On some level we are all looking for recognition for our achievements.

Some do it for medals, trophies and fame. Others do it for friends, family or themselves. It’s having the recognition that you have achieved something that once seemed out of your reach which resonates with so many on such a deep level.

This past weekend was the Grafham Waters Middle Distance Triathlon (1.2 mile swim, 57 mile bike and 13 mile run). As you can imagine the distances made it tough. What made it tougher were the foggy conditions on the day. So much so that the swim was cancelled (gutted, right?).

Regardless we pushed on and gave everything we had in to the cycle and run to get the best time possible.

When you’re going through it, you are on your own. There is only is only you. What drives you in those moments of silence? When you start to feel your energy fading and muscles burning, what keeps you going? When things start to feel uncomfortable what do you tell yourself?

This past weekend, when my thighs began burning as I dropped my bike into a high gear for a steep hill climb, the over riding thought was the satisfaction of putting a medal around the neck of my 3 year old niece who came out to show support.

After 57 miles of cycling and miles of running. Feet pounding into the ground, it wasn’t the sight of a massive crowd which spurred me on to give everything into a sprint, it was 1 individual. Imagine an 88 year old man who made the journey and stood by the sidelines for 5 hours to catch glimpses of you as you pass through and eventually reach the finish line. Your grandad.

When you achieve something important to yourself you will be surprised by who you look for in the crowd and what you tell yourself as you reach your goal.

Revel and enjoy these moments as they are what last long after the achievement. They will mean more than a medal and they will increase your strength, your confidence and inspire the people you care about.

What could be greater than that?