Introduction To Swimrun

Join as for a fun session to learn all the skills you need for your first Swimrun!

If you are not sure that swimrun is for you or you are worried about trying it for the first time, come along to our Introduction To Swimrun and give it a go in a safe, fun and non-competitive environment. Even if you just have some questions about swimrun gear or want to meet some other like minded folk to train with, this is a session for you. We've designed this Introduction To Swimrun course to give you the confidence you need to swimrun safely, whether it is just for fun and fitness or for your first event. We'll talk you though the equipment you need for swimrun and how it can be customised, we'll have a go using the kit to practice transitions, try out using hand paddles and pull buoys for swimming whilst wearing your trainers, practice sighting techniques and swimming in a straight line, give you tips on your open water swimming technique, talk about swimrunning solo or in a team and the race strategy/mentality you need for each of those.

Llyn Padarn, in Llanberis, is the ideal venue for an Introduction To Swimrun, providing clean, clear and sheltered water in a beautiful location. Llyn Padarn is the venue for our Love SwimRun Llanberis event and we'll take you on some of the best sections of the route, as well as some secret extra bits!

The Introduction To Swimrun course is suitable for:
Beginners to swimrun who are already comfortable with open water swimming and trail running but are not sure how to begin with swimrunning, as well as those swimrunners who want to build their confidence and refresh their skills. Participants must be age 18+ to attend this course. Participants age 16+ may take part if accompanied by another participant aged 18+.

Location: Llyn Padarn, Y Glyn, Llanberis, LL55 4EL

Price: £55 per person (Limited to a maximum of 8 people)

Includes: 3 hour course with a land based session covering Swimrun wetsuits and gear, training safely in open water, use of hand paddles, pull buoys and tow systems, running in your wetsuit, shoes for Swimrun, transition training and race strategy, swimrunning as a solo or in a team, race hydration and nutrition.

During the session we will complete a short SwimRun course of about 5km with approx 3km of running and 1.5km of swimming over a few short legs. We will stick together as a group so there will be no competitive element to it. We’ll move at a comfortable pace for the whole groupand all look out for each other. The swims will be un-supported. We will mostly be swimming along the shore line, with just one crossing of the lake (approx 400m). You MUST bring a swimming tow float with you.

The idea is practice swimrun skills and to get used to running in a wetsuit and swimming in trainers, try out any other gear you want to use such as paddles and tow floats and practice transitioning from water to land and vice versa! Most of all, just to have some fun! We have a couple of swimrun wetsuits for you to look at and some paddles, pull buoys and tow systems you can try if you like.

The Introduction To Swimrun course will give you the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to continue your swimrunning adventures!

Ability level: Not for open water swimming beginners. To ensure that you get the most out of this course and to add to your enjoyment of it, please make sure that you can swim continuously for 500m in a open water and are happy to run off road on uneven hilly terrain. Fitness requirements are intended to give you an idea of what will be necessary on the day, they are not intended as a reason to exclude, please contact us if you are unsure.

Kitlist: You’ll need to bring the following equipment:

• Wetsuit, does not need to be swimrun specific for the session
• Swimming tow float - these are highly recommended for all participants for safety during the session and when you swim again in the future - use a quality float such as these by Puffin Swim
• Swimming trunks/costume or sports underwear to wear under your wetsuit
• Goggles & bright swim hat (you'll be given a Love SwimRun swim cap to keep if you would like one, but you may need more than one if it is cold)
• Thermal layer/rash vest, neoprene hat, gloves and socks if you think you’ll get cold
• Off road trainers with good grip and synthetic tight fitting socks (long or short are fine)
• Towel
• Warm clothes and hat for after the session
• Waterproofs if it's rainy - we will be outside
• High energy snacks (eating well helps you to keep warm)
• Flask of hot sugary drink - cake, hot food and drinks will also be available from Snowdonia Watersports Cafe!

Further Information: Further information on kit, the schedule and logistics on the day will be available once you have entered.