Orla O'Muiri

Interview with Lucy Adams – UK’s number one female skateboarder

1.How did you first get into the sport?

I was 13 and I used to swim for the local swimming club and there was a new skatepark being built just behind the pool. I had previously used roller boots on the old ramps near me but this time I saw some skateboarders riding the park. I thought it looked so cool and so I asked my dad if I could have a board to try to learn. Luckily I seemed to have quite a bit of balance but also I was encouraged by that fact that there were so many others that were new to the sport at the time! We all used to meet up early on Saturday mornings and skate all day until we were tired out, then used to do it all again on Sunday!

2.Where did you skate as a kid?

My local haunts were Crawley and Horsham Skateparks with a few multi-storey car parks thrown in during wet weather. There also used to be quite a crew of us that skated around the local town centre at a spot called the Fountain! We used to annoy pedestrians / shoppers.

3. You have been skating for 15 years, how many years to go?

As many as my body can take. I actually feel like I’m still learning new tricks every time I go out and skate and although sometimes I don’t have as much confidence as I used to, I think my skating has got stronger recently.

4.How much competition do you have in the UK to hold onto the ultimate title of UKs Number one female skateboarder?

There’s a good few girls that are coming up plus those that have been ripping for the last few years! It could be anyone’s really as skateboarding is so spontaneous.

5. Who are the big names you are up against on a world scale?

I’m not really anywhere near to any of those girls that compete in X-Games or Maloof Money Cup etc. The ones to watch out for there are Alexis Sablone – she kills it and in my opinion is the most exciting girl skater out there. Then there is also Lacey Baker, Leticia Bufoni and Vanessa Torres.

6.Do you have a signature trick?

I feel like I’m known for doing Fakie Flips. I find them pretty easy and always use them as a trick to test the ramp or whatever. If there’s a specific ramp such as a jump box, then I’ll always try a Sal Flip – I like the hangtime!

7.What female skateboarding competitions are on offer in Britain?

The UK Champs is annual and has been going since 2009. We’ve had something called the Ladies Skateboard Series happen in 2012 and 2011 but unfortunately it didn’t happen last year. I think it was a combination of organisers not having much time to spare (as they do it voluntarily) plus sponsors cutting back on ££ and product to donate as prizes. The other noticeable event and my personal fave is the Girl Skate Jam UK. This is now in it’s 11^th year I think and runs at St Albans park, organised by Jenna Selby, Rogue Skateboards Founder.

8.Proudest achievement in the sport?

I think it has to be having sections in both ‘As If, And What?’ the first European girls Skateboard Film and also a part in the Lovenskate Film. It’s great to be able to have something on video that I can look back on in years to come!

9.Why do you coach others?

I really enjoy seeing the progression in others. I seem to have a some skill breaking things up and passing them on in bite sized chunks. I also like to work with those that want to learn!

10. What is the furthest distance you’ve travelled via board?

Haha, good question but no idea how far I’ve actually rode on the four wheels. In terms of how far I’ve travelled specifically for skateboarding, then It would be Australia, to compete in the World Cup in 2003.

11.What are the worst Injuries you’ve picked up over your career in the sport?

I’ve broken both wrists and also broken my arm in three places. I feel quite lucky that I’ve never broken anything in my lower body as I feel that would knock the confidence more and recovery time would probably be longer. My wrist did have to have pins in though and I had physio for months to get full range of movement back.

12. How many boards do you have and what are they?

I only ever have one set up at a time. I change boards every couple of months or so as they get delaminated or generally become quite worn. Trucks, wheels and bearings last a bit longer depending on the hours I’ve been putting in! I ride a 7.8 Lovenskate deck, 54mm Bones Wheels, Thunder Trucks, and Bones Bearings.

13. What are the advantages of been the only girl on the team?

I’m not sure it makes any difference! Its quite a cliché but we’re quite a family at Lovenskate and we do try and meet to skate every couple of months or so. We all keep in touch via phone or email regularly!

14.How often do you get out on your board?

I do try and get out every lunch time for at least 45 mins. I’m lucky that I work literally opposite a small concrete skatepark! Once the weather is better and the nights are longer, I try and stop off on my way home from work at a local park plus I’ll usually go on a little road trip on a Saturday to skate all day. Then on Sundays in the summer I’ll have coaching work lined up!

15.Wheres are the best places to skate in the UK?

