Hiccups
As with all big ideas, sometimes things don't work out the way you had hoped. On the surface it appears that I have been successful in many of my quest, however I have had many hiccups along the way which you may not know about. I have decided to share them all with you. It's important to use these little life lessons as a learning curve when moving forward. If we don't learn from them, we never grow.
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Most Consecutive Iron Distance Triathlons - First Attempt
In 2022 I attempted to do 102 full distance triathlons in a row. Sadly I came off the bike and injured my ankle forcing me to quit. I really struggled with this injury and the longterm impact on my athleticism.
What did I learn? Getting knocked down can be a huge motivating factor if you let it. No point on dwelling on the what went wrong. Learn from it and get stronger. |
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In 2020 I was meant to do a right proper big challenge but like the rest of the world, covid ruined it for me. It was really tough to see that dream slip away from me through no fault of my own.
What did I learn? Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches. Don't focus on the things you can't change. Instead put energy into the things you can change. Part of the reason I attempted Iron102 was because this project didn't get off the ground. Adapt, pivot, and refocus. |
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Cycling Across Europe Record - First AttemptIn 2017 I attempted to become the fastest person to cycle across Europe. The 4200 miles route would have taken me about 3 weeks as I was trying to average near 200 miles per day. Sadly on day 4 I got an injury to my leg and had to pull out of the attempt.
What did I learn? Don't push too hard at the beginning. Train harder to avoid injury. (Both those I should have learned from Route 66 Bike Race below but I didn't listen to myself) |
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Route 66 Bike RaceIn 2016 I entered the first ever Route 66 bike race. After 24 hours I was in the lead briefly after having cycled 400 miles and was feeling strong. Sadly I got a niggle and my pace dropped and by the end of day two I had dropped back to 5th place. Eventually on day 5 after not being able to keep the pace I had to pull out.
What did I learn? Always rest on the first night of a big race. I did the first 30 hours with no sleep after a long sleepless flight too. I needed more recovery. |
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Round Australia Cycle Record
This was a right proper hiccup. I didn't even manage to get this attempt off the ground. I tried to do too much and didn't give myself enough time for training, funding, finding crew, logistics and route planning. I needed about a year to plan this ride but was trying to pull it off in 6 months, which just wasn't possible and I then missed my weather window and had to postpone for another year in the future.
What have I learned? Be realistic with your timescale and NEVER be in a rush as inevitably you wont do things properly. |
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Running the Length of Britain - First Attempt
In 2014 my first attempt to run the length of Britain failed because I tripped over taking a selfie and hurt my knee, which was fragile anyway. I had done 200 miles before having to take the train of shame home and spent the next 3 months recovering.
What did I learn? Never try and take a selfie while running |
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Cycling Around the World - RecordIn 2012 I was ahead of the record for cycling around the world. I had done 4000 odd miles in just over 20 days and feeling strong. Sadly on one of the mornings in the USA as I was cycling along I was run over by a gentleman going to work. I was knocked unconscious and spent nearly a month recovering thanks to the kindness of Martin and Missy Carey. My dreams of any world record shattered. Although it wasn't my fault this was a major hiccup. I did however carry on and competed the ride, with a neck brace initially. Continuing my quest, with a new goal of raising money for charity, was the best decision I could ever have made. Getting back on the horse gave me my confidence back.
What did I learn? There is more than one way to climb a mountain. Wear even more hi-viz jackets at night. |
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Becoming a Respected Travel Photographer
This I feel has been my biggest failure, but also my biggest life lesson. As a child I dreamt of traveling the world photographing amazing people and places and discovering unseen tribes in the middle of the Amazon jungle. Sadly I lost my way in my 20's and instead of going for those jobs I had dreamt of, I chose the well paid corporate jobs in London. After 15 years as a photographer I eventually sold my business for £1 and let it all go. I am sad that I now have no interest in photography because I was really good at it. But I learned a valuable life lesson.
What did I learn? Always remember the reason you want to do something and yes, there may be times where you have to divert off-course (to earn some money to pay bills etc) but always try and steer back on course as soon as possible before you are so far down the wrong path you have to start all over again. |
