Triathlons to making waves!

For Alex Sheldon, the waves she has conquered are not limited to the open ocean. As an integral part of Women of Hong Kong, Alex has played an impactful role in supporting the growth of our community and The Women’s Lounge. Although she has remained modest about her achievements, we believe it is only right to share her story. Her journey of resilience, reinvention, and relentless curiosity has inspired countless women to take bold steps toward their own horizons.

A seasoned endurance athlete, Alex has pushed her limits in triathlons, Ironman competitions, and ultra-marathons. After a hip replacement forced her to step back from high-impact sports, she discovered a new passion in ocean rowing. The sport offered her a way to continue challenging herself while being gentler on her body.

“I had to stop running after my hip replacement,” Alex explains, “but I needed to get back to the endurance side of things Ie., I’m slow!. Rowing was the perfect fit. It is physically demanding, but not load-bearing, and it gave me a way to continue doing what I love.”

Since then, Alex has rowed through awe-inspiring moments, overcome extreme conditions, and discovered profound lessons. Her story shows the strength it takes to embrace life’s changes and to chart new courses, even when the destination is uncertain.

The Calm and Freedom of Rowing

For Alex, rowing is more than just a physical challenge. 

“I do not really think about the strength it takes to row,” she says. “It is the freedom, the open water, the open skies, and the sound of the blades in the water. It is incredibly peaceful.”

One unforgettable moment came during a nighttime row from Bangor, Ireland, to just north of Oban, Scotland.

“It was during the 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. shift,” Alex recalls. “The skies were pitch black, the stars were incredibly bright, and there were shooting stars. Everything feels magnified at night. It was magical.”

The Reality of Life at Sea

While moments like these highlight the beauty of ocean rowing, the reality of life on the water is far from glamorous.

“Your bathroom is a bucket on the open deck,” Alex says with a laugh. “It is definitely not luxurious, but you adapt.”

Mental endurance is just as important as physical preparation. On her endurance rows, Alex works with a crew of twelve, with six people rowing at a time in three-hour shifts.

“Sometimes you chat, sometimes there is music that fits the crew’s mood, and other times it is just the sound of the sea and your own thoughts,” she explains. “Our minds are incredibly powerful, and that is what gets you through the toughest stretches.”

Surviving the Turks and Caicos Storm

One of Alex’s most challenging experiences came during her attempt to row from the Turks and Caicos to Miami. On only the second day of a 600 nautical mile expedition We completed about 170, conditions became dangerous.

“The wind built up to between twenty and forty-five knots, and the waves went as high as eight meters,” Alex recalls. “We took on over a tonne of water and could not keep on course. The wind and waves were so strong that we ended up drifting toward Cuba and Haiti. Not ideal for the Americans on board.”

Eventually, the crew had to call for rescue. “It was not a case of thinking we would not make it,” Alex says. “I understood the boat and had complete trust in the captain and co-skipper. But when the first call for rescue goes out at 4:30 p.m., and the first response does not come until 11:30 p.m., time feels very slow and it is dark.”

The team was ultimately rescued and taken to Inagua, a small island in the Bahamas. Although the row did not end as planned, Alex reflects on the experience as a reminder of the ocean’s unpredictability and the importance of preparation.

Memories Made Through Rowing

Through her rowing expeditions, Alex has created lifelong memories and meaningful connections. Two journeys stand out as particularly significant.

“Rowing from Bangor to Oban and Oslo to Gothenburg was special because I did it with my lovely friend Jane,” Alex says. “She is a brilliant teammate and a fellow member of the rowing club in the UK. It was such a good time rowing together even though she has a penchant for bringing her tinned Sardines.”

Another milestone came when Alex persuaded her husband to join her for his first rowing experience. “He had never rowed before,” she says with a laugh. “Talk about a baptism of fire.”

Lessons from the Ocean

Ocean rowing has taught Alex patience, resilience, and the importance of being present in the moment.

“You have got to be fit, not necessarily a great rower, but fit,” she says. “Do not think about how long it is going to take you. Enjoy the moment, which is a lot harder than we think.”

Her earlier experiences with triathlons and running also expanded her perspective on what is possible. “I bought my first pair of running shoes at thirty-two,” Alex explains. “Things like this were not even on my radar back then. But endurance comes with age, so if I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to start younger.”

A Role Model for Her Children

For Alex, one of the most rewarding aspects of her journey is the inspiration it provides to others, especially her children.

“One of my inspirations for doing all this is that it inspires my children, in whatever way, to show that if we put our minds to something, we can achieve it,” she says. “Hard work will always pay off.”

Her message to other women is one of hope and empowerment. “Anyone can do it if they have the support of their family and friends,” Alex says. “It is never too late. We often think it is too hard when you have a family and responsibilities, but there is almost always a way.”

What’s Next, Alex?

Alex responds with a laugh, “Have I not done enough?”

But her plans say otherwise. Alex is determined to finish the Turks and Caicos route without needing rescue, and is hoping to join the HKYC row La Traversee de Paris in September. Alex is also excited about exploring hiking trails across the globe.

Her journey is far from over, and her story continues to inspire others to dream big and embrace the unknown.

“With support, determination, and hard work, you can achieve more than you ever thought possible.”

To learn more about Alex’s work and her upcoming expeditions, visit her website at https://thehomestylist.org. Whether you’re looking for design inspiration or motivation to embrace your next challenge, Alex’s journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to explore new horizons!