In my opinion, the new skateparks near me, Guildford, Woodingdean, Petersfield are pretty damn perfect! It’s also good to travel up to Manchester (where I used to go to Uni) and skate the parks or street up there. There’s also a local street spot near Gatwick Airport that I like to go to for a chilled out session away from skateparks.

17. Do you ever self film yourself out on your board with something like a gopro?

Yep, I was lent a Drift Innovation Camera by DC which is very similar to a Go Pro. I use it quite a bit on my lunch break propped up by the wall or something. It’s good to be able to get the odd trick on film when I’m not with anyone else who can film.

18.Whats coming up for you this year?

I’ve got quite a few coaching related bits going on this summer. We managed to get some funding to run another female skateboard course in Brighton so I’m looking forward to that. I’m also going to head over to Malmo for Girls Get Set Go contest again. Malmo is great and they look after the skaters really well – I can’t wait to go back. Then there’s the Girl Skate Jam UK in June which I’ll be heading to. Loads going on this year.

19.Best website to buy a board on for someone living in the UK?

I would say to try going to a local skate store if you can. It’s always best to speak to people and have a look at board shapes and graphics. Most of those local shops will also do mail order so just have a look around. Boardridersguide.com is good plus Altar Skate store is online and has a good choice of products at good prices.

20. Have you tried Longboarding?

I’ve been on one but I’m fine on my skateboard – haha.

21.Does skateboarding really help with your snowboarding and surfing?

Yeah I think it definitely has. I love skateboarding so much more than the other two but it’s nice to get on a different board from time to time! Plus, I think skateboarding can hurt more as you fall on concrete so it’s given me more confidence when I’m on the snow or in the water.

Follow Lucy via her website or Twitter @LucyAdamsSkate

Interview with Adventurer Katie Spotz – the youngest person to row solo across the Atlantic

1.If you couldn’t raise money for charities when doing these expeditions, would you continue to do them? Basically do you do it for the love of the adventure or is the whole point of it to raise money?

Adventure and supporting water charities are both deep passions of mine and I learned that there was a way to combine both passions. Some of my smaller-scale events have been purely for the love of adventure while I have also launched several campaigns purely to support charities without the adventure component.

2.You were the youngest person to row solo across the Atlantic. What made you come up with that idea and commit to it?

The idea found me when I least expected. I was on a bus in Australia and the person sitting next to me mentioned that his friend had rowed across the Atlantic Ocean. I was so intrigued by the raw and elemental nature of the challenge being so far removed from the known. I had no rowing or boating experience but after completing other endurance challenges is gave me the courage to pursue it.

3.How much experience did you have rowing before you did it?

After learning about ocean rowing I joined my college rowing team for about a year and then spent lots of time training on my boat on Lake Erie. I also spent some time in California training on the Pacific Ocean.

4. Things got tough during the 2,817 mile journey; the cable that allowed you to steer with your foot broke and your GPS tracker caught fire. How did you keep yourself going when things got tough?

I had to taking things one step at a time. If I thought too far in the future I would get overwhelmed but even the biggest challenges in life can be faced one day or one moment at a time.

5.How did your parents deal with it all when you told them you were going off exploring?

It was tough. They were as supportive as they could be but inevitably would prefer me to be safe at home. They understand that it’s in my nature to explore and have accepted that from time to time I venture off. It means a lot to me to have them part of the adventures. They’ve been there to cheer me on whether it be sending me off on my cycle across America or meeting me in South America to celebrate the Atlantic crossing.

6.How did you keep your energy levels up throughout the row?

The sleep deprivation was brutal. I would not be able to sleep more than a couple of hours because of the crashing waves against my boat. Music was one tool I used to pump up my energy as well as consuming a diet that matched the amount of energy I exerted.

7.At 19, you embarked on a cross-country cycle. Where is your fear?!

Whenever you do something that challenges you, there is always the risk that you won’t succeed. What has really helped me in finding the courage to embark on these journeys is not being afraid to fail. The only real failure is failing to try.

8.How long did it take you to plan the expedition?

My first cross-country expedition was with a charity called the American Lung Association. Most of the logistics were handled by the event organizers so it took me a few months to pull together the fundraising and training.
9.How many miles did you travel?

3,300 miles or about 85 miles per day.

10.Have you ever encountered any problems as a solo female traveller?

Sometimes there can be unwanted attention directed towards solo female travelers. However the majority of the time people are generally willing to help and are just curious about my travels.

