Remembering the race day buzz

One of our founders, Jacob, recently decided to take on Always Aim High Event’s Legend series. 3 of the toughest and most spectacular triathlons in the UK. The series starts with the Slateman in June, followed by the Snowman in August and finishes with the Sandman in mid-September. Having not entered a race since the pandemic it was a bit of a surprise to all of us that he decided to take part. Here's some of his thoughts on how he reignited his love of race day.

It’s easy to forget what you’re missing out on.

I used to race a lot. A keen amateur triathlete planning most of my year around which events I was doing. I even had a coach. He was often let down by my lack of talent but never my lack of commitment. Since the pandemic, remember that… I’ve not made it to a single start line. There was no big decision behind it. I just, sort of, stopped doing races. My love of running and cycling didn’t change. I just became one of the many people who fell out of the habit of racing and joined the majority of exercisers who don’t take part in events.

Thinking about it, perhaps I was ready not to be guided by times. Not to have a black and white notion of success or failure. To run for the joy of it. I also moved to Girona in the heart of northern Spain. Spending my time running on the trails and riding in the mountains was more than enough to keep me getting out there. I certainly never felt I was missing racing.

I was happily doing my thing when a couple of months ago some friends asked me to join them at the Barcelona half marathon. After a little bit of persuasion, I gave in and agreed. I wasn’t sure about it. Was I ready to train for an event? Would running for a specific goal take away from the joy of just being out there?

My worries were not justified. From start to finish the experience reminded me why we race. The power of having a date in the diary, how motivating a goal can be and the high of a finish line. Training became easier and running towards something gave me focus.

I woke up nervous on race day and I loved it. That flutter of excitement, not quite knowing if you’re ready. Reminding yourself to trust the work you’ve done. I’d missed that. But, it was the feeling when I crossed the line that reminded me why we do this. That runner’s high was better than I remembered, and it lasted. Hours later, sat in the sun sharing drinks and race stories with friends, all of us that little bit chattier than usual is a memory that sticks with me now.

And it’s not just the buzz I’d forgotten but the feeling of community. Thousands of people making their own stories united by the struggle or joy of the day. I loved seeing people achieving their own goals. The spirit, positivity and community feel around a race is impossible to replicate. There’s not many places in life where you get that.

I was reminded of all the things I’d forgotten I was missing.

A group of runners competing in a street race, with spectators behind a metal fence on the side of the road. One runner in the foreground wears a gray tank top with a green arrow design, black shorts, and a green cap. Trees and buildings are visible in the background.

@nickcusseneers

That’s why when my friend Pete was telling me he was keen to do his first triathlon I offered to join him. It’s true that I hadn’t realised that the first triathlon Pete had his eyes on was, in fact, 3 triathlons. And the 3 triathlons Pete wanted to do are 3 of the toughest you can find. The Slateman, The Snowman and The Sandman. The Legend series as race organiser Always Aim High has aptly named them take place in the stunning landscapes of North Wales. From Quarries to Forests with a few mountains in between you get to take on all that the area has to offer.

I had to double-check with Pete to make sure we were talking about the same thing. You know those are pretty tough right? And you know that the bike leg has a lot of climbing? And you know that the running leg has a lot of climbing? And you know that you want to do all 3 of them?

A group of athletes, wearing race bibs and triathlon gear, runs on a gravel trail surrounded by mountainous terrain under a cloudy sky. The lead runner smiles as they advance, with other competitors following closely behind.

It turns out Pete knew all those things. And, flying high on that post-race feeling, I was in.

In truth, this is just my kind of event. A real challenge where finishing is the goal and taking on what mother nature, and the race organiser, can throw at you. I can’t wait.

Having another challenge in the diary continues to do exactly what it should. A little accountability, a little more reason to get out the door when I’m not quite feeling it. I’ve even started swimming again!

My real goal though, is that post-race drink, sat in the Welsh sun (hopefully) exchanging tales of the day. That for me is what it’s all about.

If you want to check out the legend series or any other of AAH’s events have a look here. It’s a challenging but beautiful series of races across Wales and if you get even a small amount of the endorphin-filled joy of my most recent race day, all your efforts will be more than worth it.