’t just for the super fit, it’s a great way of managing your weight, toning up and increasing aerobic fitness. It’s also one of the friendliest sports around. If there are women out there who have thought about doing a triathlon but don’t know where to start these sessions are a great introduction.”

The club, which launched in April 2009, has been very active in encouraging beginners into the sport, running junior sessions, women-only bike rides, and providing sessions across the week catering for all abilities. The hard work has paid off as the club now has over 100 members across all ages.

Jayne Lloyd, club secretary, commented: “Joining our women-only triathlon swim session means that you will be supported, encouraged and motivated by our coaches, as well as improving your technique and swim stroke. You will also get valuable advice about taking part in triathlon including what kit you might need and what other training you ought to be doing, giving you loads of confidence for your first race.”

The club stress that you need to be able to swim 50m confidently before coming to the sessions.