I’ve spent the last couple of days debating whether to post this. In some ways, by doing so, I’m being self-congratulatory. I’m saying “Hey, look at me.”
But then in not doing so I feel like I’m not being true to myself. I’m extremely proud of what I’ve accomplished and the fact that the club chose to recognize what I’ve done means a ton to me. And yes, I want people to know (even if it is just a club award).
So here it is:
On Wednesday night at the LETC AGM I was awarded Top Male Athlete of the Year and Most Improved High Performance Male Athlete.
It was quite the surprise (this was the first year the club had decided to do this) and made me reflect on how far I had come. When I started out in this club I was completing olympic distance triathlons in just under 2:50 two and a half years ago. I could just barely survive a 1500 m swim, thought 50 km on the bike was the longest anyone ever rode on a bike and knew how to jog (but not run).
Now I regularly complete 4000 m swims, think 50 km on the bike is nice off season jaunt, and know what it means to run. And I’m staring down a sub 2 hour olympic distance triathlon goal for next season.
The only way you get that kind of improvement is staying dedicated over the long haul. And the only way you stay dedicated over the long haul is by having a club like this. So thanks everyone for the support and motivation to keep doing this.
And now I’m motivated to keep my crowns. I really want to defend the Most Improved award next year because if I earn that one again, I think I’ll be where I want to be. But I think New Kid On The Block Award winner Rob J might just give me a run for my money the way he’s training this winter. Nothing like some good competition to push you.
