They say that you’re a product of your environment, so surround yourself with the best.
It’s easy to say a celebrity or a sports personality is your idol. This is great, I have idols and famous athletes I look up to. However what I believe really makes a difference is the support network you have, along with the type of people you surround yourself with.
I am lucky enough to personally know and train with some amazing athletes who have completed multiple Ironman races to GB age group athletes who race with the best in the world. I even have inspirational friends outside of my sporting groups who cycle amazing courses, including one who has just completed Lands End to John o’Groats in 9 days. Now all these accomplishments are incredible and these people inspire me to push myself, but so do all the people pushing themselves to make a difference to their lives on a smaller scale. This can be the people learning to swim or training for their first 5 km race.
I was lucky enough to help organise some Go Tri events last year, these are taster events for people wanting to try multisports. Watching people’s faces as they complete a race will inspire anyone. It’s all about surrounding yourself with the right people and taking that leap of faith. You can do a Parkrun, a Go Tri or even learn to swim, whatever you decide. Decide, sign up and then join a club or find other like minded people who can become your support network and you theirs. You don’t have to be an Ironman or do 52 middle distance triathlons to inspire people. Our children are also products of their environment, so let’s inspire them by making a change.
We all need help from time to time, so let’s support each other’s goals.
