Finding joy in the unexpected: Brighton & Hove Triathlon Weekend
When I first booked my place in the Brighton & Hove Triathlon, my intention was clear: challenge myself, try something different, and share the journey with my daughter, who had expressed an interest in giving it a go. However, it did not go to plan, and yet it turned out to be one of the most joyful weekends I’ve had in a long time.
Truth be told, I hadn’t trained for the triathlon. My current focus is firmly on preparing for the Loch Ness Marathon, so swim-bike-run combinations haven’t exactly been on the cards. Nerves overcame us both and we switched to the aquathlon (swim and run) which was scheduled as part of the same event. It felt like the perfect way to still take part, especially because it meant I could do it alongside my daughter.
Then, the weather stepped in. Strong winds meant the swim was cancelled, so our aquathlon suddenly became a simple 5km run. No swim, no complicated transitions, just us, side by side, running together along the seafront.
And what a run it was. My daughter dug deep and crossed the finish line with a PB. I had the privilege of pacing her, encouraging (annoying) her when it got tough, and sharing the moment of triumph at the finish line. The photo captures our delight, hand in hand, and it says everything about the experience that words can’t quite convey.
But the weekend was about so much more than just the run. We volunteered in between events, soaked up the buzzing atmosphere, and laughed our way through the whole experience. It wasn’t the triathlon I signed up for, but it turned into an unforgettable weekend.
There were lessons too:
Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself: you might not always be perfectly prepared, but showing up is often the hardest part.
Eat, drink, and rest properly: skipping on those basics left me with a migraine, and it was a reminder that self-care really matters, especially on big weekends.
Time with loved ones is priceless: sharing the highs, the struggles, and the laughs makes every experience richer.
In the end, the triathlon-that-wasn’t gave me exactly what I needed: connection, joy, and a reminder of why I lace up my trainers in the first place.