WHY did I sign up to tri?!
- Annabel Evans
- Apr 8, 2017
- 3 min read
Realistically, this should have been my first blog post, but it took me a while to really consider my response. Last year I ran a marathon and it was the toughest physical challenge I'd ever done. So why on earth would I enter something just as difficult, with two more disciplines thrown in the mix?!
Firstly, I get bored.
Or more accurately, I get restless. I can't even sit still for long without fidgeting. I need something to focus my energy towards and have an end goal in mind that I can visualise when I'm wondering why the hell I should get out of my comfy bed and do some exercise. After the enduring marathon training and countless Sunday runs around drizzly Manchester, my love for running was dwindling. I completed the marathon in just under 5 hours (4:59 to be precise!) and afterwards, decided to give myself a well deserved break from running.
But, a few months later, that feeling came back.
I joined the gym, focused on my pole fitness and still, the itch was creeping back and I knew I better plan something quickly. My partner, who has been racing in triathlons for the past three years now, suggested I sign up for a triathlon, which I promptly turned down.
Until it got me thinking.
And next thing you know, I've signed up to my local (Salford) Triathlon.
My parents first exposed me to running races, having run over ten marathons between them - and I would dream of following in their footsteps. I've always been impressed by their determination and commitment to training, so it felt natural for me to take this up too. I've woken up at the weekend to find them already returning home from a long morning run. I've seen them suffer injuries and helped prepare all the pasta dinners they needed the night before a race. Most importantly, I've always been there in the crowds cheering them on, even (and especially) in the pouring rain.
I am determined and believe you can do anything you put your mind to. Sometimes all we need is to kick-start the motivation and shrug off the fear of failing. To quote a post from @Tri_community "If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you".
To be honest, I struggled to answer why did I really sign up for a triathlon. It is a scary and daunting thing to train for three disciplines at once, but with support from my family and partner James, a triathlon is definitely achievable. And if I don't push myself to try new so-far-from-my-comfort-zone-I've-forgotten-what-it-looks-like things, then how will I improve as a person?
Running is in my blood, that's for sure. Triathlons are no stranger to me either.
For all of us, the reasons behind competing in events are unique to each and every athlete. It could be to conquer a challenge, raise money for charity or an excuse to commit yourself to an event.
Need inspiration? Check out fitspo quotes from these instagrammers @WhyWeTri or @TriChicks. There are so many inspirational people out there.
Whatever it takes for you to get out and do some god damn exercise, keep hold of that thought and use it all you can to fuel your training. Whatever your reason or motivation, surround yourself with supportive people and you will go far.
Have you signed up for a triathlon or an endurance event? What inspired you? What motivates you to keep up with training? Get in touch and tell me about your story!
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