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AN EPIC CHALLENGE
RADIO 2 DJ Jo Whiley is limbering up for an “epic” Sport Relief challenge this week, completing three triathlons in just three days.
The presenter also reveals how exercise has helped both her physical and mental health.
Jo says: “I have always been active, so exercise has not necessarily been about staying in shape, which is an obvious benefit, but more about how it makes me feel.
“I think for me it helped on days when I was struggling, whether it was with stress or selfworth or just wanting to feel better about life.”
In the past the 54-year-old super-fit celeb has done a 24-hour treadmill challenge for Sport Relief and has taken on half marathons.
But for Dare 2 Tri she’s aiming to complete three triathlons, across three nations, over just three days to raise funds for causes including The Running
Charity which helps homeless young people through exercise.
Her bid starts in
Cardiff today, followed by Glasgow and Manchester.
Jo explains: “I’ve taken part in challenges previously but nothing as epic as this!” A triathlon combines swimming, cycling and running. And, given her past experience, Jo knows how gruelling they can be.
She says: “The first triathlon I did was so nerve-wracking.”
Jo ended up suffering a panic attack, but adds: “I struggled through it because you don’t want to give up. It was so empowering to finish it – a life-changing experience.”
She has since been undergoing intense training for the Sport Relief challenge along with co-stars Reverend Kate Bottley and radio presenter Richie Anderson.
She explains: “We have been training for the swimming in open water, which is freezing, pitch black and very daunting! We swam among the swans in the Serpentine as part of our group sessions.
“I used to swim competitively when I was younger to a decent standard – open water swimming is so different from the pool – but I’m still delighted that it’s the first part of the triathlon!
“I run quite regularly, but the bike will be a real challenge.
“I think Kate and Richie are struggling just as much, which is of some comfort. We can help each other through it! It will be as mentally tough as it will be physically draining.”
Jo makes sure she keeps active in everyday life, seeing a personal trainer once a week to help with strength.
She adds: “I’ll try to fit a park run in on a Saturday if I can. I run with my husband Steve and daughter India when I can as it’s a great way to spend time with the family. “Occasionally I’ll go out openwater swimming with a group of friends on a Sunday morning. We go to a local cove which is a lovely way to connect with nature.”
When it comes to nutrition, Jo has been boosting her calories.
She says: “One of the things you notice with training is you eat so much more! I expect our calorie intake will double on the road as we try to get in what we need just to get through it.
“I am a vegetarian, which needs some planning to make sure I’m getting enough of the right things. For training I eat lots of bananas and lots of protein balls to give me energy.”
But she is easing off on booze: “I find I drink less these days, mainly because I enjoy the hangovers less!
“We want people to feel as though they can get involved – we find it just as tough as anyone but we’re giving it our best shot!”
● Jo Whiley’s Dare 2 Tri with Reverend Kate Bottley and Richie Anderson for BBC Radio
2’s Sport Relief challenge begins today.
BREAKFAST: Coffee & croissant
LUNCH: Pret sandwich
DINNER: Ratatouille
SNACKS: Banana, tea and biscuits
GUILTY PLEASURES: Ferrero Rocher
TOP TIPPLE: A cheeky vodka!
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