Catriona Morrison

I’ve been fortunate this summer to have scheduled my racing season into an early and a late phase. This means that I am in Scotland during the “summer” months for the first time in a while. It’s become really apparent to me that my going global for triathlon relies heavily upon some special and important local heroes. People that I rely upon to help me train and race and who often don’t get the recognition that they deserve. I’d like to introduce some of them to you and to say a big “thank you” for helping and enabling me to do what I do……..

There’s Jane, my physiotherpaist. She works wonders for me. Without her magic tricks I’d be a wreck. She tries to keep those injuries at bay with a personal strength and conditioning program and when the sh*$ hits the fan she scoops me onto the bench and gets me back on the road. Not only is she a fabulous physiotherapist, she’s a great friend. Jane: you (and your mastery of those needles) are amazing.

There’s West Lothian Leisure: my local pool and gym. I know that I hog the public swim lane like I own it and I know that I really should have taken out shares in that cross trainer. You are all so tolerant of my excessive lane swimming (beyond the allotted public time) and my super-human sweating over the gym machinery and yet you welcome me with a smile every day. Thank you, you’re amazing.

Smiling Alana at the gym

Pedal Power, West Calder. I don’t get to join with the chain gang often (the truth is that I don’t want to get beat by the boys!) but when I do I love it. I phone and issue demands and I send my nasty husband up to monopolise your time and raid your stock. And yet you have given me a beautiful frame to ride and you always there to help. You’re amazing.

My husband Richard. He has his own career to worry about and yet he works two jobs: his own and taking care of me. Bike mechanic, shoulder to cry on, cook, skivvy and chief motivator. I love you, thank you.

My Mum and Dad. I know I’m always late and I always have to put training first. I eat all your food and treat your house like my own (except that I don’t clean up behind me in yours – oops). I’m always complaining about how tired I am and phoning to get sympathy and rarely ask how you both are. Know this: I do appreciate that you are always there for me and I know that you are my number one fans and I love you. You are amazing, thank you.

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