The Power of a Compelling Wellbeing Challenge

Photos by Sportcam

Earlier this month I took part in the 25th Windsor triathlon organised by Human Race.

I've done many events over the years but none with quite so many entrants as this - 3000 in total!  Would there be room for us all was my initial concern.

I need not have worried. The previous 24 editions had paved the way for a seamlessly organised race. Well-executed swim starts in waves were followed by a bike route that turned out to have plenty of space for everyone to hurtle along. Then the run was 3 laps around Windsor which wasn't exactly built with major sporting events in mind yet the course didn't feel crowded as it perhaps should have done with this many people making their way past the ever impressive castle.

Photos by Sportcam

Human Race had put me in touch with some writers and bloggers who were entering the event as a means to test themselves with a new challenge. The idea being that I coach them through the process of preparing themselves while balancing their life in the months before race day.

The individuals in the group had entered the event for a variety of reasons. Either they were taking on a triathlon for the first time, or they were attracted by the challenge of a longer distance course than they were used to. One thing they all had in common was the fact that training for the event was not going to be simple within their already packed schedules.

Photos by Sportcam

In the weeks and months leading up to the event I spoke with each of them about how to organise their weekly timetable in an attempt to perfect their approach in all three disciplines of triathlon while at the same time avoiding fatigue, injury, mental exhaustion and metaphorically dropping the ball at work or at home.

The specific challenges for each of the team were different whether it was the fear of diving into the river Thames, the dread of getting out of a wetsuit at speed, the uncertainty of where they should be going on the bike course, the unknown quantity of running 10k after a cold morning plunge and a hot pursuit through the countryside surrounding Windsor, or even just the 4am alarm call to get to the start line on time.  One thing was consistent for all of them however: the event was taking place on June 14th and the date seemed to be approaching at lightning speed.

For some of them, the lows along the way were pretty low. It's not easy training for any sporting event, never mind one that has so many moving parts as a triathlon. Some expected this and others were taken a little by surprise. 

But during all the trials and tribulations of training, the highs and the lows, knowledge of what they needed to do on race day, and when they needed to pull a performance out of the bag, kept them focused and kept them motivated.

And by the end of the process, one thing they all ultimately agreed on was that all the low moments and all the effort paled into insignificance compared to the joy of completing the event and the enormous satisfaction of a job well done.  Yes it was painful but they were unanimous - it was definitely worth it.

Photos by Sportcam

So let's focus on 2 simple lessons from the journey the group went on:
1) If you want to keep your wellbeing on track, no matter how busy life gets, get an event or two in the diary. Always have something to aim for that shapes your training schedule and gives you reason to push on when you're tempted to put your health and fitness on the back burner as other priorities shout louder.

2) If you're going to sign up or an event, make it something worthwhile. A true challenge will give you a greater sense of achievement when you cross the finish line, and teach you so much about yourself and what you're capable of along the way. It really is a case of the more you put into it, the more you'll get out so aim high.

So congratulations again to @keepitsimpElle, @sj_perera, @joannaruck, @GlennMMitchell and the rest of the group.

You can read Joanna's experience of the event here.

Read about Glenn here.

Elle's report is here.

If you feel that picking a specific challenge will focus your wellbeing and performance, you'll find some fantastic events to enter at www.humanrace.co.uk.  I'll look forward to seeing you at the start line!

You might also be interested to read:
Motivation tips from Triathlon: 3 clear steps to fast-track wellness results