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Click here to listen to Mick on the mic | Made in Mayflower Podcasts 

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Dear Friends of Mayflower,

I am excited to share with you an incredible challenge that I have taken on: completing 52 Olympic triathlons over 52 weeks at the age of 52! This challenge is not only a personal goal for me, but it is also an opportunity for me to give back to my community.

I am raising money for Mayflower Community Academy, a school that is close to my heart and is home to some amazing teachers and students. The school has a strong track record of producing amazing results for its students and the community, and I am proud to support its efforts. The funds that I raise will go towards some amazing projects that the school is running and giving the students the opportunity to grow, learn and put their new skills into practice.

I would be grateful for any support that you can offer. Your donations will not only help me achieve my goal, but they will also make a difference in the lives of the students at Mayflower Community Academy.

Thank you in advance for your generosity. Together, we can make a positive impact for these amazing kids and teachers.

 

52 Triathlons in 45 Weeks: How I Didn’t Just Survive, But Actually Had a Blast!

Mick Brian

Passionate about how change really happens, complexity and beekeeping.

7 articles Following

November 24, 2023

Open Immersive Reader

Hey everyone,

So, here I am, trying to sum up this absolutely bonkers year. Remember when I thought, "Hey, why not do 52 Olympic triathlons in one year?" Yeah, me too. I question my sanity sometimes.

Starting Off: Me vs. Mother Nature January 7th. The weather? Atrocious. Me? Stubborn as ever. Those first few weeks were like a sitcom of me vs. the elements. Spoiler: It was a tie. But hey, I got into a groove (or maybe just accepted my fate). Cold, wet but still smiling at the end of the day.

Spring: Getting My Groove On Spring sprung, and so did my mood. The sun came out, and I thought, "Well, this isn’t so bad!" The triathlons became less about survival and more like a strange hobby. Donations started rolling in, and I thought, “Wow, people are actually paying to see if I make it!” That was a huge motivator, I could not let myself or people invested in me down now.

Summer: Sun, Sea, and Sore Legs Summer was a game-changer. I hit the sea, joined some fun triathlon events, and got a bit of healthy competition going. Dartmouth and Plymouth Triathlon were great. Only one problem. I forgot my wetsuit for the Dartmouth triathlon so did it in my tri-suit. The first 400m of that swim were scarry, I just could not get my breath, but I got through it. Passed the 30-triathlon mark. My mantra? “Just keep moving.”

Autumn: Chillin’ and Still Thrillin’ Autumn was chill in more ways than one. A few more triathlons down and I’m feeling so thankful with the sponsorship hitting over £4500. I mean, who knew people would pay to watch a grown man wear spandex and act like a fish, bike, and run all in one go?

Winter: The Final Countdown Then winter rolled back around. It’s like the weather saw me coming and thought, “Let’s give him a proper send-off.” The last triathlon was epic - wind, rain, the full package. But finishing at the school with all those kids cheering? Priceless. I might have shed a tear, but don’t tell anyone.

So, the numbers – because they’re pretty cool. Swam 78 kilometres, biked 2,080 kilometres, and ran 520 kilometres. Burned a gazillion calories (okay, more like 2200 per triathlon, but who's counting?). Fastest time: 2 hours 58 mins. Slowest: 3 hours 50. Never lost on ounce of weight would you believe. Weather, mood, and how many biscuits I ate for breakfast made all the difference.

Life Lessons: Adaptability and Stubbornness What did I learn? Well, besides the fact that I can talk to myself for hours while swimming, biking, and running, it’s that adaptability and a dash of stubbornness can get you through anything. Oh, and resilience – that’s a fancy word for just keeping going when it’s raining sideways.

Big Thanks: You All Are Awesome Everyone that donated, no matter how much and all those supporting, sharing posts, commenting, it made all the difference I promise. Shoutout to Cross Keys Estate Residential Sales & Lettings, and my mates Jack and Craig for boosting our target to a whopping £8k on the final day at the school. To my wife, Gemma – there are just no words to tell you how much I love you. Thanks for not disowning me when I turned our home into a triathlon training camp.

Last Call: Let’s Hit That 9K! We’re just shy of £9k now. So, if you’ve been holding out to see if I’d actually make it (I don’t blame you), now’s the time to chip in! https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/52in52at52?utm_term=8kQVyZkYr

Signing Off: This whole escapade has been about more than just getting fit or wearing out my trainers. It’s been about showing the kids at Mayflower Community Academy that a bit of grit (and a lot of energy bars) can go a long way. Thanks for being part of this.  Let’s push for one last goal for these amazing kids. (and no, I'm not planning another 52 triathlons... yet).

Cheers, Mick