IWD 2020: How a manicure helps this triathlete to complete the toughest of races

Scratch puts the spotlight on inspiring & successful women in the run up to International Women’s Day, 8 March…

Claire-Shea Simonds

Claire-Shea Simonds has been a competitive swimmer and runner since the age of eight, however from 11 years old she began to complete swimming and running with other sports to become a multi-sport athlete. At 14, Claire learned of the Ironman Triathlon, which combines 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of cycling and a marathon. Fast forward almost 30 years and Claire has competed in 14 Ironman Triathlons and made three appearances at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.

“Roxy Haynes, of Nails by Roxy Haynes, has been doing my nails for years and has actually become a big part of my race preparation,” says Claire. “Athletes are often very ritual in their preparation and having my nails done has become part of my preparation for important events. Ironman is not a glamorous sport (spending up to 10 hours covered in sweat and snot – and worse – in what is considered to be one of the toughest single-day sports covering 140.6 miles) but having beautiful nails brings a mental lift during races. I can often see my nails on the tribe’s and through the toughest part of the race; the littlest things can lift your spirits. I often can’t resist coordinating my nails with my race suit or theming them.”

“Having beautiful nails brings a mental lift during races. I can often see my nails on the tribe’s and through the toughest parts of the race; the littlest things can lift your spirits,” – Claire-Shea Simonds. 

Roxy Haynes has perfected a fully tailored manicure and pedicure treatment to optimise Claire’s performance in triathlons and other races. “It’s really important for us to look after Claire’s feet, as

Roxy Haynes

well as her hands, as her feet carry all of the weight of her body while running,” says Roxy. “They go through a lot while she competes and trains so she has regular pedicures to keep her feet in good condition. I also carry out an extra long soak with a vibration massage in my foot spa.

“Claire only has five toenails in total across both feet due to competing in the races over such a long period of time. They have never grown back so I don’t paint the remaining ones, I simply maintain them and apply cuticle oil.

“I always keep Claire’s fingernails short and file them to a squared shape. Claire has a CND Shellac manicure every two weeks and before a race I use Lecenté Smooth It! as a base layer to provide extra strength. Claire also takes a little bottle of CND SolarOil with her wherever she goes – or so she tells me! She is very adventurous with her nail designs and we always coordinate her team colours and her bike into the looks for her races. I like to think her nails give her luck and help her to win the race – she always gets compliments from fellow competitors, too!”

Take a look at Roxy’s nail work at Nails by Roxy Haynes.