004 From Inactive to Ironman with Caroline Bramwell

In this episode I speak to Caroline Bramwell who shares with us her incredible journey from living a more sedentary lifestyle and being diagnosed with a long term condition to taking back control of her health and becoming a triathlete. Hear Caroline's story and be inspired that you can start a new movement activity, whatever you choose and whatever your circumstances.

About Caroline:
A self-confessed couch potato, Caroline Bramwell turned to sport after having her large intestine and bowel removed and had to live with a permanent ileostomy as a result of having Ulcerative Colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease. Dispelling the medical profession’s ‘you can’t do that’ attitude Caroline has completed two 24 hour cycle events (London to Paris and Newcastle to London), and now competes in all triathlon distances up to full Ironman.

With her determination to prove that life can be good with a stoma bag, her story is the epitome of the self-belief that anything is possible and she has been inspiring others around the world.

Her autobiography ‘Loo Rolls to Lycra: The Ironman Dreams of an IBD Sufferer’ was published in 2018.

Website:  https://www.carolinebramwell.co.uk/

The Triathlon subscription box:  www.thetriathlonbox.co.uk

Fearless by Louise Minchin (featuring caroline) https://linktr.ee/fearlesslouiseminchin   

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caroline.bramwell/

Insta:     https://www.instagram.com/carolinebramwell/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/CarolineBramwel

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinebramwell/

Email: info@carolinebramwellcoaching.co.uk

About Sarah:
Sarah Bolitho helps fitness and health professionals develop their careers and grow their businesses by providing specialist training in teaching, assessing, and internal quality assurance, together with qualifications in exercise referral and disability.   

With over 30 years in the health-related fitness and physical activity fields, Sarah has a wealth of experience and knowledge.  She has worked in most roles in the industry from group exercise to personal training but specialised in working with specialist populations.  For over 25 years Sarah has trained fitness and health professionals to work with clients with long-term conditions, mental health issues, disabilities, older adults and pre/post-natal women.  She has a post-graduate diploma in exercise and health behaviour and extensive training in supporting behaviour change.  She has worked with awarding organisations to develop qualifications and training and with accreditation bodies to endorse high-quality non-regulated training. 

In her spare time, you will usually find Sarah walking in the mountains, by the sea or anywhere in nature.

For more about the training and support Sarah offers, visit www.sarahbolitho.com or contact her at admin@sarahbolitho.com.

Follow her on social media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabnewlous_active_lives
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fitnesscareer mentor
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbolitho

Transcript

Show Notes: Caroline Bramwell - Triathlete and Stoma Inspirer

Introduction:

• Caroline Bramwell is a pro marketing consultant and a mental health advocate.
• Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis during her second pregnancy, she underwent surgery and now has a permanent stoma.
• Despite the challenges, Caroline became a triathlete, inspiring others with her journey.

Transcript:

• Caroline's journey started with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis while pregnant.
• The disease affected her large intestine, causing significant health issues.
• Living on steroids for four years, she became housebound and struggled with her mental health.
• After losing hope, she decided to undergo surgery and get a permanent stoma.

Caroline's Triathlon Journey:

• Caroline's transition from a sedentary lifestyle to becoming a triathlete was gradual.
• Her motivation came from setting goals and surrounding herself with like-minded people.
• The support of her friends and the joy of achieving goals kept her going.

Embracing the Journey:

• Caroline's first major goal was to complete a charity cycle event from London to Paris.
• She found a love for triathlons and joined a tri club to improve her swimming skills.
• Caroline believes in enjoying the journey and embracing the experience, regardless of the outcome.

Inspiring Others:

• Caroline's journey and perseverance have inspired others to lead active lives.
• She shares her experiences on social media, inspiring her followers to take on challenges.
• As a chairperson of a local tri club, Caroline helps organize triathlons for youngsters.

Triathlon Boxes:

• Caroline started a subscription box service called "Triathlon Boxes."
• The monthly boxes include samples of energy bars, gels, and other triathlon-related items.
• Triathlon Boxes aims to provide athletes with essential products and encourage them to try new things.

Conclusion:

• Caroline Bramwell's journey from dealing with a debilitating disease to becoming a triathlete and mental health advocate is inspiring.
• She proves that setting goals, embracing challenges, and finding a supportive community can lead to significant achievements.
• Through her subscription box service and social media presence, she continues to motivate others to lead active and fulfilling lives.