Coach Cassie
Get training tips from Olympic marathon swimmer and coach Cassie Patten to become a stronger, faster outdoor swimmer. Learn how to improve techniques, avoid injuries, fuel for races, and transition to open water. Overcome challenges like lack of motivation, self-consciousness, and heavy legs. Cassie offers advice on everything from drills to nutrition so you can meet your swimming goals.
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How do I prepare myself mentally and physically for my first open water event?
Swimming coach Cassie Patten answers a frequently asked query about how to prepare for your first ever outdoor swimming event.
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What are the best pool drills for improving open water skills?
You can still work on your open water skills when you're training in an indoor pool. Swimming coach Cassie Patten…
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What are swimming drills?
"What are swimming drills? I have heard lots about them and there’s hundreds of YouTube videos about them, but I…
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“How do I prepare for a 6.5km swim in 10 weeks?”
Swimming coach Cassie Patten answers this reader Q about how to prepare for the around-Brownsea Island swim in June –…
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How can I avoid cramp when swimming in deep water?
British freestyle swimmer and open water coach Cassie Patten has advice for avoiding cramps when swimming in open water and…
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How can I train to swim long distance front crawl?
British freestyle swimmer and open water coach Cassie Pattern has advice for a 79-year-old swimmer training to swim the Henley…
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“How do I keep up my fitness through winter?”
Swimming coach Cassie Patten recommends a dryland programme for outdoor swimmers to maintain fitness levels through the winter months.
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You ask, we answer: How can I get back into swimming after an illness?
"Do you have any tips on getting back into swimming after a virus?" Swim coach Cassie Patten has advice for…
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How do I motivate myself to train through winter?
Swimming coach Cassie Patten believes the winter months are prime time for focusing on technique and maintaining fitness levels.
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How can I pace myself when swimming long distances?
Giving a talk before Swim Serpentine, swim coach Cassie Patten advised swimmers to start out steady and build into their…
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How do I improve my technique to avoid Swimmer’s Shoulder?
Swimming coach Cassie Patten answers a reader question about how to improve their swim technique to avoid further shoulder pain.
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How do I get my motivation back after an injury?
Swimming coach Cassie Patten has advice for those who are returning to training after a break or are feeling too…
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What’s the cause of my hip pain while swimming?
Swimming coach Cassie Patten troubleshoots a reader's hip pain, and shares some tips for preventing further discomfort.
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How do I stop feeling dizzy when swimming?
Dizziness is a common issue with swimmers who are transitioning to front crawl, but how can you adjust your head…
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How do I avoid back pain in breaststroke?
Swimming coach Cassie Patten answers a reader question about how to improve their breaststroke so it relieves pressure on their…
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“Am I too old to start open water swimming?”
Swimming coach and Olympic marathon swimmer Cassie Patten has advice for a 71-year-old reader who’s considering trying open water swimming…
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How do I overcome my self-consciousness to enter a swimming event?
Swimming coach Cassie Patten answers a reader question about to feel less self-conscious when outdoor swimming, and how to be…
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How do I transition from a swimsuit to a wetsuit?
Reader Jenny Knights is new to outdoor swimming and has her first open water next month. Swimming coach Cassie Patten…
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How do I feel less ‘heavy’ in the water?
Swimming coach Cassie Patten answers a reader question about heaviness in the water, and improving stamina for an upcoming swimming…
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What should I eat during a marathon swim?
Jelly Babies, caffeine gels or peanut butter sandwiches? Swimming coach Cassie Patten and veteran long distance swimmer Colin Hill are…
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Returning to long-distance swimming after a break
After a period of time swimming simply for pleasure, Editor Ella Foote has decided it’s time to take on some…
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How can I train for speed when cold water swimming?
Swimming coach Cassie Patten has advice for cold water swimmers who want to continue their sprint training through the winter.
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How to avoid neck pain in head-up breaststroke
Swimming coach Cassie Patten shares her tips for avoiding neck pain during head-up breaststroke.
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How can I keep my fitness levels in open water?
Swimming coach Cassie Patten shares her advice for how to maintain fitness levels in open water.
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How can I improve my breaststroke so I can swim faster?
Our resident Olympian Cassie Patten answers your swimming questions
