UltraQuad 24: Four Disciplines. Twenty-Four Hours. One Ultimate Test.
The Challenge
Welcome to the UltraQuad: – my most ambitious endurance challenge to date.
For a full 24 hours, I'll be cycling through four disciplines continuously: swimming, running, cycling, and strength training. All outside, whatever the elements. This isn't just about pushing my physical limits; it's about demonstrating the extraordinary endurance capabilities that we all possess, particularly women, whose bodies are uniquely adapted for sustained performance.
Beyond the Traditional Triathlon
As a PT and coach, I believe in living what I teach. In previous years, I've completed a 24-Hour Aquabike (alternating swimming and cycling) and an 8-hour swim-run challenge. The UltraQuad represents the next evolution – adding a crucial fourth element that is often overlooked in endurance sports: strength.
Women & Endurance: Built for the Long Haul
Women are naturally equipped for endurance challenges in ways that science is only beginning to fully understand:
The Missing Piece: Strength Training
The UltraQuad deliberately incorporates strength as an equal pillar alongside the traditional endurance disciplines. Here's why this matters, especially for women:
Follow along as I prepare for this 24-hour challenge. I'll be documenting my training approach, nutrition strategies, recovery techniques, and mental preparation – with a special focus on how I'm integrating strength work throughout the process.
This challenge isn't just about a single day of extreme effort. It's about demonstrating a balanced approach to human performance that honours our natural capabilities while addressing the aspects we too often neglect.
Join me in redefining what endurance means – not just the ability to go far, but the capacity to remain strong throughout the journey.
Challenge Details
Date: 19/20 June 2025
Location: Kingston/Teddington - London
Supporting Stepping Out with Carers
The UltraQuad challenge proudly supports Stepping Out with Carers, a vital charity that provides unpaid carers with opportunities to engage in guided walks and outdoor activities, helping reduce isolation and improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
Carers face a unique endurance challenge of their own – their role is truly 24/7, with little opportunity for respite or self-care. By taking on this 24-hour challenge, I'm standing in solidarity with these everyday heroes who rarely get to step away from their responsibilities.
The parallel is clear: while my challenge has a defined end point, carers continue their marathon of compassion day after day. Through this event, I hope to:
"Endurance is not just about lasting longer – it's about staying stronger, longer."
The Challenge
Welcome to the UltraQuad: – my most ambitious endurance challenge to date.
For a full 24 hours, I'll be cycling through four disciplines continuously: swimming, running, cycling, and strength training. All outside, whatever the elements. This isn't just about pushing my physical limits; it's about demonstrating the extraordinary endurance capabilities that we all possess, particularly women, whose bodies are uniquely adapted for sustained performance.
Beyond the Traditional Triathlon
As a PT and coach, I believe in living what I teach. In previous years, I've completed a 24-Hour Aquabike (alternating swimming and cycling) and an 8-hour swim-run challenge. The UltraQuad represents the next evolution – adding a crucial fourth element that is often overlooked in endurance sports: strength.
Women & Endurance: Built for the Long Haul
Women are naturally equipped for endurance challenges in ways that science is only beginning to fully understand:
- Metabolic Efficiency: Women typically burn a higher percentage of fat during endurance activities, preserving crucial glycogen stores for extended efforts
- Temperature Regulation: Female bodies often manage heat dissipation more effectively during long efforts
- Mental Resilience: Research suggests women frequently maintain steadier pacing and demonstrate exceptional mental fortitude during ultra-endurance events
- Hormonal Advantages: Oestrogen can have protective effects on muscles during extended periods of exertion
The Missing Piece: Strength Training
The UltraQuad deliberately incorporates strength as an equal pillar alongside the traditional endurance disciplines. Here's why this matters, especially for women:
- Injury Prevention: Building muscular strength creates resilience against repetitive stress
- Power Development: Increased strength translates to greater power output when you need it most
- Metabolic Health: Muscle tissue supports metabolic health, hormone balance, and bone density
- Performance Longevity: Strength training extends athletic careers and quality of life
- Challenging Stereotypes: Demonstrating that strength and endurance are complementary, not contradictory
Follow along as I prepare for this 24-hour challenge. I'll be documenting my training approach, nutrition strategies, recovery techniques, and mental preparation – with a special focus on how I'm integrating strength work throughout the process.
This challenge isn't just about a single day of extreme effort. It's about demonstrating a balanced approach to human performance that honours our natural capabilities while addressing the aspects we too often neglect.
Join me in redefining what endurance means – not just the ability to go far, but the capacity to remain strong throughout the journey.
Challenge Details
Date: 19/20 June 2025
Location: Kingston/Teddington - London
Supporting Stepping Out with Carers
The UltraQuad challenge proudly supports Stepping Out with Carers, a vital charity that provides unpaid carers with opportunities to engage in guided walks and outdoor activities, helping reduce isolation and improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
Carers face a unique endurance challenge of their own – their role is truly 24/7, with little opportunity for respite or self-care. By taking on this 24-hour challenge, I'm standing in solidarity with these everyday heroes who rarely get to step away from their responsibilities.
The parallel is clear: while my challenge has a defined end point, carers continue their marathon of compassion day after day. Through this event, I hope to:
- Raise awareness about the physical and mental health challenges carers face
- Highlight how access to physical activity can be a significant barrier for those with caring responsibilities
- Demonstrate that physical activity should be accessible to everyone, regardless of circumstances
- Raise funds to help more carers experience the rejuvenating power of outdoor activities
"Endurance is not just about lasting longer – it's about staying stronger, longer."
