UltraQuad 24: Four Disciplines. Twenty-Four Hours. One Ultimate Test.
I did it! 24 hours of continuous swimming, running, cycling, and strength training - completed during a scorching heatwave of 31-32°C that turned this challenge into an even greater test of endurance and mental resilience. This wasn't just about personal limits; it was about demonstrating that women are naturally built for endurance and that strength training isn't the opposite of endurance - it's what makes us resilient enough to go the distance. Most importantly, while I pushed my limits for 24 hours, this challenge highlighted the incredible 10 million unpaid carers in the UK who face their own endurance challenge every single day - 24/7, with no finish line. Through supporting Stepping Out with Carers, this challenge helped provide free outdoor walks for carers who often can't prioritise their own wellbeing, proving that endurance isn't just about going far - it's about staying strong throughout the journey.
I completed:
12.7km of swimming
212km of cycling
32km of running
5.5km of carrying 45kg (aka Bernardo)!
I also raised over £1,200 for unpaid carers, and you can still donate by clicking on the button at the top of this page!
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."
I did it! 24 hours of continuous swimming, running, cycling, and strength training - completed during a scorching heatwave of 31-32°C that turned this challenge into an even greater test of endurance and mental resilience. This wasn't just about personal limits; it was about demonstrating that women are naturally built for endurance and that strength training isn't the opposite of endurance - it's what makes us resilient enough to go the distance. Most importantly, while I pushed my limits for 24 hours, this challenge highlighted the incredible 10 million unpaid carers in the UK who face their own endurance challenge every single day - 24/7, with no finish line. Through supporting Stepping Out with Carers, this challenge helped provide free outdoor walks for carers who often can't prioritise their own wellbeing, proving that endurance isn't just about going far - it's about staying strong throughout the journey.
I completed:
12.7km of swimming
212km of cycling
32km of running
5.5km of carrying 45kg (aka Bernardo)!
I also raised over £1,200 for unpaid carers, and you can still donate by clicking on the button at the top of this page!
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."
