Category: Life in a wheelchair

Its Not All in The Numbers

by Sophie, posted in Adaptive Swimming, challenge, chronic illness, chronic pain, coaching, Disability Swimming, Disabled, English Channel, friends, Life in a wheelchair, Living with a Disability, marathon swim, open water, Open Water Swimming, outdoor swimmer, Outdoor Swimming, psychology, teaching, Training, Wheelchair User

If you read the latest article/blog on the STA website you will recognise most of this content, if you haven't - enjoy my training from last month and see what I achieved!

2023 Channel Swim Introduction

by Sophie, posted in Adaptive Swimming, challenge, chronic illness, chronic pain, coaching, Disability Swimming, Disabled, English Channel, Events, Lake Windermere, Life in a wheelchair, Living with a Disability, marathon swim, open water, Open Water Swimming, outdoor swimmer, Outdoor Swimmer Magazine, Outdoor Swimming, psychology, Races, teaching, Training, Wheelchair User

"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity" Albert Einstein The beginning of the new year is always something to celebrate, we look back on all we have achieved the previous year and, perhaps, most importantly we look forwards and plan for the new year. For me, the plan is simple; to be the first person … Continue reading 2023 Channel Swim Introduction

Training Diary – Hastings

by Sophie, posted in Adaptive Swimming, chronic illness, chronic pain, Disability Swimming, Disabled, Family, friends, Life in a wheelchair, Living with a Disability, marathon swim, Mental Health, open water, Open Water Swimming, outdoor swimmer, Outdoor Swimmer Magazine, Outdoor Swimming, psychology, safety, Training, Wheelchair User

Day 1 On Monday morning we packed the car up with mine, my parents and Regies bags and a few food items before heading off on the road. We got away by about 11am and although I was looking forwards to an intense week of training, I was quite anxious about simply going to Hastings. … Continue reading Training Diary – Hastings

Coaching Development Day at Swim Cube

by Sophie, posted in Adaptive Swimming, coaching, Disability Swimming, Disabled, Events, friends, Life in a wheelchair, open water, Open Water Swimming, outdoor swimmer, Outdoor Swimming, teaching, Training, Wheelchair User

  For a couple of years now I have wanted to go to The Swim Cube to have my stroke analysed and see if there are any improvements I could make and for Christmas 2021 my parents got me a voucher to go. I was so excited about finally going and trying to understand my … Continue reading Coaching Development Day at Swim Cube

When I went to hang out with the Beavers…

by Sophie, posted in Adaptive Swimming, chronic illness, chronic pain, Disability Swimming, Disabled, Life in a wheelchair, Living with a Disability, Mental Health, open water, Open Water Swimming, outdoor swimmer, Outdoor Swimming, safety, Wheelchair User, Windermere

  One thing I have always been passionate about my entire life is to be kind and to give back and help where you can. Growing up I started as a Beaver, then went into Rainbows and Girlguiding all the way up to being a Ranger. I learnt a heck of a lot with Guides … Continue reading When I went to hang out with the Beavers…

To be inclusive think FRIENDS

by Sophie, posted in Adaptive Swimming, Disability Swimming, Disabled, Events, Life in a wheelchair, Living with a Disability, Mental Health, open water, Open Water Swimming, outdoor swimmer, Outdoor Swimming, safety, Training, Wheelchair User

  When you are an open water swimmer with a disability a common message and email you find yourself sending is this: “Dear …… I am an open water swimmer and am interested in ….(event)…however I have a disability that means I am a wheelchair user. I can walk short distances using crutches so I … Continue reading To be inclusive think FRIENDS

Good Days, Bad Days and some in-between…

by Sophie, posted in Adaptive Swimming, chronic illness, chronic pain, Disabled, friends, Life in a wheelchair, Living with a Disability, open water, Open Water Swimming, outdoor swimmer, Outdoor Swimming, psychology, safety, Training, winter swimming

  I didn’t post a blog last week as I have been struggling a lot with my pain and fatigue but I am improving, a bit, and I have had the chance to get some decent swims in this week. Monday started with a tough session with BRJ in the pool and once again I … Continue reading Good Days, Bad Days and some in-between…

Winter swimming is finally here!

by Sophie, posted in Adaptive Swimming, challenge, Disability Swimming, Disabled, Events, friends, Life in a wheelchair, Living with a Disability, Mental Health, open water, Open Water Swimming, outdoor swimmer, Outdoor Swimming, safety, Wheelchair User

  If you have followed my blog, then you will know that when I swam 2-way Windermere I was wearing a wetsuit. This was because I didn’t know how my body would react to the cold as most of the swimming I have done in open water since getting back into it 5 years ago … Continue reading Winter swimming is finally here!

Travelling to Nottingham in a Wheelchair

by Sophie, posted in Adaptive Swimming, chronic illness, chronic pain, Disability Swimming, Disabled, Events, Life in a wheelchair, Living with a Disability, Mental Health, Open Water Swimming, Wheelchair User

  Last weekend was a big deal for me, it was been exciting, stressful, panic inducing, wonderful and simply fantastic. I have always been nervous about travelling alone since I have been disabled. This is because as much as I don't like to think it and don't feel it, I am vulnerable. Many more things … Continue reading Travelling to Nottingham in a Wheelchair

British Long Distance Swimming Association Championships, Colwick Park

by Sophie, posted in Adaptive Swimming, challenge, Disability Swimming, Disabled, Events, Life in a wheelchair, Living with a Disability, open water, Open Water Swimming, outdoor swimmer, Outdoor Swimming, Races

  The British Long Distance Swimming Association put on several events each year, but I have never attended one before as they’re expensive. However, I wanted to end my open water season on a high so decided to take part in the event at Colwick Park in Nottingham. For this event I would be entirely … Continue reading British Long Distance Swimming Association Championships, Colwick Park