First things, first…..this whole blogging malarkey is new to me so if I start to ramble, please bear with me and I’ll get to the point…..eventually….in theory….I promise !

Let me introduce myself, I’m Simon and creator of the Swim Buddy Network.  If you’ve visited the ‘about us’ page you’ll know this bit already, but just to recap.  I used to swim as a child but hadn’t been in the pool for years and then about two years ago I decided to go for a swim.  What started as a once / twice a week dip, has ended up with me hitting the pool four times a week. I’ve gone from swimming a few lengths and wondering why my lungs were trying to leave my body, to taking part in a Triple 5k challenge this year.

Hopefully, you’ve had a swim around the site (sea what I did there….oh and again just now – get used to the puns, it won’t get any better) and you want to know more about who we are, what we are about and more importantly is our group for you ?

The first three months were hectic to say the least, with the group growing from one (me) to over five hundred members.  We have people with all skill levels, from complete beginners right through to competitive swimmers, all ages with members from all over the world.  What we all have in common is our love of swimming whether its in pools, lakes, the sea or anywhere else…We just want to get a bit splashy !!!

To compliment what was happening with Facebook, I created a Strava leaderboard group (for those with a competitive streak) and then came a Twitter account. Following this a virtual swim challenge was introduced and our first ‘real world’ Swim Buddy meets took place.   

As the group continued to grow it became clear I would need some help to manage it and so I decided I wanted a couple of people to join me.  

Justyna, gave me the initial idea and encouragement to start the group so it was essential she came on board.  Her positivity and the encouragement she gives to other members, embodies what Swim Buddy is all about and she is a constant source of inspiration (check out her current swim challenge – Its EPIC !!!).

James, I got to know through Swim Buddy and our connections with the MySwimPro app.  He is a massive influence and is always there offering support to both me and others members in the group. He is also one of the first members to take part in ‘real world’ buddy meeting.  It was his suggestion that a website / blog would be a good idea and his IT knowledge has been instrumental in getting it up and running. I’m still not quite sure why he keeps calling me Dad, but can only guess its in the hope I’ll give him an allowance (Sorry, but it ain’t gonna happen sunshine !!).

Whether your goal is to swim longer distances……increase your pace….lose weight / get fitter ……..need some training advice……or even if you just want encouragement to actually hit the pool.  This is where the Swim Buddy Network comes in and one thing you can be sure of, there is somebody with the same goal and the chances are they are already in our group

Topics in the group discuss include everything from sharing tips, training and workout plans, nutrition and equipment reviews (from goggles to swim trackers)…..What can be better than talking to people who not only love swimming, but also have the same goals as you.  So what have you got to lose ? Its free to join, you get a chance to talk to people with the same interest and you may even find your Swim Buddy.

Hopefully this has helped answer your questions, however if there is anything else you’d like know you can visit us on Facebook or get in touch at info@swimbuddynetwork.com.

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