It’s been 8 years since I stood on the start line at my first triathlon. That first race got me hooked and since then I have completed countless races and had some amazing experiences along the way. When I started out in this sport, I never expected to achieve as much as I have. Qualifying for Team GB and racing at the European Age Group Championships was a real highlight for me.
But where do I go from there?
I’d been thinking about this for a while and eventually decided that I’m going to take a break from training and racing for the foreseeable future. It might just be for a year or it might be even longer. I’ve completed a lot of my bucket list races and there isn’t anything that particularly inspires me anymore.
Whilst I love the structure and routine of having a training plan, I also enjoy the freedom of doing what I want, when I want.
While I’m taking a break from triathlon, I’ll be pursuing another of my personal goals. Back in 2009, I lost 6 stone (35kg) and that left me with a lot of loose, saggy skin, particularly on my stomach. It’s uncomfortable and effects me both mentally and physically. I’ve wanted to have a tummy tuck to remove this for the past 13 years, but for various reasons I haven’t been able to. This week, I’m finally going for it!
On Thursday 13th October, I’ll be having a standard abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) combined with liposuction and a augmented mastopexy (breast lift with implants). I’m going to Nordesthetics in Lithuania, a leading plastic surgery clinic with an excellent reputation. I’ve thoroughly researched the clinic, spoken to several of their patients, and feel confident that this is the right decision for me.
The recovery will be a slow process, I will need to take it very easy while my incisions heal. For someone who is very active, this is quite a change of pace for me!
What does this mean for my blog and social media?
Paddle Pedal Pace has always been a place for me to document my fitness and triathlon journey. I’ve aimed to make it into a resource for beginner triathletes where I share everything I’ve learned along the way. The focus has now shifted and I’ll be diversifying my content to share my surgery journey. I’m aiming to help reduce the stigma around cosmetic surgery and medical tourism. Obviously that won’t be of interest to everyone, but I want to continue to share my story authentically.
That leaves me to thank the brands who I have been lucky enough to partner with through my blog over the years. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of my dream brands, particuarly adidas who have provided the tracksuits and trainers worn in this post. I’ll be living in these throughout my recovery!
Adidas have also provided a 20% discount code for my readers which is Lucy20
Discount Code Info:
- Valid only for those in the UK
- Valid on the app only- download app here (available on iOS and Google store)
- Valid until 31/12/2022
- Some products may be exempt such as sale items