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Well here we go - all packed up and off to sunny Spain for a weeks intensive training. This is going to be hard. Ive seen some of the Mountains - not hills - that Perry has in store for us. Photos and updates will be posted - thats as long as I dont fall asleep as soon as I get back from a long hard days training. 
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After staying in a lovely hotel in Nottingham, it was time for my first major adult race. I told myself not to get stressed, or worry about the race, but what did I do? I stressed myself out when I realised just how huge this race was. The transition itself was 10 rows long and there were 1100 people competing! The first run went well running through the beautiful Clumber Park grounds. It was quite a fast start as we were set off in heats according to our age, so for me, it was all the Under 20 women (quite frightening as they were 4 years older than me!) The bike, however, took us out onto the main roads around the area. Along with the terrible side winds and constant hills, I think I could say that it was the hardest ride in a race I have ever done! However, I got down onto my tribars, kept my head down and went for it. I was keeping pace with the other girls in my age group for several miles, swapping places many times, however my calfs started cramping up (it can be really painful) with a couple of miles to go so I had to stretch them out, which put me out of the running. I came into my 2nd transition really strong, but got totally disorientated when trying to find my number in amongst the rows and rows of bikes so I ended up getting really stressed running up and down. Eventually my dad arrived and shouted that I was in the wrong row (could have sworn I had gone down row 4 & 3 but I was in row 3 & 2) so finally finding my number. Racking my bike and heading out onto the 2nd run had taken about 4 times longer than it should have done. I don't remember much about the 2nd run as I was so angry with myself that I pushed as hard as I could to pick back up some time, but my mum says I looked strong and determined and went flying out of transition. What I have learned from this race is that nutrition is extremely important when you are competing for the bigger distances. Anything over 1 hour and you need to think about feeding your body back what you have used up, ie. electrolytes, fluids etc. I think I will need to practise this before my next race so I can manage to get all the way through a race without being in pain. It feels good being back in competition again, although it is a lot different from what I remember from the kids races. However, I am getting stronger and stronger every time and with the week of training in Spain coming up, I'm ready for the next race:) 
Just came across this picture online and couldn't believe how much sugar is in these drinks! I love Frijjs as well! Why do all nice things need to be so bad for you!? Very happy to say that my new GB kit arrived this week. And whilst the trisuit is a pretty perfect fit, the t-shirt (in the same size) was small enough to fit my dog Ruby! Hopefully the bigger size wont swamp me. Ive sent it back to have my name put on it :) cant wait to see how that looks.
Training has been a bit hit an miss this week as Ive had loads of homework and GCSE coursework to catch up on, as well as my hamstrings still twinging a bit. I must say though, I have enjoyed swapping my running with the cross trainer - a bit of variety doesnt hurt. Virgin pool has been particularly busy this week and getting to do all my sets has proved hard. Why do social swimmers think it is acceptable to swim breastroke in the labelled 'Fast Lane' and think its ok to push off just as youre approaching the end to tumble? Unless youre a National breastroke swimmer it is only going to hold up those swimmers who are doing freestyle at speed or who have sets to complete. Im hoping this hamstring problem wont be around leading up to my winter traiining week at the end of this month. Oh well - rollaring & stretching here I come... |
