Dee Caffari is preparing to step her Aviva Ocean Racing campaign training up a gear by teaming up with a group of former armed forces "tough guys".
Dee Caffari is preparing to step her Aviva Ocean Racing campaign training up a gear by teaming up with a group of former armed forces "tough guys". From Sunday 3 February Caffari will spend a week in Bavaria on a special training camp that focuses on endurance and fitness alongside personal development.
Over the last year a team of sport scientists from Leeds Metropolitan University have been monitoring Caffari's fitness and training. They have recommended the intensive winter training headed-up by Steve Jackson and John Doyle MBE. Jackson and Doyle, in conjunction with the Leeds Metropolitan specialists, have devised a bespoke training plan for Caffari to follow.
Doyle is a former Royal Marine Commando, member of the Parachute Regiment and UK Special Forces so Caffari is preparing for a tough and challenging week but is hoping to come out with both improved physical and mental endurance.
A typical day for Caffari will include an early morning jog followed by Nordic ski training techniques and snow shoeing, with an evening swim and sauna to stretch and wind down. High altitude training is something that Doyle's team are well prepared for having been involved with the successful Services Everest West Ridge expedition in spring 2006, in which all 20 climbers reached over 7500m.
Caffari said before boarding a plane to Bavaria: "I'm really looking forward to the week ahead. I'm sure John and his team are going to put me through my paces and push my limits both physically and mentally. The high altitude training is certainly going to be new as I spend most of time onboard Aviva at sea level so I can't wait to get up in the mountains. Bring it on!"
Caffari's training is in preparation for the toughest of solo ocean races, the 2008/09 Vendée Globe, that starts in November this year. By competing in the race the inspirational yachtswoman will become the first woman to sail non-stop around the world in both directions.
-ends-
For further information contact:
Caroline Ayling
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7202 2840
Mobile: +44 (0)7801 351950
E-mail: carolinea@karen-earl.co.uk
Kelly Russell
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7202 2862
Mobile: 07786 516570
E-mail: kellyr@karen-earl.co.uk
Notes to editors:
Aviva plc
Aviva is the leading provider of life and pensions to Europe with substantial positions in other markets around the world, making it the world's fifth largest insurance group based on gross worldwide premiums at 31 December 2006.
Aviva's principal business activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance, with worldwide total sales of £41.5 billion and assets under management of £364 billion at 31 December 2006.
For more information on the Sports Scientists at Leeds Metropolitan University log on to www.avivaoceanracing.com/index.asp?pageid=29