I have returned to blogging with a forage into what is arguably the scariest part of a triathlon – the swim. Everyone is at least a little bit worried about the swim, and these fears are only heightened if you are a newcomer to the sport. Triathlon is about doing hard things and challenging yourself, …
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Life isn’t fair
Last weekend I had the incredible privilege of competing as an U23 elite at the South African Olympic distance triathlon championships held in Durban. The race would comprise of a 1.1km sea swim (shortened from 1.5km because of rough conditions), a 40km cycle finished off with a 10km run. This was my first race at …
Triathlon life lessons
Just the other day I had a serious existential crisis. I am not usually prone to such crises, but as I near the end of my university career, I need to start thinking about my future (it is a scary thought, which is why I have procrastinated thinking about it). Anyway, I realized that triathlon …
Behind the tri(suit): what being a triathlete is really like
The life of a triathlete is full of glitz and glamour – adoring fans, huge prize purses and shiny equipment (alright, I might have made some of that up). In truth the life of a triathlete is a strange existence with all sorts of perks and quirks, many of which are truly unexpected. Case in …
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Do things that scare you
Almost a year ago to the day I was on the start line of a race which terrified me – the infamous Double Century. The race consists of a 202km loop starting and finishing in Swellendam, in the Western Cape and is done in a team time trial format (i.e. you start with 12 team …
The training reality
Training for a triathlon is tough. There are usually multiple sessions during the week when I question the sanity of my coach. Times when I wonder how on earth I am going to complete the prescribed workout. Other days the conditions force me back into bed: the wet, the cold, the wind, the dark. Triathlon …
Be prepared
One of the reasons I am most excited about this blog series is that I am given an opportunity to tell my stories. While there are countless ones to be told, today’s stories will focus on the age old saying: “be prepared.” Unfortunately it is only after many instances of being unprepared that I’ve come …
Dealing with an injury
It is with some excitement and a great deal of surprise I find myself writing the second instalment of my blog series. While I thoroughly enjoyed putting the first piece together I really wasn’t sure anyone would be interested in another. Fortunately I have this opportunity, and I really hope you enjoy what follows. Once …
Slow down and smell the fynbos
I’ve decided to give writing a try. Not because I’m full of great advice but rather sharing some of my experiences with others who might be feeling similar. I am still not completely sure anyone will read this, but if you do, please let me know what you think. I would really appreciate that Before …
Mike Ross 