FINDING FREEDOM IN THE FELLS

Determined to create her own winter multisport adventure and escape the jaws of London. Sophie Radcliffe heads to the Lake District for a DIY tri to remember...

-  SOPHIE RADCLIFFE

"One, two, three, go!’ I say these four words and plunge into the icy cold water of Red Tarn below the summit of Helvellyn in the Lake District. The loss of feeling in my hands is instant, so I swim fervently into the centre of the tarn knowing this isn’t somewhere I want to hang around too long. Focusing on regaining control of my breath after submerging my body into the crystal-clear water, I look up and take a moment to absorb where I am. With snowy mountains all around, not a cloud in the sky and the warm sun on my face – even though I can’t feel my fingers or toes – I am truly in my element.

I fell in love with triathlon a decade ago, going straight in at the deep end by signing up to Ironman Wales. During my training I did an Olympic distance and 70.3, and returned to do Ironman Wales for a second time a few years later. For me, race day feels like I’m going into battle with these three sports as my weapons to help me complete the challenge and overcome any obstacles. At the start of my first tri, a friend said: “Don’t forget to smell the roses.” This stuck with me and no matter what kind of turmoil I’m going through, physically or mentally, these words are a reminder to look around and take it all in.