I was recently asked by Sport Ireland to be one of their ambassadors for the forthcoming European Week of Sport. I was delighted they asked me and more than happy to accept because as a father, amateur athlete and health & fitness advocate I really do feel that the more people that take any opportunity to get up, out and get active the better.

To be able to convey that as a ‘normal’ person, just like any Mum, Dad, business owner or office worker out there – that I can build health & fitness activities into my day then it is absolutely possible for others out there to do the same.

Activity can be anything, it doesn’t have to be too vigorous, involve expensive equipment or part of a team – any activity is better than no activity and the best activity for you is the one you enjoy!

There is a huge amount of sports and governing bodies all looking to increase the numbers that participate in a multitude of sports right around the country – to find out all the who/where/when and whats you can log on to Sport Ireland website and find out more. It doesn’t have to be for just this week either, regular exercise and activity built into our lives is a proven way to improve our overall health. Don’t rely on me saying it, go and ask your doctor!

For me – I tried cycling as a new sport. I know I cycle as part of my triathlon training but for the first time, despite having entered on numerous occasions, I managed to complete the 100k ‘Great Dublin Bike Ride’. After nearly 6 years of doing ‘sporty’ things since Operation Transformation it was also the first time I got to participate in an event with Maureen too.

This was my first time in a ‘stand alone’ cycling event. It was great, a little tiring but when you cycle further than you’ve ever cycled before its going to hurt a little! 4 hours in the saddle, seeing parts of Dublin from a whole new perspective and getting my first medal in over a year. I couldn’t have enjoyed it more.

Who knows what I’ll get up to next year?