I’ve been on a serious training grind—cycling 35+ miles before work, sprinting the kids to school, and knocking out one-mile swims, with one rest day a week. The Half Ironman in Weymouth this September has been my north star of discipline and progress. But sometimes life loves to throw you a surprise twist, and nothing says “plot twist” like a hen do in Venice.
Imagine this: you’re feeling unstoppable and plugged into your training routine when—bam!—a wild Venetian hen party lands on your calendar. We didn’t turn the lights out until 2 a.m. on the first night, yet come 7 a.m., I laced up my trainers for an early morning run. My 4-mile jog felt more like a miniature half marathon, the kind of run that blurs the line between exhilaration and sheer exhaustion. For the rest of the weekend, we roamed Venice on foot, sampling Spritzers at every charming bar, before another boozy night set the stage for an impossible-to-escape Sunday sleep-in.
Returning home felt like facing a workout in reverse: sleep deprivation, a stubborn cold, and a liver that clearly needed a vacation of its own. In that moment, it seemed like every hour of disciplined training had been tossed out the window. Yet, amidst the chaos and the hangovers, I laughed harder than I have in ages. Our mismatched crew of five—each with our own quirky personality—crafted moments of joy that outshone any medal or milestone.
It turns out that laughter is a secret superpower.
Beyond just lifting your mood, it increases blood flow, eases muscle tension, and even boosts your immune system—a mini workout for the soul and body rolled into one. Those bursts of laughter, shared over inside jokes and unexpected mishaps, not only lightened our hectic days but also etched memories of genuine connection and pure, unfiltered fun.
This wildly contrasting weekend taught me a powerful lesson: life is about balance. While disciplined, training-fueled routines shape our bodies and push our limits, it’s the spontaneous, laughter-filled detours that nurture our spirit. Embracing the unpredictable—not just in athletic pursuits but in all facets of life—makes the journey richer, messier, and infinitely more memorable.
So here’s to the beautiful chaos that makes our stories worth telling—a fusion of sweat and triumph, discipline and delightful randomness. And if you’ve ever experienced a twist in your routine that ended up being exactly what you needed, you’ll know that sometimes the best progress isn’t measured in miles or minutes, but in moments of genuine, heartwarming laughter.
Have you ever had your plans hilariously upended by life’s spontaneous adventures? I’d love to hear your stories and the unexpected ways they shaped your journey.
Becky Chard
This is an awesome piece of writing Jody, you are secretly a wordsmith aren’t you?! Stop hiding that light under a bushel…you are an amazing woman!!
Jody
Thank you 🙂
Kieran Murphy
You’re cool af Jodie x
Jody
Thanks 🙂