Month: Sep 2025

End of the Season Wins

Two fab Saturday’s on the trot!

Last Saturday was Sundowner Triathlon, a particularly local race which we did in relay – the olympic distance. My last swim event of the year – and it wasn’t without it’s issues but nonetheless, it was a grand day out, followed by a pub tea. Win all round really. Saw in the last club member on the race too (never fun being the last one in).

This Saturday (today) has been equally pretty good but for different reasons. You can definitely tell we are heading towards the end of triathlon/duathlon season as there were few club mates out in the rain at park run this morning.

Mission was to run the whole thing and I nearly did – 20/30s of waking on the fourth lap – I probably could have just slowed it down and run it but pace is definitely improving. I cant decide how much I enjoyed it but I can definitely state that I am enjoying knowing I am getting fitter so something, somewhere, is working. Sub 30 might actually happen – its been a while – so taking that as a win!

This week though, I have generally sacked off swimming. I swam Monday night but I know full well that my shoulder needs pounding out as it is so so tight. It’s going to have to wait until payday anyway and now my wetsuit is off away – might knock the swimming down to twice a week. The students are back at the uni pool which means less decent swim opportunities anyway and, well, I need a break in general and to reacquaint myself better with my trainers!

I might be finding my run mojo again, which is slightly concerning!

Unexpected joys

Annual leave – if only there was more of it. I genuinely think I could retire and not be bored. First day of annual leave has been filled, to be honest, with lots of odd jobs and getting caught up on some admin for my own business however, there was one unexpected joy.

I was in two minds about swimming this morning. My shoulder is a bit tender – think it is tightness but a message from a mate made me get up and go. It was the last Monday morning swim at my local lake so I went.

I had the whole lake to myself. Granted, it isn’t the most beautiful lake in Yorkshire however, a member’s swim is only £4 and there is lifeguard support. I’ve lost a bit of pace with my ow swimming in the last few years and 3 laps took longer than it should have but it’ll pan out eventually – I probably need to do some really focused strength work over winter. I did feel a bit guilty having essentially my own personal spotter this morning but what a joy! I am so glad I got up and went. Still think swimming is my favourite way to start a day in all honesty.

Coupled with changing my bedding, feeling productive and some lovely conversations – unexpected joys seem to come in many shapes and sizes.

Looks like I’m swimming OW tomorrow morning too – if only summer was longer. (Although my bank balance is looking forward to me going back to tutoring in the next few weeks!)