11.You are the only person in history to swim the entire length of the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania. Where do you come up with your ideas for these challenges?

After embarking on a cycling and running adventure I knew I wanted to try a long-distance swim. The Allegheny River one of the closest major rivers from my home in Ohio. I heard about Martin Strel who swam many of the worlds longest rivers including the Amazon and wanted to see what river swimming was all about!

12.So you are a swimmer, rower and cyclist. What else can you do?!
Origami and puzzles.

13.Professional adventurer Is this what you had in mind for a career growing up?

My dream job as a kid was to be a bicycle messenger so it’s close enough.
14.What is next for you?
My focus has shifted from adventure to charity work. I am in the process of founding a nonprofit organization called Schools for Water to motivate and inspire schools in the states to help schools all around the world gain access to safe drinking water. Last year we raised more than $100,000 for water projects and to celebrate we broke a world record for the most people carrying water jugs on their heads. I would love to continue to find fun and exciting ways to get people involved in the cause.

Follow Katies journey via her website or Twitter page: @KatieSpotz

Interview with Polar Explorer Ann Daniels

Credit: Martin Hartley

1.You are one of the first women in history to ski to the North and South Poles as part of all women teams. Is been ‘the first women’ to do something a main part in the decision making process when you are contemplating an expedition. Or are there other reasons?

It would be wrong to say that being the first isn’t important at all. As any sports person knows, to challenge yourself to do something that hasn’t been achieved before is a fantastic motivator but it’s also about the journey in these remote and treacherous but beautiful places. To be able to test yourself beyond limits you thought possible and beat the physical and emotional daily challenges you face on a long expedition is an experience that lives with you forever.

2.You were voted one of The Telegraph’s top 20 great British adventurers! How does it feel to be up there with the big boys?

It was a great honour and privilege to be recognised by The Telegraph in this way. Women are often overlooked when such lists are compiled and there are so many great adventurers out there that I was truly thrilled.

However, I think one of the biggest honours I have ever received was to be exhibited at the Greenwich Maritime museum alongside the true great heroes of the past – Amundsen, Shackleton and Scott. Although humbled I realise that I am but a poor shadow among these men. It was a moment of pleasure I will take to my grave.

3.You are planning to be the first woman in the world to walk to The North Geographical Pole solo. What is that drives you to keep pushing?

To be able to achieve this huge world record would be the absolute pinnacle of my Polar career. I believe we only have one life and should make the most the gifts we have been given. Mine happens to be that I have the ability to haul a large sledge through the most difficult environment in the world, while enduring unimaginable hardships. Not pretty but true. I also believe it is within us all to achieve great things in our lives. Small or large.

4.When going solo, how do you keep your mind in the right place?

Expedition life is so demanding that for the most part I have to concentrate on the task at hand, finding a path through difficult ice, crossing thin ice or open water, dealing with the cold and of course living with Polar Bears but when things do get difficult I call to mind my children, friends and colleagues and have conversations with them, sometimes out loud. At times I think about how a fellow expeditioner might tackle a certain problem and I have been known to simply chant my children’s names to keep me putting one foot in front of another when I really feel at the end of my capabilities.

5.Why did you pick polar expeditions to be your focus instead of something with a little less risk and that take place in places a little warmer?

It happened to be the opportunity that came my way, if you will, Polar travel picked me. I answered an advert in a newspaper asking for ordinary women to apply for selection to be part of the first all women’s team to walk to the North Pole. It was a relay expedition with two female guides and I was chosen to be part of the first leg of the expedition. It was on this expedition that I fell in love with the world of ice and found I had a natural affinity with my stark surroundings. At 33 years of age I finally found my place in the world.

6.How did you learn to become a team leader, and what does it take to accept responsibility of others well being?

Everyone is different and will learn to be a leader in different ways. Some people come to it naturally and others have to learn the skills either formally or through experience. There are many attributes to being a good leader but I believe that first you have to have the vision and belief of what it is you want to achieve and how you are going to make that vision a reality. If you don’t believe in your goals how can you expect anyone else to. You need drive, commitment and of course the ability and skills in your field of expertise. It’s also important to have humility. A good leader wants the whole team to achieve and not just themselves. Everyone has something worthwhile to give and it’s important therefore to recognise this, understand how each member ticks and what they can contribute to the whole. If each person performs at their best it will strengthen the team and make for a more successful outcome. You need to be able to take responsibility and make tough decisions when necessary and most importantly for me, you have to have integrity and of course a sense of humour always helps.

