Gumbies Ambassador Series: Louella O’Herlihy on Racing, Recovery & Representing GB
Meet Louella O’Herlihy: GB Age-Group Triathlete, Coach & Recovery Advocate
Fresh off a podium finish at Ironman 70.3 Swansea — where she took 2nd place in the F55–59 category and secured a spot at the 2026 World Championships — Louella Race O’Herlihy is no stranger to racing at the highest level. Since taking up triathlon at the age of 43 in 2012, her journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From her local club in Bournemouth to world championship podiums, Louella’s dedication to endurance sport — and now to coaching others — is both inspiring and grounded in wisdom earned from experience.
From Rugby to Kona: A Triathlon Journey
Louella’s sporting life began with rugby, where she spent 18 years before turning to running in 2007 — completing her first marathon in Washington, DC. After falling in love with the endurance world, she joined ZoomTri Bournemouth and quickly found success in the triathlon world. By 2014, she had earned a GB Age-Group slot and has since represented Great Britain 14 times, earning multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals — including a gold at the 2019 Long Distance World Championships.
“I’m super excited to be putting on the GB trisuit again this September,” she shares, referring to her upcoming race at the Long Course Duathlon World Championships in Zofingen, Switzerland.
Coaching with Purpose
In 2022, Louella began coaching with Total Tri Training. She’s since worked with a wide range of athletes — from Park Run first-timers to Ironman finishers and even ultra-trail runners.
“What I love most is helping people achieve their goals, steering them away from the mistakes I made,” she says. “It’s about building strong relationships and driving them to reach their best potential.”
Recovery: The Unsung Hero of Endurance Sport
For Louella, recovery is a non-negotiable. “Without good recovery strategies, all the hard training doesn’t get absorbed,” she explains. “Sometimes, rest is best.”
Her post-training recovery includes immediate hydration, protein intake, stretching, compression, and – crucially – comfortable footwear. “I have bunions, and now, being post-menopausal, everything hurts more — comfort is a must.”
Discovering the Gumbies Spasole Slides
Comfort and practicality led Louella to the Gumbies Spasole slides — and they’ve quickly become a staple in her kit.
“My first impression? Immediate relief and cushioning for overworked feet — wonderful,” she says. “I wear them around the house, after training, and recently even wore them through race weekend in Swansea — to registration, transition, post-race and even on the podium.”
After a hot and demanding 70.3, the slides were “very welcome.” “They felt cool, soft underfoot and like a mini-massage — perfect for all the walking I had to do after the race.”
Why Recovery Footwear Matters
“Triathletes’ feet take a beating,” Louella explains. “They get soft from swimming, ache on the bike, and blister during long runs. Good foot care is essential — moisturise, trim nails, and wear supportive footwear. Don’t rely on old trainers when you’re trying to recover.”
She encourages athletes to take recovery seriously. “Your feet are what carry you through training and racing — treat them well.”
Would she recommend Spasoles to her clients? “Absolutely. They're well-priced and they work.”
Balancing Training, Coaching & Life
As a practitioner of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture with a background in physiotherapy, Louella structures her work life to support her training and her athletes. “I’m lucky to have such a great work-life balance. I can train, rest and coach in a rhythm that works for me.”
Looking Ahead
Louella’s next challenge? A gruelling 10K run, 150K bike, and 30K run in Zofingen, Switzerland, for the World Long Distance Duathlon Championships. “And being in Switzerland,” she adds with a smile, “there’s going to be a lot of elevation.”
Follow Louella’s journey on Instagram: @louella_race_oherlihy
Explore the recovery she trusts: Gumbies Spasole Slides
