Page 160 - Mind, Body & Spirit Number 104 2020/21

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The last few months have been slightly odd and quite taxing in many ways. Of course, I very much appreciate the severity of the situation, and for so many reasons life has changed. It’s not just that the Army Triathlon Association (underpinned by the RAPTC Team) that cannot swim, bike and run, and race, many things are so different. As an Army we are having to adapt and evolve.
I appreciate that we are incredibly privileged to be able to do the sport of triathlon. We are very fortunate in this respect, and there are much bigger issues in the world than us not being able to race.
However, there are also lots of opportunities to be had out of the situation. There is an opportunity for all of us to come out of this as much stronger, better people and athletes. To see it as an opportunity to learn, build resilience and grow. It also makes us all consider the reasons we train and do the sport. For me as the Triathlon Secretary and for many of the RAPTC Team Members, it has only solidified the fact that we love what we do. We enjoy the training; but more importantly, we love being healthy and active. Yes, some of the team may be having a few more G&T’s and slabs of chocolate these days, but everything in moderation and whatever is needed to get through this. For sure I relish racing and
Sgt (SI) Nezza Jones RAPTC in the 100 mile Dragon Slayer Ultra marathon. 1st Female and 3rd Overall.
SSgt (SSI) Sam Littlewood RAPTC ahead on the 56 mile bike course. 9th Overall Senior Male.
mentoring young athletes, but I enjoy the process and trying to be better each day whilst still devoting my time to family and work.
During this unprecedented time lockdown has given time to athletes to become over critical of themselves, their performance and wanting of others. All too often especially with social media, triathletes find themselves comparing their lives to others. Comparison is a thief of joy. When starting something new, especially triathlon this can be particularly daunting and many easily get sucked in, as people are also looking to learn and gain more information about this sport. My message to the ATA and RAPTC team is to ensure they remember what their goal is, what is their mission / intent is and what’s their drive and passion that has led them to this point. Whatever you aspire to do, be it to finish a race, get faster, go longer, make the Army / Corps team, whatever. All you need to focus on is you, and you getting better and better each day, with in what you deem success for you. I encourage athletes to not look to the left and right, just look straight ahead in the direction you want to go.
Fortunately for some team members, there was opportunity to compete within the 2020 season with some achieving outstanding performances.
SSgt (SSI) Mathew Hanson RAPTC leaving the 1.2 mile lake swim. Placing 14th Overall Senior Male
L-R SSgt (SSI Sam Littlewood, Cpt (MAA) Willie Wilson and SSgt (SSI) Mathew Hanson RAPTC at Epic Man, Windermere, Middle Distance
RAPTC TRIATHLON
Sgt (SI) B Webster RAPTC