Summary of 20192019 was certainly a roller coaster year for me, filled with lots of highs and lows... I could have easily started off this blog post with all the extremely frustrating things I encountered during 2019, but one thing I did learn last year is unfortunately s**t happens and you just have to deal with it and think positively. So whilst I am feeling a little sorry for myself and have time recovering from breaking my elbow at new year (doh), I thought I would remind myself that even a year that felt as thought it had many lows did have some epic moments. Stepping Over To The Dark SideOne major highlight for me, which ultimately shaped my year, has got to be finally going over to the dull 'dark side' as the running club call it and racing various open water triathons last year. Leeds has got to be up there with one of my favourite ever races. It was my first ever open water triathlon in my home town, the atmosphere was amazing and I had Clive and my family cheering me on from the sidelines - whats not to love! Also Redcar as it was my first ever sea and draft legal triathlon where I battled with some pretty scary waves and somehow survived! As a result of training for open water triathlons, it meant I got to have such fun with friends at the lakes over the summer, experiencing some beautiful sunsets too. I was also extremely lucky to be selected to represent Zoot Sports as part of Team Zoot Europe 2020, which I am super excited about. This company represents everything I love about the triathlon community - inclusion, encouragement, and funky race gear. I really cannot wait to be back training and racing once my arm has healed, particularly when the long summer days return back to us! World Duathlon ChampionshipsOf course another highlight was getting to race in my GB kit again at the World Duathlon Age Group Championships in Pontevedra. It may not have been the result I may have wanted, but the experience was unforgettable. CanicrossIn 2018 my season was fairly long with my A race in Ibiza taking place at the very end of October. This wasn't the case this year, so post ankle sprain when I had lost my mojo a bit, I spent a lot of time just running with Ellie (the ultimate run buddy) with no pressure for distance or paces, to bring the fun back into running. And wow what a difference it made - I've never felt as good in myself whilst running and somehow managed to surprise myself with how fast we could both go at park runs, competing in our first official canicross league race and winning the Tunnel Vision Dawn run. Love that dog! FamilyFirstly racing alongside my amazing mum this season has got to be another highlight. She has only just started her triathlon journey, and I am just so proud of her dedication and enthusiasm. You will smash 2020 mum! Then really just the amazing support I have had throughout the season. From my brother coming all the way to Redcar triathlon with me as no one else could do, to Clive putting up with me being out most evenings training. I am pretty lucky - thank you! FriendsSituations such as breaking your elbow really do make you really appreciate things in life (like being able to tie up your own hair or cut up your own food). But in all seriousness, I am just super grateful for all my wonderful friends for their support over the last year, and even moreso for their kind wishes I have received over the last couple of weeks keeping me positive and smiling. So a big thank you to you all! LowsAs I mentioned, I hadn't had a lot of luck last year from catching the Noro-virus at the beginning of the season, to getting shin splints on the lead up to my A race, to then spraining my ankle basically wiping out all of my summer races... and therefore zero consistent training all year. And then to top it off, I go and fall off my bike at the very end of the year and break my elbow resulting in surgery (doh!).
But as I have said, s**t things happen... roll on 2020!! Where I have just one triathlon related wish - to stay injury free and healthy (once my arm has heeled), so I can actually race to my full potential (please!?). Big thanks to everyone that has supported me last season. Hels x
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AuthorAn everyday girl with a love of competition (and nut butter) Archives
October 2021
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