My first experiances with the Louth triathlon club was seeing Ross McGregor in his tri suit
And thinking 'he looks like he means the business' I remember swopping places with him throughout the session with each of us not backing down for a full hour swim, little did I know at the time Ross was in the same situation as me and new to the sport, I had turned up to those first sessions expecting everybody to be seasoned athlete's .A early bond of respect for each other was made and continues to grow to this day, Ross has achieved so much in those two years im in ore of him really and he keeps me strong through all the ups and the downs knowing hes dealing with all the same emotions.
Little did I realise what a Impact that swim would have on all of us two years down the line, a few weeks later and the club in its infancy the club held one of its first monthly meeting's, there sat a few faces I had yet to have trained with most of the faces there that day are still loyal members of our club and form a huge part it, one face in particular that sticks in my mind is that of Martin Ball, for duration of the meeting I kept seeing he was glancing across at me and I for one had no idea why, as the meeting drew to a end it became clear Martin and Ross had met previously to the meeting and had been organising a team for the national club relays later that year, They had both been Impressed with my performance and attitude so before I had even raced my first triathlon I had signed myself up to the national club relays with a open water swim.
Martin Balls attitude still hasnt changed to this day, if there is anyone to push the envelope its Martin, always asking what if? What if I go faster? What if I go for longer? What if I train more? What if I enter this event? What if I try to qualify for great Britain's national age group team at a distance ive never competed at before?
Martin showed me alot about the sport there are no closed doors, he took me for my first ever open water swim in 8deg water like it was normal, he taught me how to set my transition area up and challaged me if I can better it, when im low Martin tells me to man up, when im high Martin tells me good job mate you've reached another step on the ladder but you aint at the top yet pal so keep bloody going. Also a family man with a 9 to 5 Martin understands the straints on life juggling Work triathlon and most importantly family together.
These aren't the only athletes that have helpped mr achieved my goals I would be nieve to think that I have lots help from friends and family, but these two also write top blogs along side all they do and if you have the time please follow them on the links bellow
Ross McGregor
http://www.swimbikeross.wordpress.com/
Martin Ball
http://www.workingclasstriathlete.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1
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