My First Triathlon: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Joy in the Journey

I’ve always enjoyed physical challenges-cycling is my preferred mode of transport, and I’ve participated in several charity events over the years. But when my friend Andrew invited me to take part in my first organised triathlon at Dorney Lake, I knew I was about to face a new kind of test.

Organised by Tesco as part of their charity fundraising efforts, the event took place at Dorney Lake, where the Olympic triathlon had been held in 2012. Even though I didn’t work for Tesco, I was excited to join the event and support the cause. Little did I know that this experience would not only challenge me physically but also inspire me to pursue more of these activities in the future.

Training for the Triathlon: Overcoming My Weakness

Going into the triathlon, I felt confident about two of the three events-running and cycling. Cycling had long been my preferred means of getting around, and running was something I enjoyed, even if I wasn’t great at it. But swimming? That was a different story.

I knew swimming would be my biggest challenge, so I made sure to train for it seriously. I spent time at the local public pool, working on my technique and building my stamina. I quickly learned that swimming is not about brute strength-it’s about technique, about how you move the water past you to propel yourself forward. It was humbling to see senior swimmers gliding effortlessly by while I struggled to maintain form. But it was also a powerful reminder that challenges often teach us the most valuable lessons.

The Event: Triathlon Day at Dorney Lake

Race day arrived, and the energy at Dorney Lake was electric. This was my first organised triathlon, and I could feel the excitement and nerves in the air as everyone prepared to start. Tesco had done an amazing job of setting up the event, and the number of participants showed just how much support there was for their fundraising efforts.

The transitions from swimming to cycling to running were something I found incredibly challenging. This is because I hadn’t actually practiced them. Ever!

while there’s something almost meditative about switching gears, both mentally and physically, as you move from one activity to the next. It is also disorientating because I’d never gone straight from the pool in to a run. I’d gone from the pool to the changing room, via my locker and shower and had then gotten changed before starting a run some time later. But to to do this in a matter of seconds, while catching my breath wasn’t exactly easy. Safe to say that this part of the event, for me, wasn’t about speed or competition-it was about endurance, pacing yourself, and enjoying the experience as a whole. but i loved it.

The Humbling Challenge of Swimming

Swimming, as I anticipated, was my most humbling challenge. Despite all my training, I found myself struggling in the water while others seemed to glide past me with ease. Watching swimmers, some much older than me, gracefully navigate the water was both inspiring and a reminder that every sport has its own learning curve. It wasn’t about how strong I was-it was about technique, something I had yet to fully master.

But I embraced the challenge. I wasn’t there to win-I was there to push myself, raise money for a good cause, and enjoy the camaraderie of the event. But I cant lie, I did enjoy over taking those early leader on my bike.

Building the Foundation for Future Triathlons

While I had initially been nervous about the swim, the overall experience of the triathlon left me wanting more. The sense of accomplishment that came from transitioning between swimming, cycling, and running, combined with the community atmosphere, was something I hadn’t expected to enjoy as much as I did.

In fact, this event planted the seeds for what would eventually become the Gentleman’s Triathlon-a more relaxed version of the triathlon, without the intense competition. The idea was born from the realisation that physical challenges don’t always need to be about pushing your limits; sometimes, they’re about enjoying the journey and doing something meaningful with friends.

Reflections on Charity and Community

One of the most rewarding aspects of the triathlon was knowing that my participation was contributing to a greater cause. Tesco had organised several events to raise substantial sums of money for charity, and although I wasn’t part of the company, I was proud to take part in their efforts. Being part of a community that came together for something bigger than themselves added an extra layer of meaning to the experience. it was more humbling than packing shopper bags or. asking for donations in the store’s entrance.

Through events like these, I’ve learned that fundraising isn’t just about asking for money-it’s about contributing time, effort, and energy to something that matters. Whether you’re swimming, cycling, or running, you’re doing it for more than just yourself. You’re doing it for a cause that has the potential to make a real difference to other people that can do these incredible things as freely as we were able todo today.