This was my fourth season of racing and
my most successful. I've never been
somebody who races frequently and subsequently the experience gained from
racing is still relatively lacking. This year I have learnt a great deal
not only about the sport but about myself undoubtedly the stress of the looming
house move didn’t help in the lead up to the race but I’ve had a good rest since racing
in Wales and I’m ready to go again.
Although I didn't
achieve my ultimate goal of qualifying for the World Championships I feel I
have taken a huge step forward and if
things had gone differently on race day I’d of been right there in the mix.
If qualifying was my
main aim for the season then winning a race overall and Age category were a
very close second and third. I didn't quite achieve an overall win having
been beaten into 3rd place by an ITU professional and a seasoned competitor but
did manage a class win. I also had a strong result at the British Middle
Distance Championships where I placed 8th in my age group and 33rd overall.
It’s also worth mentioning that I didn't taper for either race and
trained right through including a 17 mile run the Wednesday before the British
Championships.
Next season sees me returning to Ironman Wales and the Outlaw Half with
a Hill Marathon early next year. I will also be looking at a few local
races where hopefully I can achieve good results. All being well with
another year of good training under my belt I can make that next step forward.
