Mick recounts his first international triathlon age group experience:

In September 2014 I put forward my portfolio of results to the Irish triathlon association in the hope of selection for the European 2015. Much to my delight and shock in April 2015 I received the email informing me I had been selected.

After a torrid winter of repeated asthma attacks and chest infections I took to the gym like a maniac trying to play catch up on lost fitness. Unfortunately my Achilles had other ideas and despite months of cautious training nothing was working so I had to make the decision to either pull out of the champs or “go for the experience”. Thankfully my wife and brother in law- ex international GB rowers, convinced me to go as it help with my main aim.   I’m never going to be a world beater, but that was never my goal.  My goal has always been to show my kids that if you put your mind to it something you can achieve anything.  Keeping the 4 stone I have lost on my journey of finding health and fitness is my primary aim, so to be selected to represent my country in the process of this is something dreams are made of, and ultimately was not something I was going to walk away from. Continue reading →