European Triathlon Championships 2016

So after months of gruelling training, all the hard work paid of last week in the European Triathlon Championships in Lisbon, Portugal.  
Some people say that they love the build up to the race, but I never really enjoy the suspense.   I hate the feeling of the nerves when I see how big the transition is, or the fact that registration is 2 days before and bike racking is the day before.  
But even though I was nervous during the days before, the day of the race was different:  I wasn't nervous.  You could say that it's because I had nothing to lose, or that I was overwhelmed by the whole event, but it wasn't.  I knew that I was ready for the race, and that I had done everything I could to do the best I could.  And because of that, I had nothing to be nervous about.
The actual race went really well.  The water for the swim was a comfortable 18 degrees Celsius, and although it was a bit of a boxing match at the beginning, I settled into a good rhythm and stayed with the front pack for the whole 750m.

The bike course was probably one of my favourite courses because they shut off a whole motorway just for us to cycle on.  Although quite windy and open, it was so much better than cycling around little side roads for 20k.  It felt good to just have open roads ahead of us and also be able to see our competitors on the other side of the road.

The run was along the river front where people having their Friday lunch in the little cafes could sit and cheer us on (the difference a crowd of cheering spectators can have on our performance is massive!).  

I didn't know where I had come when I crossed the line, but I was happy with my performance. I knew I had done all I could, and finishing 5th in Europe just made the day all that much better!!!

I want to say a massive thankyou to my sponsors Pedal Potential and Sovereign Play Equipment.  Without their endless support, I wouldn't have been able to go to Portugal and compete in that race, so I am forever grateful.
I would also like to say thankyou to Perry and Trisutto, because without their training and support, I mentally wouldn't have been capable to do that race.
And finally, my parents, because without their love and support, I don't think I would have the confidence to say that I am proud of myself and my achievement, and all my hard work is nothing compared to theirs. Thankyou:)