Olympic silver medallist Jazz Carlin has not had the easiest few months.
Having suffered with an illness before the Commonwealth Games in April, she finished only sixth in the 800m freestyle before withdrawing from the 400m.
When she returned from down under, Carlin threw herself back into training, turning her focus to the open water, but that was not straightforward either.
The event means competitors spending up to two hours in rough seas or chilly lakes, fighting for a slipstream (often coming into contact with a stray, sharp elbow), rivals grabbing your arms and legs, and – according to Carlin – “a few dirty tactics”. It is not a sport for the faint-hearted.
“People think I’m a bit mad switching from the calm of the pool,” says the 27-year-old. “It is tough – I finish a race and I am absolutely wiped out.”
Not only has she had to battle the ocean (and a fear of jellyfish) she has also had to overcome a bout of pneumonia.
“I thought I just had the flu!” she says. “But the doctors sent me to hospital because my heart rate was 130 when I was sat down – for an athlete it’s normally around 40 or 50 so it was a bit of a shock.”
After a three-month recovery process, Carlin is nearly back to full fitness and it is clear she is revelling in it.
“I am now loving training and chasing the boys down,” she says. “I am glad I can say I am going to be in Glasgow and giving it absolutely everything.
“When you have had to overcome a bit of a rollercoaster to get there, you appreciate it a lot more.”
