How Have You Grown This Year?

How Have You Grown This Year?

As we near the end of the year, I asked many of our athletes to look back on 2024 and identify one or more things they accomplished that they didn’t think was possible (or hadn’t done before) this time last year.

When I asked the question, I was thinking:

• A race performance
• Improving training times
• Conquering bigger distances
• Mindset
• Maybe even something in their personal life

We had a great response!

I Now Know I Can Achieve More Than I Think!

“For me this year has all been about the growth of my mindset.

This year I come to the realisation that I can achieve much more than I ever thought possible.

The biggest mindset growth was recognising that I can do an Ironman and I can conquer anything it throws at me.”

Becoming A Steady & Controlled Swimmer

“Without doubt my swim at Bolton 70.3. Was it fast? No. But for me to swim it in 42 minutes, in a steady controlled way, was not something I expected.”

Given Me Belief!

“I have changed as a person massively on my journey, the lifestyle and the plan has given me the belief that I could just wake up on any given morning and have no problem completing a Sprint distance triathlon, ride 50 miles on my bike or swim 3000 metres.”

Embracing The Easy

“Mindset has certainly changed since this time last year – where I was almost annoyed when I wasn’t shattered after a session “what’s the point in that” was often uttered after an easy bike session – something that has developed into my runs. Taking it a lot easier has made it a lot more enjoyable rather than being on the edge of wanting to stop during every single run!”

Learning To Love The Journey

“Appreciating the consistency is huge as well – building those blocks, it almost became an obsession getting in the sessions and not to mention what it does for mental health – having that hour to yourself and your thoughts (especially when you work from home!) often I resolve a work related problem whilst on the turbo or out for a run!”

Changing My Whole Lifestyle

“I want to get there but this journey has made me reflect on everything in my life, there’s no other way I believe and all the small things and lifestyle habits have had to change, not only physically but mentally.”

Understanding What It Takes

“By the time I stand on the start line of my first Ironman I will have peeled off so many layers of resistance. I will have shed my skin and I will be ready when the day comes.”

Finding My People!

“Firstly, finding Triathlon Swim Squad has been probably my biggest achievement. The sense of belonging and cheering each other on has genuinely pushed me.”

I’m A Different Person

“This year …

• I’ve taken part in my first Sprint Triathlon
• Improved my performance in all three disciplines 
• Achieved consistency in working out for the first time in decades
• Improved my overall fitness and health, weight loss, stamina etc
• Overall found myself being more present, not just in training session but my family too.”

Learning To Trust!

“Lots of growth in 2024! Realising that it’s all about consistency over time rather than heroic sessions, leaning in and trusting the process.”

A More Mindful, Sustainable Contentment

“My favourite realisation from 2024 came from a chat with another swimmer in the car after one of the December sessions. She was saying she’s still not having the same ‘high’ after a swim as she has after a run. I thought about it a lot. I like the ‘runner’s high’ but it’s a kinda’ short and sharp feeling that disappears. In the middle of my swimming block I realised that swimming doesn’t give me the intense high but a solid, lasting contentment – much more mindful, sustainable feeling that you kinda’ have to work for 😉 so thank you for a lot of contentment this year!”

Knowing What Enough Looks Like

“Major self-doubt before my first Ironman. Had I done enough? It all comes down to consistency, trusting the process and planning, this I was very unsure of. Had I done enough? Was I prepped? But after the event, realising I had definitely done all those things.”

I Faced My Fears

“Across the Mersey swim – from an unconfident swimmer all my life, with no swim background, never ever did I think I’d cross such iconic waters. This year I faced my fears, with amazing squad mates and wow, it was tough, a mental battle but I dug deep and done it.”

Knowing What I Want For Me

“Personally, understanding work-life balance is everything, I love my job – don’t get me wrong – but there is sooooo much more to life than work. I withdrew my application for a promotion in work. I have never done this before but you know what, it felt good, I  knew the timing wasn’t right, I’m young, I’m thriving in many aspects of my life, and despite this potentially accelerating my career, my athletic & home life would have suffered which for me, took a lot of hard decision making. I will still get to develop in my career whilst working on my athletic goals and being there for family and friends. This means more than reaching for the top in my work right now.”

A Better Lifestyle Has Given Me The Confidence To Set Big Goals

“As you know I started with no background in triathlon or each of the disciplines. I’m really pleased with the progress I have made this year which lead me to a few great races. All with times I did not think I was capable of. Based on those results, building through the distances has given me the courage (and belief) that I can complete an Ironman. I’ve surrounded myself with good people, a great coach and live my life differently, now, for the better. Sometimes it’s hard to get out there and train, life crops up, but I’m finding consistency is key. Loving it. Here’s to 2025.

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A lot of growth from our athletes this year! Do you recognise yourself in any of the comments above?

If you haven’t already, have a think about your year and think about how you have grown this year.

How Have You Grown This Year?

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