The past few weeks have tested me in ways I didn’t expect. On top of the back injury and the nerve pain that still refuses to let go, I’ve been battling a sinus infection that won’t clear, even after two courses of antibiotics. It’s been one of those stretches where it feels like just as you get a foothold, another problem arrives to knock you back down. And that’s after getting over numerous colds, a virus, COVID, influenza A and a near endless run of challenges since the the start of the year. 

And yet, here’s the good news: I’m back training. Properly training.

For the last three weeks, I’ve managed to put together 12+ hours of work each week. I’m still very much injured, but that consistency feels like a turning point. It’s not perfect, far from it, but compared to where I was a month ago, it’s progress that I am celebrating.

Here’s how it looks right now:

🚴‍♂️ Bike: Most of my training is happening on the indoor trainer, and that’s probably where I’ll stay until race week. Indoors, I can control the environment, ease into the sessions, and stop before things flare too much. I’ve been able to do sessions up to three hours with controlled spikes in effort, enough to keep the aerobic engine turning over without tipping myself into a bad place. It’s not glamorous, but it’s bankable fitness, and right now that’s gold.

🏊‍♂️ Swim: I’ve made it back to the pool a few times a week. The snorkel has quickly become my best friend, reducing the rotation through my back so I can at least tick off aerobic work without the sharp pain. It’s hardly the smoothest swimming I’ve ever done, but after months away, being back in the water feels like a huge win. The fitness will come, but for now, it’s about showing up and building comfort again.

🏃‍♂️ Run: The biggest step forward has been moving from walk–runs to continuous running. They’re still short and carefully controlled, but after weeks of wondering if I’d run at all, just stringing together uninterrupted minutes on the road has been a breakthrough. Every step still carries the threat of nerve pain, but I’m learning how to manage it. Right now, it’s less about speed and more about resilience — and these runs feel like the first real steps back.

The goal has shifted. I’m no longer aiming to take on three events and have an honest shot at a medal but the start line is back within reach. That’s the new fight: getting prepared to compete, plan to race smart, and finishing what has been a very bumpy campaign.

What’s kept me moving forward is the people around me. At Wellness on Shore, Lisa has been brilliant at helping me move away from “pain management mode” and back towards good movement. Her knack for knowing when to push and when to hold back has been invaluable in keeping me functional.

It hasn’t been smooth, it hasn’t been pretty, but I’m back in the fight. And with two weeks to go, that’s exactly where I need to be.

Back in the Fight 💪🇦🇺

The past few weeks have been tough; back injury, relentless nerve pain, sinus infection that won’t shift, and what feels like a never-ending run of colds and bugs. But here’s the good news: I’m finally back to proper training.
For the past 3 weeks I’ve been able to build 12+ hours each week; not pain-free, not perfect, but a huge step forward compared to where I was a month ago.
🚴 Indoor bike sessions up to 3 hours, keeping the aerobic engine ticking.
🏊 Back in the pool with a snorkel, not smooth, but progress.
🏃 From walk–runs to continuous running, short, controlled, but a breakthrough.
The goal has shifted. No longer chasing medals, but the start line in Wollongong is back within reach. That’s the new fight; race smart, finish strong, and complete this bumpy campaign.

Huge thanks to Lisa at @wellnessonshore and everyone in my corner for helping me keep moving forward.

📖 Full blog update live now: https://www.wellnessonshore.com.au/s/stories

PLUS if this has you thinking about your own strength, movement or recovery, we’ve got something special. Text Emma on 0415246366 and mention code BENTAYLORWTC to receive $30 off any in-house service.

#WellnessOnShore #RoadToWollongong #TriathlonJourney #BackInTheFight #Resilience #SwimBikeRun #HolisticWellness #TrainSmart