This is the story of Anne Bardon. She thought she was to old to get into a new sport at the age of 50. Today she knows how wrong she was!
How did you find swimrun?
By chance! I was following the famous French coach Lucile Woodward through her sports programs online. She talked about swimrun and it came to my ears. She offered a swimrun camp together with Envol Swimrun, I thought that it would be a good idea for challenging myself. I was running (slowly and shorts distances), and I used to swim (only breastsrtoke) when I was young. No time to think between the offer and the subscription, and I was definitively a member of the camp!
In Croatia, I was part of a super group and the coaches were really kind with everybody, including us beginners.
I don’t know if it was thanks to the group, the coachs, the place, the sport itself but I fell in love with it.
The great atmosphere on the boat really helped to enjoy swimrun!
Did you have any previous knowledge about the sport?
Nothing, except that you have to run with your wetsuit and to swim with your shoes. I learnt everything during the swimrun camp in Croatia!
What was the first experience like?
Scary in the beginning ! First doing swimrun in Croatia was really a chance, the places were beautiful, the atmosphere was great. I was really scared because of my beginner level in both sports (but above all in crawl) but I found reassurance, no judgment and a place for all levels. I’ve found a very kind partner and it really helped. Sharing moments with all the participants is also a part of this sport that is really interesting. The Croatian group was AWESOME !
In Croatia with Lucile Woodward and Nicolas Remires.
I discovered that enter the water without thinking is the perfect solution for me to refresh… as I always feel hot when I run!
The champion team was so professional and attentive. I learned a lot in a short time. They knew how to push back our limits safely ! One of my memories is when during a running class lead by Nico I heard Lucile saying “Look Nico, Anne is running”.
Did you see yourself racing swimrun at this point?
Not at all. The experience was Waouh… I knew that I’ve found something with this sport but I really didn’t imagine that I could participate in a race due to my beginner level and my 50 years old! It was totally out of my mind.
What was your first race like?
Good choice, my first race was Valras Swimrun, where Nicolas Remires organised a 7km race for beginners. Thanks to that I was not so afraid. It was slightly different when he “suggested” the 14km race. What an idea!!! To accept the challenge, I needed to be well prepared. I needed help for that. I found it with Sabina Rapelli (yes the 2024 World champion). She trained and encouraged me during the period before the race. I raced with my Croatian partner and Nicolas, Lucile and Sabina were there so I didn’t feel alone. I was in a safe place.
With Coach Sabina Rapelli in Valras-Plage.
Part of the Croatian team was there, we had a good time all together. So I was really happy to be there, to support the Envol event and to try to cross the finish line of these 14km. So happy at the end to finish but above all to have enjoyed the moment despite my achilles tendonitis which prevented me from being at my best speed. I was really well prepared!
How is your swimrun life continuing?
3 runs and 2 swims/week at least. I kept my trainings with Sabina, just to improve (or not to regress) and to be ready if, as it was the case 3 weeks ago, a friend asks me to race with her. My first time without any coach around …
Do you have a goal for next year?
Be well prepared for my next races, for sure Valras, Cergy and maybe another one. And maybe if I feel well I will start thinking of a longer distance, but it will be the cherry on the cake. The first aim is pleasure in the sport. Let’s find an adventure in a nice place in the south of France with friends. The Utö experience with the Envol Swimrun was unforgettable also, even if I missed the party at the club! I really want to go back to Sweden.
I am still looking for a place to swim in open water next to my home.
How come you keep doing swimrun? What is it that you enjoy most about the sport?
When I do swimrun I feel… alive. It is a real pleasure to enjoy the nature around. Alternate swimming and running is perfect for me, my body an I really like it. The idea to have a partner and to share with somebody is also another good point, and for sure.
50 years old is time for me to accept to do what I want even if I am a beginner. With this sport I found it possible.
What about the beautiful places I haven’t explored yet! Doing swimrun is also a way to discover new beautiful places, to be part of the nature and to have moments that are only for me.
Do you think there is a point for real beginners to join Team Envol?
Yes for true. When you begin, i think that you really need to be well accompanied by those who really know the sport and this is the case of the Blue nation. The good spirit of the team will for sure fits not only to beginners who want to challenge themselves but also with those who just want to live a sport adventure without aiming for a PR. There is a place for everyone without any judgment.
Good spirit, good advice, good trainings, really good experts, added to pleasure and adventure. All that a beginner is looking for to start a new sport is available by joining Team Envol.
