That’s my mantra every time my ADHD brain decides to throw me a curveball. Instead of fighting it, I dive headfirst into whatever chaos life delivers, with the same energy we’d reserve for crossing the red carpet of an IRONMAN finish line.

I was 36when Igot my ADHD diagnosis. Five years ago, I was running Precision Coaching with my husband, homeschooling kids in the middle of a pandemic, and climbing the walls because we couldn’t leave the house. I looked calm and composed on the outside, but inside I was the proverbial swan—frantic paddling under the surface.

The pandemic made me feel like everything was spiraling out of control, the doctors said I had anxiety and depression. They prescribed antidepressants, which made me worse. Early-onset menopause was the following diagnosis, so I started HRT, but it didn’t help. Finally, I met a sports doctor who diagnosed me with burnout and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). During one appointment, while administering ferritin injections, she asked me, “What are you taking for your ADHD?

Wait... what?

The ADHD diagnosis came quickly after that, and suddenly my life made sense. My brain had been operating in turbo mode for as long as I could remember, but I’d never had the manual to understand how to work with it. The diagnosis was like unlocking a superpower I didn’t know I had.

The Spark: Now It All Makes Sense

Fast forward to this week, and Alex Partridge’s new book, Now It All Makes Sense, landed in my life. Listening to it (because reading with severe dyslexia and ADHD isn’t exactly my strong suit) was transformative.

I rarely finish books—I read at a snail’s pace, and my mind is off planning its next adventure before I get to chapter two. But audiobooks at 1.5x speed? Magic.Partridge’s honest, hilarious, and raw storytelling resonated deeply with me. His words gave me the courage to share my own story and reminded me that neurodiversity is not just a label—it’s a strength.

How ADHD Shaped Me as a Coach and Athlete

ADHD is like having a turbocharged engine but no brakes. But when I channel that energy into triathlon, it becomes a superpower. I can hyperfocus on training plans, juggle ten tasks at once, and connect with athletes on a unique level. My brain sees things from angles others might not, which helps me solve problems, break down big goals, and make meaningful connections.

Of course, it’s not always smooth sailing. ADHD also means I sometimes lose my car keys, wallet... or bike in transition. My thoughts often race faster than my legs, and slowing down can feel impossible. But triathlon gave me structure: swim, bike, run. That framework became my anchor in a storm of chaos, and it’s what keeps me steady even when my brain isn’t.

One of the things I’m most proud of is that Precision Coaching isn’t just about training triathletes—it’s about creating an inclusive, supportive community. Over the years, I’ve found my tribe. Many of our coaches are also neurodiverse, and I believe it’s one of our greatest strengths.

Whether it’s ADHD, dyslexia, or ASD, we bring a variety of perspectives and skills to the table. Some of us are brilliant problem-solvers; others excel at thinking outside the box or breaking down barriers for athletes who might otherwise feel left behind.

That’s not to say the whole team is as kamikaze as I am. Thankfully, we also have neurotypical coaches who keep us grounded when we need it. This mix of diversity is what makes Precision Coaching so unique—and why it works so well.

What It’s Like to Have ADHD (and How to Understand It)

If you don’t have ADHD, here’s a glimpse into how my brain works:

Imagine your brain is a radio, but someone keeps flicking the tuning knob. One minute, you’re blasting crystal-clear music; the next, static. Or worse, all the stations are blaring at once. But here’s the thing: amidst the noise, sometimes we pick up songs no one else can hear.

Or picture this: Imagine you are an overexcited puppy with the zoomies. You’re not quite sure whether to scoff all the treats whilst trying to pick a single toy to play with, whilst begging to go for a walk, but also wanting to collapse in someone’s lap for cuddles—but whatever you choose, you’re all in.

It’s a constant internal debate about what to do, when to do it, and in what order. Meanwhile, everyone else watches the chaos unfold and wonders how you still end up with the best result. The secret? Don’t judge the process—judge the outcome. Sure, my methods might look like a hot mess, but the results? That’s where ADHD shines.

Why I’m Proud of My ADHD

In my twenties, I battled rejection sensitivity dysphoria without knowing what it was. Losing a friendship or worrying I was “too much” for someone felt devastating. Now, I realise my ADHD makes me the passionate, driven, and empathetic coach I am today. It gives me the ability to connect with athletes who might feel out of place in this sport and show them they belong.

I wish I’d had this perspective when I was younger, but my diagnosis later in life has brought a new grace. I now see others—diagnosed or not—muddling through life in a neurotypical world. To them, I say: You are not alone. You are not “too much.” And you are absolutely capable of achieving great things—whether that’s finishing your first triathlon or smashing your next PB.

 Let’s Talk About You

If this resonates with you, if you’ve ever felt “different,” or if you’re looking for a coaching team that gets it, we’d love to hear from you. At Precision Coaching, we celebrate athletes of all abilities, quirks, and backgrounds.

And if you haven’t already, add Alex Partridge’s Now It All Makes Sense to your audiobook list. You might find yourself nodding along, laughing out loud, or finally understanding why your brain works the way it does.

So, whether you’re neurodiverse, neurotypical, or somewhere in between, remember: Triathlon is about embracing what makes you unique. And if you need a team that celebrates your differences while helping you achieve your goals, Precision Coaching is here for you.

Now, let’s swim, bike, run… and keep paddling under the surface.

Raya Usher, Head of Development, Precision Coaching