Up and at it - what is your morning routine?
It is my aim, on three to four days a week, to try and drag myself out of bed for a 6am pool swim with friends. After that, I need to rush back home and get on with my normal working day morning routine. Admittedly, some days, if I am tired, I get up a bit later.
What might you eat in a typical working day for...Breakfast?
I have quite a simple breakfast menu – toast, egg and a pot of tea, or else toast and jam. Nothing too fancy or too heavy.
Lunch?
Sandwiches, salad or whatever I can throw together in the kitchen before I run out to work. It's more a case of what is in the fridge, than any masterplan.
Evening meal?
This varies, but I am big fan of spuds. I even have my own supplier on the Ards Peninsula and wouldn't go anywhere else. I don't mind the odd curry or a pasta dish as an alternative. I am usually happy to vary what I would like with the family dinner demands. I also love a nice Sunday roast dinner with the famil
Is nutrition important to you – do you take health supplements?
Nutrition is important to me, but only in terms of the amount of calories I know that I expend doing training and competing. I don't take any kind of specific supplements other than maybe an electrolyte drink during longer sessions.
Ever been on a diet – if so, how did it go?
I don't really do diets, I just try to exercise regularly and try to keep things in moderation. I think I just enjoy my food too much. If I felt I needed to lose weight, I would rather use exercise.
Weekend treat?
Just relaxing generally and maybe an evening catch-up with friends and my family. Like a lot of people, my week is quite busy, with some early mornings, so nothing wrong with just relaxing with the simple things.
How do you keep physically and mentally fit?
I try to swim in the pool three or four times per week, for between one-to-two hours per session – depending on how much time I have. I have also recently started in the gym, with a personal trainer friend, Lynsey Smyth. This is to try and improve my core strength and flexibility which will ultimately complement my swimming. For my mental fitness, that's easy – regular sea swimming a few times every week with a number of local groups and friends. There are many groups I swim with locally – The Donaghadee Dunkers, Lough Neagh Monsters and the Ballyholme Mooners, to mention a few. We swim all year round and there is no place for a wetsuit. It shakes you up and shivers you down again but is usually followed by a nice hot cuppa, some tray bakes and a good chat.
Best tip for everyday fitness?
Do something every day that you enjoy, even if it's just a walk. Do it with company and don't be afraid to try something new.
Were you a fan of schools sports/PE or do you have a memory from those days that you would rather forget?
I was a competitive swimmer with Bangor Swimming Club from the age of 10 and I didn't have much time for other sports. In my later teens, I took up some triathlon training which I also enjoyed. My sporting memories are all pretty good ones.
Teetotal or tipple?
Definitely a tipple. It's nice to relax a bit from time to time. I enjoy a nice Guinness, wine or gin.
Stairs or lift?
Stairs. I don't trust lifts – I got stuck in one years ago and still have a vivid memory of getting rescued.
What book are you currently reading?
I just ordered Colin Bateman's book, Thunder and Lightning: A Memoir of Life on the Tough Cul-de-sacs of Bangor. I can't wait to start reading that.
Best Netflix?
Schitt's Creek – loved it.
Most surprising thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
Just how much edible sourdough bread I could make...
Any new skills or hobbies?
Yoga – I only took it up during lockdown as it was easy to attend classes online. I found it really enjoyable and quite relaxing.
How do you relax?
I like to go on a good walk and listen to a good podcast for company. I currently love The Tommy, Hector and Laurita Podcast. Yoga also helps me relax.
What are your goals for 2023?
To complete a solo swim across the North Channel, from Donaghadee to Portpatrick. It's 21.5 miles and has lots of added difficulty such as the cold, the currents and of course, the dreaded jellyfish. It is billed as the hardest challenge swim in the world.
What time do you get to bed and do you think you get enough sleep?
Earliest would be 10pm, but I do think I get enough sleep and I love a wee sleep-in.
Biggest gripe or regret?
No regrets. You learn through mistakes and they eventually make you stronger.
Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?
No. My priority in life has always been my family and friends. I also try to work in some shorter-term goals to get me motivated and provide some perspective.
Has coronavirus – or any major life event - changed your attitude towards your own mortality?
Yes - don't put off too many plans, because you never know what is around the next corner.
:: Grace McLaughlin is one of the special guests at the upcoming 'Ireland on the Water' expo at the Eikon Centre, Lisburn, on March 4 and 5. irelandonthewaterexpo.ie
