Mental health wanderer

When I completed the Swiss Alps 100 back in 2024, it was undoubtedly one of the hardest races I've done and all I've done since is reflect on the 36 hours I spent out in the mountains. Going into the event I had plantar fasciitis in both feet caused by intense training for the JOGLE 12 months earlier, I had a pain in my knee from a training exercise which meant every climb was painful and I also suffered from altitude sickness.

I set myself up in the wrong way for what is an undeniably tough event and instead of resting I completed 3 ultramarathons in the 6 weeks leading up to the event. Truth be told running 600 miles from Scotland battered my body and it took a long time to recover, I only went on to complete the Swiss Alps out of sheer stubbornness and willpower.

This year I'm going back and things are different, I'm recovering well from last week and I'm happy with how my body is performing, so that's why I've decided to change a few things round and instead of completing event after event I'll solely focus on training. I was supposed to be heading to North Wales this weekend for a 50 mile event, but I've swallowed my ego and postponed it.

This 100 miler in August isn't going to tear into my soul again, so if I have to sacrifice certain things then I will. Because sometimes the smartest thing you can do is listen to what your mind is saying and prepare for what's to come.

"Life becomes clearer when you spend less time listening to everyone else and more time listening to yourself."

It's hard to put into words, but on Sunday I experienced the most epic moment of my life.

Because as I reached the top of Llanberis Pass, the road ahead was completely clear, there was no traffic, no noise and no distractions. It was just me, my bike, and the biggest descent I've ever faced. I had been looking forward to this for the past few weeks and when the time came I knew I had two choices, take my time or absolutely go for it and enjoy every second.

The chances I'll ever do this again are slim so I peddled and peddled until I couldn't go any faster, I sat back and it felt like I was flying around the bends, my eyes started to feel funny and I gave out the biggest emotional scream ever, I hit a point where I was undeniably happy, just like a child with no cares.

I knew the risks but at that moment in time nothing else mattered, I was in my element.

I can't express what I felt, but it was an epic moment and when I reached the bottom I'm not sure if my eyes where watering from the wind or if I was overwhelmed with happiness, but I do know it's these moments I spend my days searching for.

It makes me smile thinking about it, and thats what its all about, not the times, distances or positions but the moments I'll look back on one day and think that was living life to the fullest.

"For a few minutes on that descent, there was no past, no future, just pure freedom."

This is the perfect photo to some up my race report, because out of everything it was the lake which made me nervous the most:

𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗺

With only 34 people entering the water the pressure was already on, but I started off strong and maintained my pace, then I looked around and I was on my own being followed by a kayak and a paddleboard. I thought I was the last swimmer for the whole of the second lap, but instead of worrying I stayed consistent and finished strong beating my Ironman time. Leaving the water I was freezing and my legs wouldn't work I kept falling over, trudging my way through the mud trying to get to the side of the lake. The lake being overlooked by the quarry was breathtaking and intimidating!

𝗕𝗶𝗸𝗲

I took my time in transition, warmed up and prepped myself for the 190km. I got on the bike and felt strong, the first lap I completed in 4 hours and 26 minutes and the second 95km lap in 4 hours and 34 minutes, my plan and pacing was spot on, but due to the extra 10km on the bike I slipped behind my cut off for the mountain. The route was incredible, steep climbs and insane views of the Snowdonia ridgeline. I had to push hard because cycling is not my strong point, so that's what I did and even though on occasions I wanted to stop and push up the hills I didn't give up!

𝗥𝘂𝗻

This is when I came alive, I knew I was only on for Llechan Finish, so I pushed hard around the quarry, ran every climb and just didn't stop running, overtaking around 11 people to pull back a strong finish. I felt so good I didn't want to stop, I was gutted I missed the Snowdon cutoff but I'm pleased with the result.

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹

I gave everything I could on Sunday, Triathlons push me out of my comfort zone and this event ticked all the boxes. It was tough, breathtaking and immensely thrilling!

We don't do things that are easy, because then we'd never learn our full potential.

Whilst I'm still coming down from a very big high yesterday, I just want to share something I've been thinking about today. I was told over a decade ago I'd never make anything of myself, then I was told I'd never make it in the military and when I ran 200 miles down Offa’s d**e people said it was a fluke, then I went on to complete Ironman after being told quietly I'd never complete it because I couldn't swim.

People's opinions can really hurt if you let them, but if you use their negative thoughts has fuel then there are no limits to what you can achieve.

If I had listened to them, I wouldn't be where I am today...Just believe in yourself.

I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone for your support, comments and messages.

And to the people who doubted me, thank you too.

For those who can't ❤️

1st Place Llechan Finisher 🏅

So happy and pleased with today, worked hard from the moment I entered the water, I missed the cut off for Snowdon but gave it everything on the run to walk away with this result.

Absolutely wrecked, but couldn't be prouder!!

Thanks for all the support!!

Always believe in yourself!

For my girls ❤️

"You don't have to be fearless. You just have to keep moving forward despite the fear."

It's go time!

Link to track and donate below:

https://linktr.ee/mentalhealthwanderer

We all need inspiration and you have always been mine, through the good times, bad times and the moments I wanted to give up. I've felt you pushing me forward every single time and it goes without saying that even though many years have passed I'll always remember what you said to me and I hope your proud.

If you find something that motivates you, hold on to it, use it and don't let it go to waste. Because these moments are priceless and can help you achieve incredible things 💙

Thank you all for the support!!