From Heartbreak to Headwinds

Before getting into the next level of training, it’s only right to talk about one of the biggest things that’s helped me along the way: fitness. It’s been about far more than just keeping physically active — it’s been about finding structure, building confidence, and most importantly, tapping into that mental side that keeps you going when things get tough. Whether it was through running, yoga, or the challenges along the way, fitness became a way of resetting my mind, pushing through the harder moments, and reminding myself what I’m capable of.

It really kicked off with running. I’d always liked running, but I started pushing for longer distances, sometimes the only goal was just to get out and run until the head cleared. Then I discovered trail running — and it completely changed things. Maverick Trail Running events introduced me to a whole new way of running: off-road, in nature, usually muddy and often hilly. I loved it. It was never about chasing a time, it was about getting out there and enjoying the adventure.

I even ended up signing up for their Borneo Jungle Ultra, running through rainforests, river crossings, crazy humidity — the kind of running adventure I never thought I’d be doing. For years I’d always been a solo runner, head down, headphones in, but trail running changed that too. I made a brilliant group of friends through these events, people who just ‘got it’. We started linking up for events, travelling to races, and checking in on each other. Some proper new friendships I know will still be there when I get back from the race.

At the same time, I fell into something I never saw coming: hot yoga. A new Hotpod Yoga studio opened up just as I moved back to Reading, I went to the very first class on opening day — and was hooked from day one. I loved the heat, the challenge, learning something completely new, and how it made my head feel clearer and body stronger.

Through that, I got to know Suzie, the amazing owner, and Dimitra, who became my favourite teacher — she’d always throw in just the right balance of calm, encouragement, and challenge. I slowly worked my way up to dynamic flow classes, absolutely roasting in the pod but walking out feeling like I could take on anything. Then there was Manish, famous for his “hold it a little longer… a little longer… and now we add the bind” routines, where your legs are shaking, sweat’s pouring, and somehow you’re smiling. Easily my favourite type of yoga — tough but fun.

There were weeks when I’d do three or four classes, especially during those tougher stretches. I didn’t realise it at the time, but those sessions became key pillars of my routine, helping me feel good and get stronger, both physically and mentally. Without knowing it, Suzie, Dimitra, and the Hotpod community gave me a space to reset when I really needed it.

It’s funny — I thought I was just finding ways to stay active, but it turned out I was rebuilding myself without even realising it. Whether it was the quiet rhythm of trail runs, the adventure of Maverick events, or the focus and challenge of hot yoga, these became cornerstones that helped me through tougher times.

A big part of that was the people. Suzie, the owner of Hotpod Yoga, was always brilliant — we’d have great chats and plenty of laughs, talking about how we both ended up there, sharing stories of rebuilding and moving forward. Dimitra, my favourite teacher, always had time for a chat after class, and I’d leave feeling recharged and a little stronger. Without them even knowing it, that combination of movement, community, and support helped get me back on track.

It’s also become one of my biggest strengths heading into the Clipper Race. All that yoga, flexibility, and core strength means when the tough moments hit — whether it’s fatigue, bad weather, or long night watches — I know I’ll have that extra reserve to dig into, both physically and mentally. Fitness hasn’t just been something to get through the hard times — it’s become a tool I’ll carry with me across the oceans. And while I’ll definitely miss the Hotpod community and the Maverick crew (alongside family and friends of course!), I know those sessions have already given me more than I could’ve expected.