Yoga instructor and masseuse Laetitia recently competed in the World Iron Man Challenger Hawaii. Being young, and passionate about all thing’s movement, exercise, health and happiness, her aim is to inspire girls and women to push themselves, encouraging them to move out of their comfort zones and try new sports. Here she talks to Gina Long...

What is your connection to East Anglia?

It is home for us. I will always see Suffolk as home. No matter where I end up living. 

What is your East Anglian heaven?

I love being here, close to the sea and the river. There are so many beautiful places to go.

What is your East Anglian hell?

Where are the hills?

What are your favourite East Anglian restaurants?

Our favourite is The Table in Woodbridge and we like all of the Deben Inn pubs, especially The Butt & Oyster.

What’s your favourite East Anglian landmark?

A little random, but the flags on the top of the ‘mound’ by Nacton shores. It's such a good spot for a sunset picnic, also not very well known.

What is always in your fridge?

Chocolate milk and Total yogurt 

What’s your simple philosophy of life?

Be the energy you want to attract.

What’s your favourite film?

Eat Pray Love. I've watched the film and read the book so so many times.

What was your first job?

I was a waitress in a cafe in Burnham-on-Crouch.

How did you train for the Iron Man World Championship?

I was lucky enough to be coached by a professional athlete called Laura Siddall (who placed 10th in the world). My week ranged from 14-20 hours of training, including swimming, cycling, running and S&C sessions. On the weekends I would have longer bike sessions, up to seven hours, which gave me so much time to explore our beautiful county. Also, on longer runs I would always try and run new routes so I could see new places and keep my mind busy from focusing on the sometimes lonely hours of training.

Will you be doing it again?

Simply, no. It was unreal to be there. To line up with potentially some of the fittest women on this planet. I very much feel like I have completed that dream and it’s time to find a new focus and something to work towards and achieve. But, I will do another Iron Man.

What three words describe you?

Determined, kind and stubborn.

What is your most treasured possession?

Inky, my teddy.

Who do you admire most?

My mama, simply the best human. 

What is your biggest indulgence?

Chocolate biscuits dunked in tea, lots.

What do you like about yourself most?

My resilience to never give up.

What’s your worst character trait?

I say sorry a lot. 

Where is your favourite holiday destination?

La Ciotat in France. It’s a gorgeous hidden gem on the south coast between Marseille and Toulon. The coastline is sublime and you can be up exploring in the mountains in moments. There is a small square in the middle of the town, with cafes around the edge and a beautiful church, with a circular water fountain and seating in the middle. There is a gap between the church and a cafe where you can look through and see the water… it's my favourite spot in the whole world. 

Best day of your life?

So far June17, when my now fiancé Dom proposed to me at Covehithe beach. It was magical. 

What’s your favourite breakfast?

Croissants and a cup of coffee in bed!

What’s your hidden talent?

I can wolf whistle.

What’s your earliest memory?

Sitting on the back of dad's bike as he cycled me to school. I thought he did this every day, mum said it happened three times.

Tell us something people don’t know about you?

I speak really quietly because I have unreal hearing.

What’s the worst thing anyone has ever said to you?

‘What’s this’ while pointing at my face, in front of other candidates….because I wasn’t wearing makeup! Harrods, I didn’t take the job. 

What do you want to tell our readers about most?

I would like to give a big shout out to all small independent business owners.  I have yoga classes in Woodbridge in the beautiful Shire Hall and at Hyntle barn. I also do one-to-ones and small group sessions.

I am about to open a massage room in Woodbridge, hence being beyond excited to set up and be based there. 

Breathe deep and be kind to yourself @yoga_with_tish

 

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