When you are taking responsibility for someone else’s well being you have to be utterly professional and have the experience and skills necessary to keep everyone safe. Their safety comes before anything else and it’s important that each team member understands this at the outset. I will not put lives in danger in order to reach a goal. After that, when leading expeditions it’s about their experience and not mine. It’s important that it becomes their expedition, their journey and ultimately their achievement. If I can help them to achieve their dream and am simply there to take the photo at the end, I have done my job well.

7.Has the time you spend out there away from reality changed the way you see the world, how you take in the news when you are back home?

Absolutely. When you are surviving every day and striving towards an impossible goal, whether in a team or alone, you are stripped to the person you are inside and material possessions and status are irrelevant. I have become more passionate the world we live in, the climate and the damage we people are causing for our own needs and desires. I also wonder about the relationship we have with each other and wonder why so many people are at war. The world seems such an angry place to live in right now.

8.Why do you think there is not more female polar guides?

In order to be a guide and take care of others in the polar regions, especially on sea ice you need to have experience of sea ice and the dangers continually being faced when traveling on a temperamental surface in extreme cold. Expeditions in the remote Polar regions are extremely expensive and so it’s difficult to gain that experience and knowledge.

The same could be said for the men but It’s also an extraordinary physical and tough world and there is still a certain amount of prejudice out there against women in what’s seen as a man’s world. Not from the Polar community itself, where I have always had support and friendship but from some of the outside world. Certain sponsors think men have more chance of success and I’ve even had conversations with people who disbelieve I have made the full journey from land, based purely on the fact that they don’t believe a woman, especially a mother of four children, could make the same journey as ‘their idols.’ It’s just another challenge to overcome but it does make it a very tough world for a woman to break into.

9.You have kids, are you going to let them do what you do when they are older?!

I want my children to have the courage to take their own paths in life and follow their own dreams whatever that may be, whether in the world of adventure or outside it.

Of the triplets Rachel has begun a career as a carer, Joseph wants to work in the world of events and Lucy is aiming to become an outdoor adventure instructor. Sarah who is nine wants to be a beautician who bakes cakes on the side. I’m proud of them all and their different choices.

10. Your resourcefulness and ability to adapt back to the old fashioned methods of exploration are seriously impressive; “Ann packed away the compass that did not work so close to the magnetic North Pole and used the sun, her watch and the wind to find the path north.”

Is this something you had learned and accounted for or just something you were born with?

Definitely something I learnt from a highly experienced Polar Explorer Geoff Somers, who is relatively unknown outside the Polar world but is one of the greats. While putting any expedition together I look at all the possibilities for success and failure and make sure I take the time to acquire the skills that I don’t have but will need in every eventuality. Once upon a time there was no requirement to swim to get to the North Pole but now with the disappearing ice it’s become a regular occurrence.

11.What makes you keep going when things get tough?

It’s a question I’m often asked and the truth is I don’t know the full answer. Certainly I don’t want to let people down, my team, family, friends or the sponsors that have put their money and faith in us, but I also don’t see giving in as an option. It’s a state of mind and sometimes I concentrate on just getting through the next day, hour, or even the next step but never quitting. It’s not that I’m not afraid of failure, which can often give us the experience to try again but I do have to know I’ve done everything possible on my end.

12. On your second expedition you and your team; “experienced some of the fiercest winds they had ever encountered. Antarctica is one of the windiest continents on earth, where the average wind speed is around 80 miles an hour. As the winds are katabatic, it constantly blew in their faces and it was important that every inch of skin was covered, as exposed flesh would freeze in minutes.”

Do things like that scare or excite you?

So long as I’m prepared it excites me. You’ve got to be on top of your game and make sure there are no mistakes.

Swimming in the sea on the English coast scares me because I’m not a strong swimmer and I feel out of control but the perils of the Polar regions definitely excite me.

13.Best piece of gear you own?

My multi tool, which I also carry around in my handbag at home.

14.Sorry to be crude but In temperatures that cold, how do you bare to go to the loo?

You just have to and you don’t want to pee in your clothes when you can’t change them for over 60 days. It’s the wiping with snow wedges that makes it particularly interesting.

15.What’s next for you?

I am currently looking for a sponsor to partner my aim to become the first woman to walk solo to the North Pole. One of the last great world firsts left on this wonderful planet of ours.

