It is a new year and a time for some new challenges.  This year I have set myself some big goals and one of them is to perform, enjoy and do well in my first triathlon. Triathlon! What! You're kidding me!...sorry, was that your subconscious or mine speaking out loud?

So why you ask would I put myself through such pain and agony, when balance, love and happiness is much more important?  Good question and one I ask myself every morning at 5am before heading off to a training session.   The answer though is simple.  It is about a new experience.

To experience we must participate, and to participate sometimes means challenging ourselves and moving out of our comfort zone.  My comfort zone has clearly been very close to the ground, and so cycling has been a great challenge.  Grasping the whole 'gear' thing, and being clipped into the pedals is like learning a whole new language, and now learning to get in and out of my shoes whilst in motion, well, let's just say it is very interesting.

Whilst I am becoming very close friends with the swimming pool, my bike (the ground) and running shoes, balance is always in the back of mind.  It is constantly reminding me that there are other parts of my life which I must still nurture and put my attention to, because lets face it, my bike is certainly not going to keep me warm at night regardless of how spunky I think it is.

So one of my other challenges is to maintain and nurture all other aspects of my life.  This one I welcome with open arms.  I love it!!  Sometimes I'm not so great at it, however, I always admire it and never take it for granted.  So hence, last week I spent some time with my family at the coast, enjoyed some leisure time with my partner, shared some laughter with friends, indulged in a facial and got inspired by my greatest teachers - my clients.  All that and I still managed to swim, cycle and run.  What a fantastic honour and pleasure to live, experience and participate in all that life has to offer.

So I'm off now to gain more inspiration and insight.  Sshhhh, don't tell anyone, but I am secretly loving this triathlon experience.  I can't wait to sip latte in my lycra tomorrow morning at Park Road.  Maybe I'll see you there.