Some months are about big goals. Others are about breakthroughs. And sometimes, it’s just about enjoying the sport, sharing it with others, and walking away with a smile—and a PB. This month had a little bit of everything: a team event with my brother, representing my school, reconnecting with clubmates, and testing my run legs at one of the flattest (and fastest) courses in Scotland.

Scottish Schools Aquathon: Racing for My School and My Squad

This year’s Scottish Schools Aquathon was an awesome change of pace. It wasn’t just another performance race—it was a chance to represent my school, compete as part of a team, and enjoy the atmosphere of a youth focussed but still high-quality event.

The individual race was first, and I was feeling focused from the start. It was a short and sharp format—no room for mistakes. The swim felt solid, and I transitioned well onto the run. I dug deep and crossed the line to finish 2nd overall individually, which I was really proud of. More than that, it set a great tone heading into the team relay.

Competing with my younger brother in the team event made the day even more special. It’s not often we get to race together on the same squad, so lining up with him and sharing the experience was one of the highlights of my month. We pushed each other, supported one another, and ended up with 2nd place in the schools relay—a great result for our school and one I won’t forget any time soon.

There were also a few other familiar faces from my swim club representing their schools, which added to the community feel of the day. Even though we were racing against each other, the support and camaraderie between us made it all the more fun.

Fast and Flat 5k

Earlier in the month, I lined up for a new event in my calendar—the Fast and Flat 5k. I’d heard great things about this race, and it definitely lived up to the hype. The course was exactly what the name promised: dead flat, and built for speed. Even though the wind made conditions a bit tricky, the energy from the crowd more than made up for it.

A few of the Scottish Triathlon Performance Squad athletes were also there, using the race to test their running form. That added some extra motivation for me to see how I measured up and where my current fitness was on the run.

I went out strong, held my pace, and despite the wind, I came away with a new PB—an 8-second improvement on my previous best. It might not sound like much, but every second counts when you’re chasing sub-15:30, and this was another step closer. More importantly, I felt strong and controlled, which shows that my training is paying off.

I’ll definitely be back for this race next year.

Key Takeaways from This Month

• Team racing is powerful: Competing with my brother and schoolmates reminded me how fun and motivating it can be to race with others, not just for yourself.

• PBs don’t just happen—they’re earned: The 5k PB felt like the result of consistent training, race experience, and showing up ready, even in less-than-perfect conditions.

• Community matters: Whether it was school friends, swim club teammates, or triathlon squad rivals, being part of a wider athletic community made this month special.

As I head into the next phase of the season, I’m carrying momentum, motivation, and a few great memories with me. Racing doesn’t always have to be high-stakes—sometimes it’s about enjoying the process, taking pride in small wins, and celebrating the people around you.