Follow Ann’s Adventures:

Website: www.anndaniels.com

Twitter: @AnnDanielsGB

Interview with the first women to skydive Everest; Holly Budge

1.You are like superwoman! Most people have just one or two things that they are good at, but you seem to excel at everything, how so?!

That’s very kind of you to say so!! I started life as an adventurer at an early age & have always been hugely competitive to be the best that I can be! I competed in pony club competitions throughout my childhood and I carried on to compete successfully in British Eventing and represented England on occasion. In my early twenties, I went travelling and discovered skydiving & rock-climbing. Both sports have taken me to many places around the globe. I have always had a love for the mountains. I did a season snowboarding in Steamboat, Colorado, which is one of my favourite places and more recently in Big Sky, Montana. But my latest adventures have involved mountaineering in the Himalayas. I have just climbed Buruntse (7129m) and plan to climb my first 8000m peak, Cho-Oyo this May. I absolutely love learning new skills, having new & exciting goals, & stepping out of my comfort zone whenever I can!

2. You are the first woman to skydive in front of Mount Everest…

What height did you jump from?

On October 6^th 2008, I became the first woman to Skydive Everest by successfully jumping out of a plane at 29,500ft, looking onto the summit of Mount Everest and getting a bird’s eye view of some of the most breath-taking mountain scenery before landing on the world’s highest dropzone at 12,350ft! I freefalled past the mountain in excess of 140mph, in temperatures of -40C. It was an incredible experience!

Credit: Holly Budge

3.What did you have to do different, jumping over Everest as opposed to the normal jumps you used to do every day?

Jumping over Everest was very different to any other skydive I had ever done and indeed, different to other high altitude jumps, because of the inhospitable terrain & conditions.

The first difference, besides the exit altitude of 29,500ft as opposed to the normal 12-15,000ft, was the temperature. I was jumping in -40 degrees. To help with the biting cold, I wore a full face neoprene face mask and a special insulated jump suit, so none of my skin was exposed.

The second difference was jumping with oxygen. I had never jumped with oxygen before so this felt strange! I had oxygen in the plane for the 45 mins ascent from 12,350ft and then I switched to an oxygen bottle for the freefall.

The third difference was the size of my parachute. It was three times the size of my normal chute but landed at the same speed due to the 12,350ft elevation of the landing area and the thinner air at that altitude.

The last main difference was the landing area. On three sides were 1000ft drop offs to the valley’s below. There were very few, if any, alternative places to land in this treacherous terrain, so it was imperative I made it back to the designated landing area. I almost had a “hick up” but thankfully made it back in one piece!

4.How many skydives have you completed to date?

I have over 2500 jumps, 1,200 have been with a camera strapped to some part of my body and I’ve only pulled my reserve parachute once!

Credit: Holly Budge

5.How did you get involved in such a niche sport?

I started skydiving in 1999 when I went travelling with my brother Tom. I did my first tandem jump over Lake Taupo, in New Zealand, and I was absolutely blown away by it. I thought it was awesome that people were getting paid to jump out of aeroplanes for a job and I decided that was what I wanted to do. 12 months later, with a lot of hard work and training, I became the third woman ever to work in Lake Taupo as a freefall camera flyer!

6. In 2009, you completed the world’s longest horse race.

Where do you come up with these brilliantly random challenges?

The Mongol Derby was the brainchild of a Bristol-based company called The Adventurists.

7. You rode 25 semi wild Mongolian horses…

Bareback or with a saddle?

I used a tree-less canvas saddle as the Mongolian saddles are made from wood and would have caused me huge amounts of pain!

8.How was your backside after that?!

I was pretty fortunate as I didn’t have too many sores, considering I spent up to 13 hours in the saddle for nine days straight!! It was a tough, gruelling nine days though & I lost 9 kgs during that time. But I had trained pretty hard in the months leading up to it, riding up to 6 hours a day, so I felt pretty strong & prepared for the challenge.

9.You climbed Mount Buruntse and snowboarded from the summit of Mera Peak in Nepal and are a qualified rock climbing instructor.

Do you have any free time?!

Not much!

Credit: Holly Budge

10. What is it driving you to be so accomplished across the board?

I love the outdoors and the adventures that go with it! Being an adventurer has allowed me to travel to some of the world’s remotest and most inhospitable places. I have met some hugely inspiring individuals on the way and I really love the unknown element of adventure & travelling, and pushing myself as much as I can!

I also support various charities by raising funds through my adventures and it is very rewarding to visit places and see projects in action that I have helped raise money for. This is a huge driving force for me.

