Jersey Triathlon 2018

I feel triumphant, proud and privileged to have taken part in this year’s Jersey Sprint Triathlon - not only that, but honoured to do it alongside my Mum.

Started in tears & Ended in smiles!

As I begin to write this post, I still feel that same sense of satisfaction.

In one sense, a Triathlon is just over complicating sport and mixing 3 different types together. But, the bit that resonates with me is the battle. These kind of endurance events can send you slightly loopy! There’s a voice in your head telling you what to do (and most of the time its telling you to stop) and then there’s another part of you, this urge, that’s fighting back. Throughout this battle, the voice in your head and the urge are in constant conflict and finishing feels good because it means that the urge, that good, hopeful, better part of you has won.

If you have ever taken part in an event that’s challenged you physically, whether that be a walk/run/cycle or swimming race, then I’m sure you'll appreciate that feeling of pride and self-worth that shivers through your body when you cross that finish line. The best part is you don’t just feel the rush the first time you do it, that feeling comes back every time you reach a new distance, beat your previous time or simply just make it to the end of whatever your challenge may be. There is no greater feeling that realising that you just did something that you previously did not believe was possible.

Someone once told me 'impossible is nothing' - something else that resonates with me. Our mind can take us to weird and wonderful places, and it’s during these challenges that you realise most. Struggling physically is one thing, but more often than not, it’s all in your head - mentally you are exhausted by the end of a race.

I, like some of you, always thought those people that wanted to get up at a ridiculous hour on a Sunday morning to take part in a physical challenge and put their body through hell were crazy. Actually, a part of me still thinks that. But I now appreciate as to why. Not only is it getting up for the challenge, it’s the preparation that goes into it that makes it even more special and memorable.

My Mum wrote a few words to describe our experience at the Jersey Triathlon -

"Having always had a passion for active outdoor pursuits, the opportunity to do them with my children is an added bonus. Lucy and I have trained over the last 6 months in preparation for this, and been able to support one another, & conquer anxieties together. Having a structure and plan is a great way to tackle the challenge of pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, and recognising between you your range of strengths & weaknesses, enhances mutual respect and encouragement.  We laughed a lot, & we almost cried, especially when the thunder broke & the heavens opened literally 5 minutes before the start. But, bail or fail was not an option, we weren’t going to let each other down.  Lucy only took to competitive swimming & cycling very recently and her progress has been exceptional. Although I may have had more years of swimming (splashing around) & cycling (pootling around), they have only recently been of the competitive kind. Our aim was to complete the course, & enjoy it, which we both did, Lucy in 2 hours 10, and me in 2 hours 15. Seeing her up ahead on the bike, & high fiving her on the run gave me a huge feeling of pride & listening to her account of the event could have been all my own words! "

Dad - absolute rock and our biggest fan. Your support means the world.

The amount of time and effort that goes into these events is unimaginable - my friends think I'm mad (maybe I am slightly!), but once you do it, you appreciate why you put yourself through it all. I'm a true believer that life is all about balance, so I’ll leave it there - I'm off to Hossegor this weekend, it's been crazy busy year so far so it’s time for some much need R&R with some very special people.

Huge thanks to Mourant for making this experience possible, supporting my mother & I, and encouraging a healthy & active lifestyle across generations.

Also, if it wasn't for all the volunteers that give up their own time to help, events like these wouldn't be possible. So, my thanks are also to those who help in the organisation and running of the event on a whole, particularly given the conditions were less than ideal! Not only that but thanks to my Dad for the endless support with all of these events - from dropping my things to work allowing me to get some cycling training in, gard boating my sea swims and just being there when we need you most. We are so lucky to have you - not a day goes by where I don't appreciate all you do.

If you've bothered to read this lengthy post, I urge you to challenge yourself. Sign up for an event, push yourself outside of your comfort zone and try something new. Although the physical payoffs of doing so are thrilling, the mental reward is even greater - these experiences are purely timeless. The mental edge you'll develop by becoming an athlete will never fade.