Her Spirit is an on and offline community that supports women in developing healthier lifestyles in mind and body. Throughout the pandemic, a group from Her Spirit trained to take part in AJ Bell 2021 World Triathlon Leeds in June this year.
Lisa Ashcroft was part of the group in Leeds having found out about Her Spirit in March 2020 at the beginning of the first lockdown.
“I was due to take part in my first triathlon in 2020, was a complete road bike novice and had literally no idea,” she said. “I was lucky to discover Her Spirit via social media at the very start of lockdown in March 2020 and I don’t know what I would have done without it.
“The programme was manageable, simple and clear with all the resources to live and pre-recorded classes and training plans in such a simple format. Weekly group check-ins from Coach Lucy meant we were able to be motivated by each other, share problems and seek advice when needed - it’s all about community.”
AJ Bell 2021 World Triathlon Leeds brought thousands of swim, bike, runners together in Roundhay Park, with a mix of abilities on show from those competing for British Championship medals to GO TRIers taking on the sport for the first time.
“The standard distance was what I settled on having a lovely base of attending Her Spirit classes for over a year, including live turbo sessions with the phenomenal cycle coach Michelle,” added Ashcroft.
“My cycling was getting stronger and my previous experience of the ParkRun at Roundhay made me realise I had to take run training seriously to tackle those Yorkshire hills.
“There were a few great reasons for me getting involved in the event, like knowing that there would be a manageable and fun training programme and coach support through the Her Spirit app to give me a challenge to focus on, benefiting my mental and physical health.
“It also gave me the opportunity to finally meet and compete with other Her Spirit community members and to take part in such an amazing event showcasing the best of my hometown and watch some of the world’s best competing.”
Having completed her race in Leeds, Ashcroft isn’t going anywhere, with Her Spirit an important part of her life.
“I was encouraged to take part as part of the Her Spirit team and knew it would be one great big community adventure,” she said.
“I’m very much a firm member of the community on hand to offer others encouragement and support. Can’t wait to see what me and other community members achieve next! I would encourage any woman to come and join - there is literally something for everyone.”
Her Spirit are also supporting a group to take part in the London Triathlon on 7-8 August 2021. You can find out more about this and their other triathlon programmes by clicking on the button below.
