Our Couples Who Adventure Together series continues with professional Mountain Biker Alexey Vermeulen and Triathlete Sophie Linn. For them, professional racing and training has always been part of their relationship, but they also enjoy getting out and trying new activities, too! Alexey shares how empathy is a big part of what makes their relationship work.
What types of adventures do you have with your partner, and what's your favorite?
How has your adventuring impacted and formed your relationship?
Being outdoors together is what brought us closer together and helped create our relationship. We started dating just before Covid, and the pandemic gave time to work out together and try new things. Many of our first dates were spent with Sophie running while I rode beside her. Sophie also did her first 100 mile ride and 200km ride during the pandemic which I loved being a part of.
How do you balance your racing and relationship?
Racing and relationships can be difficult, at a minimum you need someone who understands what you do. We’re lucky that we both race professionally. So when the season is busy or one of us has a late night training, it is easy to understand because the other person is probably doing it too.
Any advice for other couples who are on the fence about getting outside and adventuring?
Whether you're a professional athlete or just starting out, adventuring as a couple can be a great way to grow your relationship with the outdoors and each other. You never know until you try!
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