April kicked off on a high with the Scottish Schools Aquathon. It was a strong day all round — I came away with a gold in the individual race and a silver in the team relay. A great confidence booster heading into the weeks ahead.

With a few weeks before the next race, the focus shifted fully to training. It was a good period to put the head down, work on the details, and build towards what was coming — the first big test of the season.

The British Triathlon Performance Assessments are split across two days, with the swim on Saturday setting up your position for Sunday’s bike and run. Saturday went well — I felt composed in the pool and finished in 17th, which left me in a decent spot for the following day.

Sunday started promisingly. I was holding position well on the bike, until the last lap. Hitting a patch of gravel at the side of the course, I lost control and went down hard. I picked myself up, checked I could still move, and got back on the bike. I crossed the line well off where I’d have wanted to be, but sometimes you just have to play the hand you’re dealt.

It’s not the result I was after, but there’s plenty of the season still to come. The fitness is there — now it’s about staying healthy, staying focused, and going again.