When I think about the best memories I’ve made in sport, it’s not the medals or the race results that stand out.
It’s the people.

The inside jokes during long runs. The sunrise swims where we shivered our way into the lake together. The moment of passing a water bottle mid-ride, laughing because it felt like something out of the Tour de France.

Those moments? They became the foundation of friendships that have lasted years – even across countries.

From Training Buddies to Lifelong Friends

When I first moved to Cambridge, I didn’t know a soul. Joining the local triathlon club changed that completely. Training quickly became more than exercise — it became my social life. Those same friends are still my best friends today, even though we now live scattered across the world.

Later, when I moved to Italy, I had to start again. No friends. No social circle. But once again, the triathlon club at the gym opened the door. Through early morning sessions, shared laughs, and a whole lot of sweat, I found my people. Some of my best friends now are the ones I met there, and I’m endlessly grateful for them.

The Psychology of Shared Struggle

There’s actually a psychological reason behind this. In the podcast “The Psychology of Run Clubs”, experts explain how training side by side creates a unique type of bond.

When we go through challenges together, whether that’s tackling steep hills on the bike, pushing through exhaustion on a long run, or braving icy winter mornings, our brains link the struggle with the social connection.

It’s called “social facilitation” and it means we’re more likely to push ourselves (and even enjoy the process more) when others are alongside us. The shared effort turns into shared memories, and those memories cement friendships.

Adventures Made Easier, Together

One of my favourite examples of this was when a group of us decided (a little impulsively!) to sign up for a half Ironman with a brutally hilly bike course.

On my own, I would have thought: “Too much, too scary, not worth it.”

But together, it became an adventure. We trained hard, encouraged each other, and on race day, those tough climbs felt almost fun. Almost 😉.

The same thing happened when I supported my best friend through her Ironman. We trained side by side for months — through the dark cold mornings before sunrise, through the doubts, through the grind. Cheering her on at the finish line was one of the proudest moments of my life, because I knew just how much she’d put in. And the best part? On that trip, she met her partner… and now they have a little boy together. ❤️

Community changes everything.

Why Women Need This More Than Ever

Another point from “The Psychology of Run Clubs” really stuck with me: after university, women’s social networks shrink dramatically. Career, family, and busyness take over, and suddenly it’s harder to find meaningful friendships.

But when we come together in sport, something shifts.
We can admit we’re not always at our peak. We can talk about our menstrual cycles and energy dips without judgment. We can support each other not just as athletes, but as women.

That level of understanding is rare — and it’s priceless.

More Than Fitness

Yes, I’m fitter, healthier, and more energetic than I’ve ever been thanks to triathlon and running.

But the real gift?

The women beside me. The friends who push me, laugh with me, and remind me that I’m capable of so much more than I think.

And this is why I’ve created spaces like my Tuscany Run Retreats. They’re not just about running. They’re about connection, courage, and the joy of doing something meaningful with other women who get you.

Be Part of this Community

If you’ve been craving that sense of belonging, maybe it’s time. You don’t need to be the fastest. You don’t need to know anyone. You just need to show up.

Join us in Tuscany or get on the list for the Fasttrack to Triathlon program!

Check out our upcoming Tuscany Run Retreats!