Pacing, Progress, And Perspective: Mel’s Mid-Season Check-In

The season started strong – with a standout performance at the Barcelona Marathon. Mel ran a personal best of 3:46, pacing it almost perfectly from start to finish. It was a huge confidence boost, a statement of intent, and the launchpad for everything that followed. Little did she know, that early season effort would lay the groundwork – mentally and physically – for some of her biggest challenges yet.

It’s been a bit of a ride since Barcelona – figuratively and literally. The season so far has had its doubts, surprises, breakthroughs and big learning moments. But above all, it’s had growth. Here’s how things have unfolded so far…

Fred Whitton Challenge 2025

This was the big early season goal, and I knew exactly what I was getting myself into after tackling the Lakeland Loop. It was brutal. So much so, I had to ask myself a hard question: Could I really get round that course? Not just get on the start line, but make the cut-offs and actually complete it?

I grafted through the winter. Proper graft. Focused training, specific prep, no shortcuts. And when race day came – I was there. On the line. Ready.

Of course, imposter syndrome kicked in. One pal made the tough call not to start. Another legend from squad, Sammie, agreed to ride with me. It made all the difference. We had glorious sunshine (OK, some might say too warm, but I loved it). Climb after climb, we soaked up the views, ticked off the checkpoints, stopped to refill water and fuel, and pushed on.

Getting over Hardknott was a massive moment. From there, something clicked. I found energy I didn’t know I had and pushed through to the finish – hand in hand with Sammie, egging the crowds on. I’d made the cut-offs. I felt strong. Tired, yes, but proud. Really proud.

Southport Standard Triathlon

A week later, I was on the start line again – this time for Southport Standard. No expectations, just transition practice and a chance to shake out the Fred legs.

The swim (aka “the duck pond”) wasn’t exactly a highlight, but I got it done. The bike was a classic headwind-out, tailwind-back setup – and with no tri bars (thanks Fred!), I just tried to stay tucked and aero. The run? I forgot my nutrition completely and honestly thought I was going to bonk. Grabbed a single cup of water at 5K and held on.

To my surprise – sub-3 hours! Not far off last year’s time, even with Fred still in the legs and tougher conditions. The big takeaway? I’ve got stronger. It is working.

Lakesman 70.3

If I’m brutally honest, I was a little complacent going into this one. I told myself, “I’ve done Roth — this’ll feel small.” Spoiler: it didn’t.

The swim was … pants. No sugar-coating it. But I got through. The bike? Absolutely loved it. Strong, confident, cruising. Maybe a little too comfortable – I ignored my nutrition alarms and paid for it later. Traffic coming into T2 slowed things up (not a closed road), but no complaints – safety first.

Then came the run. First 5K felt great. Then BAM. I felt horrific. Quick toilet stop … and then my first-ever mid-race vomit. Possibly over-fuelled late in the bike. Lesson learnt.

The second half of the run was a real slog – no idea how I got through it – but somehow, I did. And despite all of that: a huge PB over the 70.3 distance.

I crossed the line feeling deflated but humbled. The numbers were great – but the performance? Not my best. And that’s okay. It reminded me that no matter the course, the training, or the distance – you don’t get to be complacent. Respect the race, every time.

Back to the Water …

With the full-distance looming, I’ve been turning my attention to open water again. After that disappointing swim at Lakesman, I was beating myself up. Two seasons of learning how to swim properly, hours in the pool, real technique gains – so why couldn’t I translate it to open water?

Truth is, open water still scares me. As someone with asthma, breathing is tricky at the best of times – let alone when you’re swallowing lake water and fighting to stay calm. Add in pacing, sighting, nerves, and the fear of bonking mid-swim… it’s a lot.

But I’ve been working on it. Squad sessions, a 1:1, and importantly – some solo swims to confront that inner dialogue. Talking to others. Trusting the process. Trusting myself.

And recently? Something clicked. I stopped worrying about the what ifs and just swam. Warmed up properly. Built through the set. Five race-pace laps on short rest. I swam with control, conviction, energy.

Then – wetsuit off. Into skins. No time like a sunny morning! I eased in, built through the lap – and felt something shift. Strong. Free. For the first time ever, I felt like a real swimmer. I don’t say that lightly.

If you know my swim journey, you’ll know how huge this is. From learning to freestyle as an adult to venturing into open water… to now confidently swimming in skins. It felt like I’d earned my teddy bear badge all over again 😂🐠

What I’m Learning

A good swim starts with a good warm-up. A confident mind. And a community that lifts you up – no competition, just encouragement. That’s what we’ve got. That’s what makes it special.

What’s Next?

Next up – the Windermere 3K swim. Then my A-race: GeordieMan (full-distance!). And to close the season? A little victory lap at the Berlin Marathon.

Let’s go. Watch this space. 🤭

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Coach’s Note

From where I’m standing, this is exactly what progress looks like. Not just the PBs and finish lines – though they’re well earned – but the honesty, the ownership, and the willingness to keep showing up. This mid-season reflection isn’t just a race report; it’s a reminder of how far she’s come in mindset, in resilience, and in belief. And there’s still more to come. Bring on GeordieMan, Berlin, and everything in between.