Channel swimming, workout apps, hill races and the best new running kit
Another week, another choice-picked selection of things to do, watch, wear and wanderlust over. In this week’s guide we’ve got some real treats, from the new Channel 4 swimming show to the beautiful new running range from SAYSKY.
All you need is your phone or computer, a nice place to sit and a desire to know that’s going in in the world of fitness, running, yoga and the outdoors.
And while we’ve got you, check out the best content from Get Sweat Go:
- Running: Running races in New York you need to know about
- Workout: The best gym shoes for men and women
- Yoga: Essential yoga exercises for triathletes
- Trek: Ultimate apps for outdoor adventurers
Watch this
Sink or Swim
When it comes to Herculean challenges, swimming the English Channel is up there with the toughest – and when you realise that more people have climbed Everest than have successfully tackled the 21-mile crossing you start to realise why.
In Sink or Swim, a project created in support of charity Stand Up To Cancer, that challenge is pushed even further, by setting the task to a group of celebrities and athletes who have next to no swimming experience or that can’t even swim at all.
Coached by Olympic silver medallist Keri-anne Payne and Get Sweat Go favourite Ross Edgley, a man who knows more about swimming in British waters than anyone, the four-part series follows the group as they train to take on the momentous swim. As well as a selection of celebrities from reality TV shows, boy bands and soaps, the really interesting focus comes from high profile athletes Linford Christie, Tessa Sanderson and Greg Rutherford as well as TV presenter Alex Brooker.
In the first episode, as well as profiling the members of the group – from near-death experiences to dealing with anxiety – they head to Lake Windermere to take on their first open water swim. Unlike most reality shows, there’s a depth and awareness to Sink or Swim that makes it worth a watch whether you’re a seasoned water baby or someone who won’t even go near it.
Download this
Gymshark Conditioning App

Not content with dominating the fitness clothing market, Gymshark has decided to take over the workout world as well. The new app utilises its vast roster of athletes to create a training service offering detailed plans and exercise guidance.
The free version of the app (only available on iOS at the moment) has a selection of plans to follow from the likes of Steve Cook and Whitney Simmons, as well as the ability to pick and choose elements of any workout to create your own custom versions.
Not only that, but you can use the service to track your progress from developing strength and muscle growth to improving balance and agility. Opt for the premium service for £4.99 a month and you’ll get fresh new workouts from two new athletes each month as well as video tutorials and exclusive three- and five-day workout plans.
Race this
Beat Box Hill (UK)
There aren’t many places in and around London where you can run up a really big hill, which is why this race is well worth a go if you’re looking to take on a new 10k challenge this year. It’s also by far one of the most scenic races you’ll find with easy access from the city.
The route, which starts right at the top of the hill, is a 5k course which sees a ridiculously enjoyable 2.5km downhill before you turn around and make your way back up it. For 10k runners, you do it twice – sorry.
Aside from the stunning views, the fact that half of the race is downhill actually makes the whole thing significantly more manageable. Yes, that 2.5km uphill is a slog, but pace it right and you’re looking at a large section of the race which is likely to be the fastest you’ll ever do.
Tip: Get there early. There’s a fairly big walk up to the top of the hill at the start and you’ll need a few minutes to pick up your race pack and rest your legs before it kicks off. There’s also a kids race if you’re planning on making it a family morning out.
When: 29 September
Where: Box Hill, North Downs (closest stations are Dorking and Boxhill & Westhumble)
Price: £25 (5k) | £28 (10k)
Buy this
SAYSKY Tiger Pace Hooded Hacket
Buy now: SAYSKY | €125

Look, we’re sorry to break it to you, but the summer is almost over. Not only does that mean no more nights sat in a t-shirt in the local beer garden, but it also means you need to crack out that winter running kit. Luckily for us runners, winter is the best time to train, and it also means you get to shop for some tasty new kit to take you through the cold.
When it comes to running brands that are as fashionable as they are functional, Copenhagen brand SAYSKY is at the top of the list and its latest autumn/winter range is a beauty.
The item on our Christmas list this year has to be the Tiger Pace Hooded Hacket. Not only is it one hell of a looker, but it’s made from SAYSKYDRY performance fabric – a soft, lightweight polyester that has technical wicking abilities, high wind protection, ventilation holes and, our personal favourite winter feature, cuffs with thumbholes. It also comes in both male and female versions (equally impressive).
To buy it you’ll need to pay in euros via the online store, but they do ship internationally.
Sweat this
Sweaty Betty Live
We love a fitness festival at Get Sweat Go and there aren’t many we’re as excited about as Sweaty Betty Live. Featuring talks, food, beauty and workouts from some of the biggest names in the industry, it’s an event you’re probably not going to want to miss.
This year’s events will see everyone from Barry’s Bootcamp, Another_Space and Triyoga to Fearne Cotton, Alice Living, and Caudalie take to the various stages. For the first time, there will also be a special area focusing on sustainability with talks including green beauty, plastic reduction and food waste.
Ticket prices start from £20 all the way up to £75 for the VIP package, an indulgence that will get you a £120 goody bag and a VIP shopping area. Every ticket also comes with a 25% discount on the new Sweaty Betty range – worth the ticket cost alone.
Where: The Old Truman Brewery
Listen to this
The Hezbollah Hiking Club – Dom Joly
By now: Amazon / Google Play | £19.99

Dom Joly isn’t someone you’d normally associate with hiking, but in this book he documents a booze-fulled decision to walk with two friends across Lebanon, from the Israeli border in the south to the Syrian border in the north.
Joly, who was born in Beirut, talks about his love for the country as he takes on the challenge. His lack of walking experience, his trademark humor and a weird ensemble of supporting character make The Hezbollah Hiking Club an honest, moving and largely funny take on long-distance walking – made all the more engaging in audiobook form due to Joly’s delivery.
Expect detailed historic insights, a moving story of friendship, a brain-freeze drinking contest and the accidental flashing of an unsuspecting Ethiopian cook.
The five-minute fix
Thinking about doing some track running sessions but don’t know where to start aside from just running in circles? Our friends at the Running Channel have you covered with this beginner’s guide (6.42)
The latest mainstream movie to cover marathon running is the much-discussed Brittany Runs A Marathon. In this post, Vulture discusses why its focus on weight loss gets marathon training wrong (5.00)
If like us you like watching drone footage of mountains then this video of Northern Norway is going to blow your mind. Clouds – check! Ambient music – check! A desperate need to visit now – CHECK! (5.00)