It’s been a while since I’ve written a personal blog post. Lots has been going on recently, so I thought I’d share a life update…
Team GB Age Group Qualification
One of my most exciting pieces of news is that I’ve qualified to represent Great Britain at the European Age Group Championships in Austria next June! That’s not a sentence I’d ever thought I’d be writing! I’m going to be racing in the middle-distance Aquabike, which is basically a half-iron distance triathlon without the run. Already imposter syndrome is creeping in as I’m doubting my ability to race alongside some of the best athletes in Europe, but it’s going to be an amazing opportunity. I might write a post about the qualification process if anyone would be interested?
Redundancy and New Job
Towards the end of October, I found out I was being made redundant from my role at everywoman. It came as a bit of a shock, but I tried to look at the situation positively and use it as a chance to find an even better opportunity. I threw myself into job hunting and after a few weeks of interviews, I had two offers. I started my new role in marketing at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society last week, it’s early days yet but so far I’m really enjoying it.
Havering Tri Awards Night
My favourite night of the year is the Havering Tri Awards Night. It’s always fun to get dressed up and celebrate the achievements of my clubmates at the end of the season. This year, I was delighted (and surprised) to win the Most Improved Runner Award, which was presented by pro triathlete Lucy Charles. I’ve worked really hard on my running this year, so it’s great to have that recognised by our club coaches. As Club Captain, I also got to choose and announce the winner of the Male Triathlete of the Year Award, which was a tough decision but went to a well-deserving winner.
Off-Season Training
Now that we are in the off-season, I’ve taken a break from coaching and I’ve just been keeping my fitness ticking over. I’ve set myself some mini-challenges like trying to complete all the Sufferfest videos which I haven’t previously done. I’m excited to start back with my coach in January and start building towards my A-Races in the summer. It’s been great having a break, but I miss that structure and routine.
Blogging
Sometimes I feel like I’ve lost my way a bit with blogging. I’ve been writing this blog for over 6 years now and it’s got to the point where I lack inspiration on what to write about- I feel like I’ve covered everything! Blogging has changed a lot since I started in 2013, and it’s a lot more about Instagram influencers and follower numbers these days. Does anyone still read blogs or is it all about Instagram now? I’m reluctant to close down Paddle Pedal Pace as it’s been a big part of my life and I do want to share my journey to the European Champs, but I have become disillusioned with blogging recently.
I think that’s about everything… tell me, what’s new with you?
Well done for qualifying- that’s amazing! Hearing about that would be very interesting too.
Thank you! I’ll do a post on that.
I read blogs. it’s nice to ‘sit down’ and read something which isn’t just images
Dude that is AMAZING news well done!!! I’d love a blog on the qualification process. How exciting! Well done on the new job too, sounds like something good came out of an unexpected change. You’re right, blogging has definitely changed but there is still a place for the actual blogs over just Insta! Don’t close yours down. I’m having the same issue with mine although it’s more a lack of time and RSI issues preventing me from writing than anything else. Big up the old school crew
Big up the old school crew! Thank you! I’ll do a post on the qualification process.
Thanks for the life updates!
You should definitely keep up with the blog because if you think about it … in a few years or say 10 years it will be nice to look back at all of your races, travels, and day to day life posts!
I do have to ask how your training has been impacted by your new job (if at all)??
Hi Lindsay, thank you. At the moment I’m not following a training plan as it’s the off-season so my new job hasn’t effected it, however my working hours are less and commute is shorter, so it should allow me for time for training (once I start back properly in January). Plus we have pilates classes in the office and a run club!