She does Tri

Depression

Depression is a terrible thing. A disease of the brain, its like falling down a muddy cliff, you start to slide and cannot stop.  The further you go the harder it is to get back up.  I have been living on my own now for nearly a year, I haven't even unpacked all my boxes, just couldn't do it.  I hadn't just given up triathlon, I had given up living.  The problem with depression is, you just make yourself worse and don't realise what you are doing.  Eventually my daughter got me to the doctors who gave me some medication to get me back on track.  I don't like taking pills, but I have to admit they have done their job.  As I was giving up triathlon, I had while ill, given away my bike :( and I was on the verge of giving away my wetsuit, shoes and other paraphernalia that I have amassed. 

I am now in a better place, mentally.  I am back to my old (older than before) self.  I have a little dog that I take for walks and she has been my saviour.  I have rejoined the Warrington Triathlon Club, started to go out for walk/jogs with my dog and, I have set my self some goals.  I have my mountain bike with a dog trailer which I can start to ride out and build up my stamina; and today I have set up my workbench in the lounge for some weight training.  Nobody visits me so I don't need a pretty lounge, its my home and I can work out when I like.  I choose to be fit and healthy and my first goal is to be able to cycle to the baths for the weekly triathlon swim meeting.  To do that requires my daily walk, some jogging and lots of cycling.  I miss swimming but as I don't have a car any more, its walk or cycle and walking is too far so its out of the question.

I have hung my medals in the hall for inspiration and my wetsuit is hanging in my bedroom.  I am so glad I didn't get rid of everything.  My goal for next year when I am 60 is to do Tatton Triathlon, I would love to do Blenhiem again but its not really possible without transport.

So guys, watch this space.  I am back.