Pentathlon sept 2016

Today I have completed a Pentathlon organised by my military unit. I used to compete in triathlon a few years ago but decided I would leave it behind. I had many excuses but the main reason was that I was driven by my competitive streak so much that I let it take over my life. I would spend hours researching new training regimes, the best nutrition and spend hours training which would put stress on my relationships. Now if that was my passion I would of continued to focus my time on it but it wasn't. I was doing it because the person in my life at the time was. I do love to push myself and test my physical and mental strength but to obsess over something which I wasn't enjoying was not good for me personally. So today I was faced with a 400m swim-6.5 mile run- 32 mile cycle - 100m shoot- 5 miles orienteering event. I was so excited which wasn't my usual feeling, I remember feeling stressed and anxious because of expectations I put on myself. Today was just me doing it for myself. I knew it would hurt but this was because I wouldn't give up at the first sign of fatigue. I think the main thing is to enjoy yourself as much as possible, smile and encourage people around you. I was faced with a negative attack as soon as I left my block this morning, someone complaining about the event and their participation. I smiled and said you can only do your best and politely walked off. That type of energy is not what you need. At the end of the day you choose to do it! No one is forcing you. So either do it or don't.

The event went well considering the heat pounding down on us. I used my breathing to push me through the hard times imagining gaining energy on the inhale and exhaling the pain. It's kind of like a hard core yoga session. Below I've shared my packing list which may help you if you've got a multi sport event coming up. Why do we choose to do it ? Personally it's for myself and to push myself out of my comfort zone and test my mental and physical strength and also to motivate other people. If you find your doing it for acceptance or somebody else's dream maybe you need to rethink your reasons. Once you find yourself accepting it is your own decision you will enjoy it more.

Packing list

Tri-suit

Race belt

Watch

Swim : wetsuit- goggles - swim cap- Vaseline

Run: socks- trainers- sunglasses - hat

Bike: road bike-cycling shoes- water bottle- nutrition- helmet

Nutrition: I made vegan energy balls please see my Instagram for recipe ( dbyoga363)

High 5 energy gels

SIS electrolyte tabs

Good luck you'll find what works for you but this is a simple packing list which will help you through your first few before you find your own way.

Love D x