MENTAL HEALTH BOOST
I got into triathlon because I needed to do something to control my feelings, anger and depression. I got through each day by talking, exercising and with a support network of friends – my social runs are the highlight of my exercise week! My husband and three kids also do more exercise now, which is good news all round.
Triathlon gives you something that I hadn’t found before; something within me wanted to do something each day rather than sit around and cry. I don’t have the expensive kit nor do I have the speed, but I do have guts and determination.
Two years ago, I couldn’t swim – in my first lesson I cried at the edge of the pool! But I overcame the fear by joining Ripon Triathlon Club, where every Tuesday I’d try to swim a little further each time. I felt a huge buzz when I completed my first ever 2.4-mile lake swim. Yes, it took me 1:45hrs but I completed it and I was hooked.
I finished two half-Ironman distances in 2018 and the feeling you get from the encouragement, the banter, the high-fives makes you feel that you can achieve anything. Joining a tri club, exercising with my friends and having my husband and kids support me means I’m now in a much better place. Yes, I hurt most of the time but my mind is free when I’m exercising. I’m doing my first full iron-distance race in 2019 and I’m so excited to finish with a smile on my face. Some people race to win, which is an amazing achievement, but I exercise to keep my mind and body together. Fiona Sloanes 220 replies: We’re thrilled to hear how triathlon has helped, and continues to help, improve your mental health, Fiona. Your story is incredibly inspirational and will undoubtedly help many who feel the same way you did. Thanks for sharing, and here’s to finishing your first full iron-distance with a smile on your face!
“Some people race to win, which is amazing, but I exercise to keep my mind and body together”