Thanks to My Family

It's been 5 months now since I started training. It seems like forever and it has become a big part of who I am. A large chunk of my day is spent either thinking about training, reading relevant material or actually doing the physical hard work.

And as it has consumed me, so it has also become a central part in the lives of those with whom I spend the majority of my time: my family. They probably didn't know what they were letting themselves in for, but my triathlon challenge has impacted their lives in a big way too.

I am sure at times they are fed up with it all. But their constant support and encouragement has been amazing. Shona and Sophie have kept an interest in what I am doing that is hard to comprehend. They always are keen to know how my run was, how did the swim go, or how far did I go on the bike. Thank you both - and you too Sam, even though you don't know what's going on!

Apart from the much appreciated emotional support, there's also the practical side of things too. Shona has been great at keeping me supplied with washed kit. No matter what, I can pretty much be certain that there will be clean running/bike/swim gear whenever I need it. Thank you Shona.

One thing that is special about us is that we can pretty much laugh about anything. Again, a big thank you to my family for their sense of humour. From laughing at my first attempt to get into the very tight wetsuit, to finding the funny side of some of my running accessories, to driving alongside me in the car with the windows down while I struggled up a hill on my bike, they have kept smiling and kept me smiling too. Thank you!

I know that I couldn't have gotten this far without my little family. They have put up with me when I've been grumpy and sore, when I've got up early and woken them up, when I've gone out training instead of sitting chatting. For the sacrifices you have all made: thank you!

You deserve as much credit, if not more, for coming through your first triathlon too. You are very special people! And I love you!! :)