11. What’s next for you?

My lifelong dream is to stand on the top of the world and climb Mount Everest, which I hope to do next year. I am currently looking for a sponsor, to help me achieve this.

I also plan to climb other mountains and fly my canopy back down from the summit!

As an adventurer, I am always on the look out for new challenges.

I enjoy sharing tales of my adventures through motivational and after-dinner speaking – emphasising how important it is to set goals in life, seize opportunities and overcome challenges.

Follow Holly’s Adventures:

Wesite: hollybudgeadventures.com

Twitter: @hollybudge

Facebook: Holly Budge

Interview with Pro Mountainbiker Sonya Looney:

1. What is the difference between a pro women mountain biker and a pro man mountain biker?

There isn’t a huge difference! The men are usually quite a bit faster, but there are a few pro women who tend to beat up on some of the pro men (not me!) There are less pro women than pro men.

2.What is it that appeals to you about the sport?

I love that you can get on a trail and ride way out into the middle of nowhere in a relatively short period of time. You can get places cars can’t go, and places it would take days to hike to! The adventure and being in the trees is my favourite thing about mountain biking. Also, with trail riding, it forces you to be present and focus on the moment because you are trying to navigate a trail. It’s harder to space out and it’s mentally relaxing. Everything else seems to fall to the wayside and I can just be on the trail. I love racing because it gives me opportunities to ride different places, meet new people, and of course – challenge myself!

3.What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I’ve been so lucky to have a lot of great moments in my career. The coolest thing I’ve done is the Yak Attack Stage Race in Nepal – a 10 day race across the Himalaya that I was the first woman to ever finish! Racing Marathon World Championships in my USA kit, winning a couple of 24 Nats titles, and winning the Breck Epic twice have been really huge for me too. I’m excited about future growth and adventure in my career. I’ve really been pushing myself the last couple years to think outside the box and try races that are considered to be the “hardest” in the world, and in exotic places!

4.How many bikes you have and what are they?

Oh wow, lots!! I have 2 road bikes, a CX bike, 2 Canyon mountain bikes, a Misfit SS(it’s new!), a beater bike for a commuter, and a Canyon 6inch trail bike. Next, I want to get a fat bike! The Surly Moonlander looks sweeeeet!

5.Which is your favourite one?

Right now? My 29er Canyon HT…I am dying to get a 4” 29er full suspension. I should have one this year!

6.What do you find is the best brand for gear?

It depends on what you want to use it for! I am really excited about my Primal sponsorship this year because they not only make great clothing that fits me (think women specific), but they are involved with a lot of events I go to and really give back to the community. I love my Hestra winter riding gloves! I’m also a fan of Maloja (I don’t own any yet, but I always admire it) and Capo for clothing.

7.Where is your primary spot to train?

In the summer, I head up to Summit County as much as I can and ride CO Trail sections around Breck. I live in Boulder, CO and most of my go-to rides are dirt road climbs are 1-2 hours in length, or trails up the mountain!

8. What are next big competitions coming up on the calendar for you?

This is going to be a big year! I’m so excited at the opportunity! I just won the first mountain bike race across Haiti called the MTB Ayiti Ascent Stage Race. I’m heading back to race the Yak Attack in Nepal for my second time in a couple weeks! After that, I’m looking at a few one day events like Whiskey 50, Breck 100, Pisgah 111K, and Leadville… which will revolve around the Transylvania Epic, 3 day Breck Epic, and one of the most exciting – Mongolia Bike Challenge at the end of my season. It’s going to be a huge year for me, it’s hard to believe it’s all going to happen!

9.Whats your diet consist of to keep on top form for the season?

I don’t change my diet all that much throughout the year. My diet consists mostly of fresh foods. I normally eat granola+berries or oatmeal for breakfast, almond butter sandwiches for lunch, and various veggie/fish/whole grain dishes for dinner that I’ll cook. Throw in some dark chocolate, beer, and Michael David wine for treats and there you have it!

10.Who is your main competition?

Myself! I try not to focus on my results on who is there. I try to focus on performing to my best ability and usually the cards fall into place.

11.You have a job as well?! How do you balance both? Is it because there’s no money in women’s mountainbiking?

