For years now I have wanted to do the Great North Run, half
marathon and completed a triathlon. Neither did I think was ever possible. I never
had the confidence to believe I could do it and I didn’t always have people
around me to support me. Then January
came and so did some confidence.
I bit the bullet and enter the Ponteland Triathlon believing
I had time to train and be ready. I read
advice and training plans and most helpful of all I asked question on a
triathlon board. They listened and
really helped by answering all of my silly questions. Then just after I entered that I got an email
to say I had got a place in the ballet for the Great North Run (GRN). I was terrified but determined. I also entered other less challenging events
throughout the year but those were my biggies.
The Triathlon was in July and I started training (after a chest
infection) in February. I made a plan
and I stuck to it. I never missed a
training date unless it could be rescheduled for that week. What was I more important was that I enjoyed
it and worked hard. I started to swim
with a group once a week and that really helped. I felt focussed and driven something I
thought I would never feel. Before the
event I was nervous and started doubting myself asking; what it I was last, what
if everyone was super fit and they were closing the finish line before I finished,
what if I got a flat tyre and so on. I
couldn’t have been further from the truth.
I was nowhere near last and for my swim I was actually 3rd
fastest for my ages group (very proud of that).
The weather was shocking and I had never cycled in the rain (bouncing
rain) but I loved it and the run was not very scenic but was easy going. I hesitate to say I could have done more. I loved it and am hooked. It was amazing and I have talked a few people
into doing at least one this year.
The GRN was a whole different kettle of fish. As soon as I finished the Triathlon I had to
focus on distance running. This does not
come naturally to me and I found it really challenging. I ran with a wonderful little running club
and couldn’t have done it without them, especially Andy. On the day I ran with Natalie and she really
made all the difference. I loved it. As I rounded the last corner and realised I
had about a mile and a half to go, I was so emotional as I realised I could do
it. I honestly thought beforehand that I
would never do it. All I wanted to run
it all and I ran it all, enjoyed it all and honestly never hit the wall or
anything like that. I would 100% do it
again. It was amazing and all those weeks of hard work paid off. Amazing.
So what about 2015, well I had big plans but never in a 100
years did I think my college life would take over like it has so it means I
need to be realistic and not out too much pressure on myself. I am itching to get a wetsuit and start
swimming outside. I am not sure that is
going to happen as I am not sure I have the time to commit to it. That said the aim is to do 3 pool triathlons this
year and I even have my eyes set on three.
The only down side is the crazy cost of them. That said I am excited. I will also be taking
part in a few 10k’s along the way starting with my first in March. So bring it on 2015, I can’t wait.
No comments:
Post a Comment