When the rain hits Herefordshire and turns everything a cool shade of Instagram grey, you won’t find me hitting pause on my training. Nope, I take the party
to my cow shed turned ultimate DIY gym, where my rowing machine and I get to know each other on a whole new level.

Embarking on an ocean rowing journey is not just a test of endurance but a profound dialogue between body and sea. As someone who’s navigated the rigorous demands of professional cycling and encountered my fair share of physical hurdles, including an AC joint issue and SIJ weakness compounded by a lordotic spinal curve, I’ve learned the invaluable role of targeted gym training.

On International Women’s Day, I am reminded of the extraordinary journeys women have embarked on throughout history, pushing boundaries and challenging norms. My upcoming solo row across the Atlantic is a tribute to this indomitable spirit. It’s a testament to breaking free from traditional gender roles and showcasing the strength and resilience that women possess.

As a rower, contemplating the prospect of rowing across the vast and unforgiving Atlantic Ocean is stirring a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts. It’s a dream that simultaneously ignites excitement and trepidation, weaving through the fabric of one’s consciousness with both anticipation and a touch of apprehension.

My initial preparations and training are long a way from the Atlantic, on a farm in Hereford, training on a rowing machine, if I’m lucky I get a sunny day and do it outside, but an English Winter-Spring means doing it from a cow shed! Rowing across this ocean is not just a dream anymore; it’s a tangible goal, a challenge waiting to be conquered.