The Big Sea Swim – Interview with Jenny Horridge

The Big Sea Swim takes place this Saturday 12 July in Eastbourne from the lifeguard beach for the third time. The swim is categorised into two distances; 1k and 3k and fundraising supports the MCS to continue their work protecting the fabulous seas, shores and wildlife around the UK and beyond. Registration closes at 5pm on Wednesday 9 July so there is still time to participate! It costs £25 for the 1km and £30 for the 3km swim and the organisers hope that swimmers will fundraise as much as possible to help our beach and coast. Top fundraisers will receive prizes too!

We spoke to a member of our team who is taking part in the race; Jenny Horridge about the event and here’s what she said…

What attracted you to take part in the Big Sea Swim?

I have been swimming seriously for the last two years and realised I had never entered a race before. This event came up and I thought the 1k would be a great distance for my first sea swim. So I thought I’d give it a go and raise some money at the same time.

How have you trained for this?

I train once a week at David Lloyd leisure centre with the Masters swimming club as well as swimming an extra two sessions a week on my own. As this is a sea event I have also been swimming in the sea once a week for the last month. Coincidently I swim the same route as the Big Sea Swim so hopefully I will be prepared.

How cold has the water been?

The water has been bearable and it is definitely warmer than a month ago. It’s still quite cold when you get in but it’s lovely after a few minutes and we are very lucky to have such a lovely coast.

With the proceeds going towards keeping the beach and water clean, is there anything you would like to see improved on our seafront?

We’ve got a lovely seafront so this is a great way to keep it that way. I often hear visitors talking about how clean our beaches are so this is a fantastic way to keep doing so. I am very confident swimming off Eastbourne beaches and it is always great to see so many others taking the plunge every year.

Providing it goes well, do you think you will take part in next year’s event?

Yes I definitely hope I will take part again. It’s a great event and as it’s local for me I will make sure it is an annual thing. Who knows, I might do the 3k next year if all goes well!

With the sea on our doorstep, do you enjoy swimming in the sea regularly?

I have always gone in the sea but I only started proper sea swimming about a year ago when I was persuaded by friends at the Masters club. Although it is harder than swimming in a pool, I really enjoyed it and it is gone from there really. I absolutely love it now and hope to keep it up!

What are your feelings about the event this Saturday?

I’m very excited to take part but also slightly nervous as it is my first one. I think the hardest bit will be entering the water and going round the buoys. Once I’ve got going I think I’ll be fine and thrilled to finish.

Thanks Jenny for telling us about the event and how you are preparing for it, we wish you the best of luck and of course good luck to all the other swimmers keeping our coast clean and safe!!!

For more information on the Big Sea Swim please go to www.visiteastbourne.com

Events to get fit for in Eastbourne!

So January came and after being on the healthy side of Christmas, it was easy to go to the gym and ditch takeaways for salads. Then came February and the chance of falling off the wagon just got higher. We’ve put a few ideas together to work towards your fitness goal whilst enjoying Eastbourne. There are so many sporting events to get involved with and what great motivation to keep training!

• Eastbourne has another great year ahead planned for sports starting with the Eastbourne Half Marathon 2014, taking place on Sunday 2 March. The half marathon starts at Princes Park, taking runners down the length of the seafront, through Meads and the Sovereign Harbour. The aim is to raise as much money as possible for local charities. Over the last 9 years, the half marathon has raised over £110,000 for charities. What great motivation to take part! Time is of the essence though as it is just weeks away!

• Join in with the Eastbourne sports festival 17-18 May. The event allows a variety of sports taster sessions delivered across two days by local sports clubs and organisations using the four council’s sports centres; Sports Park, Hampden Park SC, Cavendish SC and Shinewater SC. The festival is for the whole family to enjoy, each participant pays just £1 per activity and it all goes to NSPCC. You can expect anything from scuba diving to golf and from kickboxing to football.

• If Cycling is your thing then there is plenty of time to train for the Eastbourne Cycling Festival on 1 June. Last year, there were 7 main events throughout the day, including the Eastbourne 5K, Eastbourne Dualthlon, Eastbourne Sportive and Eastbourne Road Racing along with Kid’s events and retail exhibitions. This year is set to be even better. So it’s time to get back on those wheels, raise some money for charity and enjoy a day surrounded by Eastbourne fantastic scenery.

• The Tour Of Sussex Cycle race is back after a successful year in 2013. The race on 4 – 6 July starts is set in three stages incorporating various climbs and sprints form Lewes to Eastbourne. This is a great event and worth training for!

• Having over 3 miles of un-spoilt beaches means that when it comes to swimming events in Eastbourne, the sea is the destination! Try the Eastbourne sprint triathlon and aquathlon on 12 July.

• If it urban sports you are in to then Eastbourne Extreme is for you. The weekend event takes place on 12 and 13 July at the Eastern end of the seafront. Visitors can expect to see and take part in water sports, skating, bmxing, roller derby and so much more!

• If you’re thinking long term and want a real challenge, then the Beachy Head Marathon or 10k is for you. Taking place on 25 October, the Beachy Head Marathon is a scenic gem and has been described by subscribers to Runners World as one of the most iconic events in the country. It covers 300 steps and 14 gates, passing through Jevington, Alfriston, Litlington, Friston Forest, The Cuckmere Valley and Seven Sisters, including Birling Gap and Beachy Head. 

Other events to work towards include Race for Life in the summer and The Santa Fun Run at Christmas.

Eastbourne is also the perfect place to get fit outdoors with over 3 miles of un spoilt seafront, and the South Downs National Park on the doorstep.

For more information on any of these events, go to www.visiteastbourne.com