It is extremely difficult to get paid to ride your bike as a female mountain biker. I work for Ergon full time doing sales and marketing which involves some weeks sitting at the computer, and some weeks travelling to various spots in the USA to do dealer visits. Additionally, I work as a freelance journalist with about 5 different magazines I contribute to. I stay very busy! It’s all about time management. I sit down at the beginning of the week and schedule everything including my training to make sure it all happens.

12.Your favourite distance to race is the 75-100mile range. Why is this?

I like covering more ground because you get to see more! Also, it doesn’t cost you the race if you make a mistake or have a mechanical. I also simply love just riding my bike, so the longer I get to ride, the better! I love the challenge. I always feel like it’s over too fast if I do a shorter event and want more.

13.How does it feel to represent your country in your sport?

It’s a great honour to wear the USA jersey! It’s something I never imagined doing, and something I will never forget.

14.How do men in the sport treat you?

They are actually really great –fun and encouraging for the most part. I love kicking their ass too. They also keep me humble. I ride with a lot of pro guys and am constantly getting dropped. Sometimes it really messes with my confidence, but on race day it’s always, “Oh, I’m not as slow as I thought I was!” That’s a good thing!

15. How did you go from it been a hobby to you turning pro?

I just sort of raced into it. I find that if you work hard and have a vision, things work out.

16.What do we need to do to grow the sport?

Our sport is actually growing rapidly. The racing scene maybe not as much. I think lower entry fees and fun, challenging courses with a festival atmosphere are key!

Follow Sonya’s Adventures:

Website: www.sonyalooney.com

Twitter: @looneysonya

Film Review: Janapar

Review published on The Outdoor Times website 11 March.

Every time you feel like crap, or overwhelmed, or lost, put this film in your DVD player and disappear into another world. Let someone else show you that there is no need for all those worries that you are carrying on your back. Go out and do that thing that’s on your bucket list for the faraway future. Do it now, and everything else will make its way to you the moment you stop searching. “I love how this life changes people.” – Tom Allen. The quote at the heart of it all.

Janapar is the story of a 23-year-old who leaves his life in England in the summer of 2007 with two friends, Andy and Mark, to pedal around the world. No guidebooks, no maps, no GPS unit or mobile phones, but instead a bike, a tent, a camera and a lot of tapes in tow. They set off. One by one, his mates fall out of the picture, and Allen is left to continue his journey alone. The opening image is a close up of Allen’s face. The face of a shattered man.

Read the rest of the review on the Outdoor Times website here.

SWIM 1000: A film by Miguel Endara

Everyone tends to focus on Dave, the protagonist of the story. But this film shows us a new angle, It is about the people that surround him, the ones who make him get up every morning and wade back into the water. The ones that make him do one more stroke, one more metre. Beautifully filmed, capturing the real essence of adventure, the joy and laughter and all the pain that runs through it. The weather, the food, the tired eyes, the charity that wills them onwards and most of all the freedom. Watch it, then write down what you want to do. Then go do it. Don’t forget this film. Learn from it. Say yes more. And don’t make it all about you. Make it about the people along the way.

WATCH THE SHORT FILM HERE.

FRESH NADAL SERVES UP THE GOODS

The fourth match point. Del Potro’s ball bounces wide. Nadal slides onto his back. His arms pierce the air. He has just won one of the biggest hard-court tournaments in tennis. He is back. Nadal, the new comeback King.

The Spaniard defeats Juan Martin del Potro in the final of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. A game that ended with a score-line of 4-6 6-3 6-4. It is the 25 year olds first hard-court tournament since his return from injury in February. The match began in Del Potro’s favour and the audience witnessed an off form Nadal for the first set, raising doubts over his knee injury and his comeback. The Argentine went up 5-4 and claimed the first set in 54 minutes. Del Potro squeezed Rafa deep into the corner but he fought back.

It took until the second game of the second set for the Spaniard to relax and then signs of the old Nadal began to emerge in all his former glory. An aggressive play began, that reeled the audience back in. A succession of big forehands saw him take back five games in a row. Nadal’s famous left-hand was just too powerful for Del Potros signature inside-out forehand that placed the ball right into the Spaniards comfort zone every time.

For two and a half hours the two players bounced on their toes opposite each other. The fifth seed versus the seventh seed. One had beaten Murray and Federer to be here. The other had defeated Berdych. Now they dance. A brilliant final touch from Del Potro that caught Nadal off guard may well of been the play of the game but it was not enough to tame the Spaniard in the 600^th match of his career. “When you have one comeback like I’m having you remember all the low things, lower moments that you had during this seven months, doubts and all these things,” he said. “The doubt when and where you will be able to be back on a tennis tournament is hard.”

