How I Overcame My Fear of the Sea to Cross the Swimrun Finish Line in Dorset

As someone who has always worked in fitness, I love having events in the diary. And last year, while down at the beach with my kids, I watched the Studland Swimrun. I was mesmerised. It looked tough, joyful, and just a little bit wild. I thought: I’d love to do that.

The only problem? At that point I could barely string together two strokes of front crawl.

Swimrun is a multi-sport event where you alternate between running and swimming multiple times without changing clothes.

Unlike triathlon, there are no transition zones (T1 and T2). You carry your gear like pull buoys and hand paddles with you the whole way and wear shoes for both swimming and running.

I decided to take the plunge (literally), so instead of just hoping I’d “pick it up,” I committed to learning front crawl properly. I started lessons with a friend - Lou, a swim coach - and week after week I practised after putting my kids to bed.

It was humbling at first; as an adult, learning something totally new doesn’t come as easily as it does for children. But little by little, the technique clicked. And the first time I swam a length of front crawl without stopping, I felt amazing. I realised I wasn’t just learning to swim, I was building a skill I’ll carry for the rest of my life. 

Alongside my swim training, I really threw myself into the running and transitions, because it's about feeling comfortable with both disciplines.

I’d lace up and head out for a 10k run down to the sea, legs ticking over while I thought about the water waiting for me. I'd reach the shoreline, wade in, dive forward, and swim about 1k out-and-back, staying focused on my breathing and new found front crawl technique.

Then, dripping wet, I’d scramble back onto the sand and set off for the run home. The shift from water to land was awkward at first - heavy arms and squelching shoes but the legs soon found a rhythm again.

Dorset, with its rugged coastline, rolling hills, and hidden coves, was the perfect playground for this. Every session felt like a little adventure rather than training, and little by little it gave me the confidence that I could actually line up for a Swimrun and hold my own.

I knew this event would be even more fun shared, so I invited four friends Sarah Kelly, Sophie Hellyer, Jana Virian, and Lizzie Croxford.

Some were women I’d met through fitness, others I’d connected with on social media. They all lived in Cornwall and came to stay with me the night before the race. We spent that evening chatting, sharing training stories, fuelling up, and laughing over glasses of wine. It felt like the perfect pre-race ritual.

And in the morning, my kids waved us off at the start line, which made it even more special.

Swimrun races come in a wide range of distances, making the sport accessible to beginners as well as experienced athletes. Short or “sprint” Swimruns are often around 5–10km in total, with several short swims and runs strung together.

Middle-distance events are roughly 15–25km, combining longer trail runs with multiple open-water swims. 

Then the long-distance and even “ultra” Swimruns that can stretch well beyond 40km. These usually feature a mix of technical trail running, cold-water swims, and challenging transitions. 

The Studland Swimrun (middle distance) was everything I hoped it would be - tough, exhilarating, and full of community spirit.

There were moments of comedy too. In the first swim leg, I lost my pull buoy more than once because it wasn’t strapped tightly enough. I dropped a hand paddle while trying to juggle getting the float between my legs. But that’s part of the charm of Swimrun, transitions and kit management are just as much of the race as the running and swimming.

I came 15th out of 56 women. Not bad for someone who a year earlier could barely swim front crawl! And the best part was that all of us crossed the line, smiling, tired, and proud. My husband and kids were waiting at the finish, and it felt like the perfect way to round off the experience.

I’m proud to be a Zone3 ambassador, and I honestly couldn’t have been more grateful for the kit I was wearing on race day.

The Versa Swimrun Wetsuit – I was amazed at how comfortable this suit was. No chafing, no restriction, and honestly it felt better to run in than my usual leggings and T-shirt. It didn’t feel like “running in a wetsuit” at all, more like a second skin that moved with me.

The Venator-X Goggles were secure, gave crystal-clear vision, and were comfortable to wear for long stretches of swimming. They didn't fog up either, which made sighting so much easier. When you’re pushing your body and juggling kit in and out of the water, comfort and reliability matter. These made a huge difference.

• Transitions are everything. Practise them as much as you practise the swim and run. Securing your buoy and paddles properly will save you a lot of stress (and minutes!).
  
  
• Don’t fear being last. I came 15th out of 56 women, but even if I’d come dead last, the sense of achievement would’ve been just as powerful. Swimrun is about adventure as much as competition.
  
  
• Kit matters. Invest in a wetsuit and goggles that are designed for Swimrun. It makes the whole experience far more enjoyable.
  
  
• Do it with friends. Sharing the journey - training, laughter, nerves, and finish-line hugs - made it unforgettable.
  
  

• Have courage to start. I couldn’t swim front crawl a year before this race. You can learn, improve, and surprise yourself too.

Crossing the finish line at Studland Swimrun felt like more than just completing an event. It was proof that fears can be overcome, skills can be learnt at any age, and the sea that once terrified me could become a place of joy and empowerment.

I’d happily sign up for another tomorrow - I think I’ve officially caught the bug. To anyone sitting on the fence: go for it. With the right mindset, the right kit, and maybe a few friends to laugh with along the way, Swimrun might just be the best adventure you’ll ever have!