Powerlifting Beginnings
I embarked on my journey into triathlons in an unexpected way. Unlike most triathletes who typically come from running or cycling backgrounds, I started as a powerlifter, focusing on lifting heavy weights rather than endurance training. After several years of dedication to powerlifting, I set a goal to achieve a 1000lb total in Squat, Bench, and Deadlift. By early 2024, I reached that milestone, which inspired me to seek a new challenge—one that would push me beyond my limits.
Transition to Triathlons
Making the switch to a new sport was intimidating, so I decided I needed a coach that had the experience to take me to the level I desired, that led me to Mike. While I had some cycling experience from completing several Gran Fondos, I was starting from scratch with running and swimming. I felt that Mike’s guidance and vast experience would help me develop the skills I needed. Over the next few months, we focused on consistent training to build my endurance and overall fitness. My progress was steady, and before I knew it, my first race was approaching.
Race Season
I entered the Worthing 10k as a low-stakes way to test my running progress. It was also an opportunity to race alongside my girlfriend, an experienced runner. My target was to finish under an hour, but I managed a time of just over 55 minutes, much faster than I thought I could do. This result gave me the confidence to tackle my first triathlon.
Next up was the East Grinstead Triathlon, which turned out to be a fantastic introduction to the sport. I went in with modest expectations, aiming primarily to gain experience, but I ended up surpassing all my target times. The event was well-organized, and the atmosphere really hooked me on the sport. It confirmed that triathlons were something I wanted to pursue seriously.
A few weeks later, I competed in the Eastbourne Sprint Triathlon, but race day threw me a curveball: the swim was cancelled due to poor weather conditions, turning it into a duathlon with an extra run. While the change was disappointing, it gave me a chance to see how far I could push myself on land, and continuing with the theme of the year so far, I still exceeded the goals I had set for the race. The back-to-back progress felt great, and I was hungry for more.
Setbacks
Unfortunately, after Eastbourne, I hit a rough patch with injuries—knee tendon issues and shin splints that sidelined me for weeks. It was incredibly frustrating, especially when all I wanted to do was train. Mike’s experience was key during this time. He kept me from rushing back too soon and helped me stay focused on recovery, which ultimately allowed me to make it to my primary focus of the year: the Brighton Triathlon.
The Main event
Brighton was my first full-distance Sprint Triathlon. I felt a mix of excitement and nerves leading up to the race, but everything came together on the day. I executed my race plan perfectly, The swim was quick, ending up finishing before some of the heat before me. The bike was even quicker constantly overtaking my fellow competitors and my knees and shins survived the run. I crossed the finish line five minutes shy of the elite category giving me validation that all the effort I had put in over the last year was worth it and there is so much more I can achieve.
The Final Challenge
For my last race of the season, I wanted to push further and entered the Hever Castle ‘Sprint Plus,’ which is close to the Olympic distance. Once again, the swim was cancelled due to unsafe conditions, but this time, as Mike often told me to be, I was prepared for the unexpected. The race was tough, with over 13km of running on a hilly trail run course and a 40km ride through the Kent countryside. I pushed through every signal from my body telling me to stop, It was by far the hardest event I had ever done, both physically and mentally, but finishing it felt like a real accomplishment.
Looking Ahead
With my first season over, I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, but I’m not done. I’m already planning for next year, aiming to build on my progress during the off-season. My sights are set on the elite category and beyond. I want to continue this upwards trend and reach out into the Olympic distance next year, and maybe even GB age group qualifiers.