But comeback he did, aggression, drive and determination saw Nadal fall to his knees in victory. The 11- time Grand Slam Champion picked up some more titles and records to tie to his name today; a record 22^nd Masters title, 14 straight match wins, a move up the rankings to No. 4 a third Indian Wells title, an 123-mph ace and his 53rd career singles title. “Seriously, it’s impossible to have better comeback, no?” says Nadal beaming.

He will skip the Sony Open in Miami next week while he rests his left leg but will return to the clay in Monte Carlo as he begins on the road to winning his eight French Open title. The King of Clay is back, and it seems he can play hard-court too. Let the ATP Masters 1000th season commence.

Britain gets great haul of cycling medals

Success at the UCI Track World Championships as young riders shine

Published in the Edinburgh Journal newspaper 6 March.

Great Britain are brimming with confidence in their form for the start of this seasons Track Cycling events, convincingly topping the medals table in Belarus.

Performance director Dave Brailsford can accept more plaudits for this result as he continues churning out the champions. The man behind the scenes has been transforming Great Britain from an island defined by football and the Premiership into a cycling powerhouse. First Team Sky, then the Olympic cycling performances, followed by Tiernan-Locke and his Tour of Britain win. Last week, Brailsford revealed a shiny new crew of track cyclists that took home nine medals and five world titles from the UCI Track World Championships in Minsk, Belarus.

The event in Minsk was the first on the long road to the Olympics in Rio in 2016 while there were encouraging starts for Team GB’s main rivals Australia and Germany who also performed. Leading the procession for the UK was 21-year-old Becky James, a newly crowned double world champion (keirin and individual sprint) and owner of two bronze medals from the 500m time-trial and team sprint.

The young British squad of men and women racked up the results over the five-day track competition. Victoria Williamson won bronze with teammate Becky James in the team sprint, Elinor Barker, Dani King and Laura Trott took gold in the team pursuit and Trott also secured a silver in the omnium. In the men’s competition, Jason Kenny won gold in keirin, Simon Yates triumphed in the points race world championship while Burke, Clancy, Harrison and Tennant together won silver in the team pursuit.

The competition revealed just how strong Great Britain is looking and is being touted as a harbinger for Rio 2016. The stunning female performances that saw each of the five British women at the world championships bring back a medal will encourage a leap in the right direction in the struggle to increase support and sponsorship among female competitors. It seems Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton will not be missed as much as was first thought as the next generation of young track riders step up to take their place. Neighbours Ireland won a gold and silver at the event, making rider Martin Irvine the first Irishman to win a World Track Championship gold in 117 years.

Next year’s World Championship will be held in Colombia, where the world can see if Great Britain can retain their titles as the countdown continues towards the next Olympics.

Interview with Adventurer Alastair Humphreys

Published on OutDare Adventures, read the full interview here.

Q: Did you ever drink and party and live the ‘student life’?

A: Ya definitely, I was a completely normal student; I did all of that stuff!
Q: You’ve never received sponsorship; you just save up and then do cheap trips. That’s freedom in one sense but does it mean you’ll never be financially free because you have to spend so much of your own money?

A: The row the Atlantic was a sponsored trip so I am starting to head down that way. But if I can possibly afford to do it myself then I like to maintain the independence, the simplicity and just to be my own boss and that’s worth quite a lot of money. Most of the trips that appeal to me really aren’t very expensive, so I just save for it.

Q: Do you think it’s just as safe for women as it is for men to go on solo adventures/expeditions?

A: I think that 99 percent of the time yes it is or perhaps even safer because people are nicer to you, but I also think there is that slight, elemental, potential risk that at times you’re a women on your own in the middle of somewhere, it can get a bit scary.
Q: What do you look for when choosing a suitable place to set up camp?

A: Running water, so near a river would be good and nice soft grass.
Q: Do you get any criticism over not having a traditional job? – How do you prevent that from disheartening you?

A: A little bit, people often say things like oh it’s alright for you, or you’re lucky, or it’s easy for you. Mostly I think, well I chose to do this, I’m no superman, I’m not a genius. Anyone could have done what I have; it’s just a choice I made. It slightly annoys me when people sneer a little bit and say oh when are you going to get a proper job. I’m earning enough money to live the life I love. So it doesn’t really bother me, mostly I think it’s just envy.

Read the full Interview here.

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