By Trevor Woods

Qualified exercise physiologist and proud triathlete, Trevor Woods, shares how his story on how to stay motivated to race triathlons.

Very often I ask myself the question ‘why do I actually do triathlons’? Clearly I must have quite profound motives in that regard, because I’ve been competing for almost 40 years!

For me, it’s not just one thing that motivates me to keep training and racing, it’s a range of personal, physical and emotional factors that drive me on. Many people are attracted to triathlons simply because they want to challenge their physical and mental limits. For me, that’s always been a strong factor, as a way of testing myself, not only my endurance, but my willpower and discipline to keep it going.

Triathlons have always given me a strong sense of accomplishment, that feeling of satisfaction crossing the finish line knowing you’ve worked hard to get to such a level. And I must feel fortunate that I’m also able to do something I thoroughly enjoy and being aware that many people would love to do such but for some reason can’t.

Being an exercise scientist and with an interest in health I can understand the benefits derived from exercise and training, the cardiovascular, the weight management, the mental well-being benefits to name a few. Anyone who trains regularly will fully appreciate that exercise can be meditative, and for me that’s always been something I love, being out in the fresh air, processing emotions and in turn reducing anxiety. All these aforementioned factors are quite personal and intrinsic, but there are other more external reasons why I love training and competing.

Triathlon communities and being part of a club has always given me a sense of belonging where there is a nice camaraderie as well as a supportive atmosphere. You get to meet old acquaintances but also to make new friends. I think ever since I was a teenager I realised I had a competitive streak in me, whether racing to win, or to beat a previous performance, this was pivotal in my earlier years.

In my late teens when the sport of triathlon was only developing, I will always remember idolising the top professionals at the time, Americans Mark Allen, Dave Scott, and Scott Tinley. The famous battles they had on the lava fields of Hawaii at the Ironman World Championships were so inspiring. I thought, one day I’ll do an Ironman, it did take a while, almost 20 years before I stepped up to that distance. So for the moment I plan to keep doing what I love and enjoy, the sport of triathlon.

Trevor Woods is a Brand Ambassador for Udo’s Choice Ultimate Oil Blend. Visit  udoschoice.ie to learn more.