British Triathlon Home Nation member Trish started her triathlon journey in 2002. Unfortunately, two years into her journey in 2004, Trish was diagnosed with MS and told to stop competing... but that didn't stop her.
We spoke to British Triathlon Home Nation member and GB Age Group Triathlete, Trish about her triathlon journey.
"In 2002, I remember feeling very apprehensive before the start of that first race (a totally normal feeling that I still get now!), but I also remember the wonderful feeling of crossing the finish line, one of complete relief and accomplishment. Even now, I still get that feeling every time I cross a finish line because each race is a triumph in itself.
In 2004 when I was diagnosed I was told to stop competing, so I did. I carried on training and eventually got bored and needed a goal – so I entered a local triathlon and won. That was it the bug was back! In 2013 I qualified for the European and World Championships where I won silver at the European and gold in the Worlds held in London. I couldn’t believe it and cried as soon as I crossed the finish line.
Having MS does hinder my training and the number of races I can enter. I get a lot of nerve pain and also my balance isn’t that good, I’ve had enough scrapes with hedges to last me a lifetime! I can do hard sessions when things are good and lighter or no sessions when I’m suffering the effects of MS. Swimming is brilliant for pain as it seems to disappear once I get in the water, sometimes I go just for pain relief. All my training is in the morning as that’s when I have the most energy. I also make sure I get enough rest and recovery, if not my MS will let me know and that’s not pleasant at all.
I competed in the European Sprint Distance Championships in Glasgow earlier this year, which was a phenomenal experience. I won my age-group but was also the fastest female around the course!
I never thought this would happen in a million years. The early start helped in terms of my MS, and the bike course was perfect for someone who is used to hills (I come from Devon) and it was good to see the competition racing up the hill behind you. The run around Strathclyde Park was lovely and the cheering from spectators both on the bike and on the run was immense, it really kept me going even if a few evil looking geese got in my way at one point. The noise from the crowd on the blue carpet was a cacophony of cheers and when the commentator said I was the first female it was an unreal experience.
I love taking part in triathlon because not only does it mean that I can eat loads and get away with it. The benefit of triathlon being three sports rolled into one, means that I don’ t get bored in training because it changes each time. I’ve become European Champion twice, and World Champion once, along with runner up at both as well, I don't think that's bad for someone with MS.
I took two years out to have a chemotherapy treatment which has slowed down the amount of relapses I was having but pushing my body to the max is taking it’s toll, so with a sad heart I’ve made the decision to retire from International racing. I’ve been to some amazing countries in order to race and it’s been a huge privilege to race for the GB Age-Group Team, but being at the absolute top of the game is an incredible way to leave.
Don’t get me wrong I’m not giving up as I’m still going to compete at local races and possibly the British Champs. Triathlon is a part of me so I’m never going to retire completely besides, nothing is impossible.
You don’t have to be the fastest round the course, but once you’ve given triathlon a go and taken the leap you’ll love every minute of it. The best thing to do is to give it a go, find your local event and #TriLikeMe."
Check out our permitted events to #TriLikeTrish
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