Swimrun

SWIMRUN – TRIP INTRODUCTION

The Big Blue Swim in collaboration with Jack Maitland and The Sports Ashram is delighted to offer a bespoke Swimrun training camp taking place at end of May on the Greek Ionian islands of Lefkada and Meganisi.

The week’s program will run from Sunday to Sunday and has been designed specifically for anyone planning to do a Swimrun race in the future, whether it is your first attempt or you already have some race experience. It is also a fantastic opportunity to have an active holiday for the swimming and running enthusiasts out there, with expert coaching advice on both.

Set on the tranquil islands of Lefkada and Meganissi, a notable haven for trail running, amongst the rugged green landscapes, olive groves and of course the big blue Ionian waters of the inland sea. Swimming will be supported by our traditional wooden sailing boat Mowgli and athletes will stay at Ilios Club Hotel where coaching advice seminars and yoga sessions are also delivered.

The week will culminate with a sprint distance Swimrun race where you can test out your newly found skills and fitness while having a great time. There will also be a comprehensive programme of yoga sessions designed to compliment both swimming and running. You can attend the week as an individual or participate with your racing/training partner.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE HOLIDAY

The trip starts on your arrival at Ilios Club Hotel. On your arrival day you will be welcomed, shown into your rooms and in the evening have a chance to meet your fellow swimrunners and be briefed on the week’s itinerary and safety aspects over relaxing complimentary drinks.

You will also be given a Swimrun Lefkada-themed Big Blue T-shirt, a water bottle and a swimming hat. Participants in this camp will also be eligible for a discount on a Yonda swimrun wetsuit.

On the first day of the trip our guides/coaches will video your swimming technique for an analysis session. We then view this with you and offer advice on achieving a more efficient, injury-free stroke; individual advice can also be given during the week. Buffet style breakfast is offered every morning at the hotel and we will then travel in our traditional wooden boat Mowgli and support rib to the swimrun locations; see daily itinerary for precise info. You will be looked after both in and out of the water by experienced guides who will offer guidance and assistance.

SUMMARY

• On Arrival: Complimentary drink, T-shirt, Water bottle, Swimming hat
• 1st Day: Individual underwater video, Individual stroke analysis
• 7 nights’ Hotel accommodation
• Breakfast
• 2 motorised boats (One main and 1 auxiliary)
• Qualified swimrun guides/coaching
• Cool drinks during sessions
• Hot drinks after sessions
• Variety of snacks at the end of each session

Accommodation

Swimmers stay at Ilios Club Hotel situated in the exclusive area of Yeni, Lefkada, a very green and tranquil wooded waterside location.

The individual rooms and apartments of the hotel are spacious with kitchen facilities and are situated amongst matured olive groves and well maintained gardens offering shade and a relaxed Greek atmosphere.

The hotel offers a buffet-style breakfast, has wi-fi in the communal areas, a swimming pool and a poolside bar where swimmers can unwind and indulge in a drink after a hard day’s swim. Ilios Club Hotel has a terraced restaurant with views across the water where Big Blue swimmers can have the day’s specialities at special discounted prices and a traditional ‘Greek night’ is also on offer once a week.

Along the green coastline of Yeni are also a number of small traditional family-owned tavernas, dotted along the edge of the water, offering you the chance to sample the local fresh fish and other mouth-watering delights, while watching the sun set behind the hills.

Mowgli

Mowgli, The Big Blue’s main boat, has been purchased recently and has undergone considerable restoration at the local boatyard in Lefkada by a master craftsman. She is a beautiful 15 metre long motorsailer, constructed in mahogany throughout with a teak deck, by the famous Picchioti shipyards who are in operation still today constructing wonderful boats. Originally commissioned in La Spezia, in Italy in1963 she has in the past sailed the world over and has even reached as far afield as Hong Kong! She was designed by the Italian boat designer F.A. Boretti who must have been in love with unusual traditional shapes as there are only 2 boats of this unique design worldwide; one of the deciding factors in her purchase!

Although there is still quite a bit of cosmetic work to be done, everything on her works well, complying with all the latest and stringent maritime safety laws and offering speeds up to 13 Knots with her brand new 320HP diesel engine, ideal for cruising around the Greek seas. From the comfort of her ample teak deck and the huge bean bags especially purchased for lounging on, swimmers indulge under the welcoming Greek sun and peruse the diverse coastline of the Ionian Sea, in the gentle and unassuming luxury of Mowgli.

Apart from the ample sunbathing space at the front of the boat there is also ample shaded area at the rear of Mowgli where swimmers can have a break from the sun.

The pilothouse in the middle section is big enough for people not only to escape from the sun but also have an indoors rest with plenty of comfortable seating. We normally use this area as the ‘dry room’ where swimmers deposit their bags and change into dry clothes ready for the lunch stops; towards the back of the boat and down a few steps there are 2 comfortable beds for people to have a proper rest and this is where the toilet is located with a shower facility.

There is also sunbathing space at the top but only for a small number of people offering 360o panoramic views of the islands and interesting landmarks we cruise by; a small luxurious experience not to be missed by anyone!