However looking back at 2013 i have had a fantastic year, there has been a lot of big changes and decisions in my life and definitely in sport. But i now feel i am in great place, happy and ready for big things next year. Triathlon has brought me new focus, determination and hunger for success. I have worked hard this year had some results i am very proud of and met some great people through all 3 disciplines of the sport. I have great friends to train and drink coffee with in Plymouth who continue to push me and keep me motivated. I'm working with a great coach who believes in my potential and i feel i am already improving.
Since coming home for Christmas training has kept going, i have done some analysis sessions with Graeme in the pool where we are looking for improvements in my technique and where we can find new speed in my swimming. We have also worked together on the track and some trail running. As Graeme is based in Dundee its great to be able to work 1-1 when i come home and really show what i am capable of. And the analysis is ideal especially as swimming is such a technique specific sport and my weakest discipline. However now we have spotted some areas of weakness i feel with some drill work i will begin to swim a lot faster than before! My running and cycling seems to be getting much faster due to the specific speed sets i have also been doing so i am very pleased with that. I had a few days off over Christmas but for me training is very enjoyable and so i would rather be training!
On Boxing day i ran a local 4km race the plum pudding plod. This is a family tradition and 220 competitors took part. I did fancy my chances going into the race and ideally aimed for top 3. The race was extremely fast and there were some great runners from Dundee hawks there so the race was going to be tough! However i managed to lead the first 1km before i was passed by someone, i then ran hard in a pack of 3 sitting in 4th until around halfway when myself and the man in second dropped the other guy. He then tried to shake me off with constant bursts of pace but i dug deep and held on running right on his shoulder. With around a quarter to go i pushed in front and dropped him running hard and crossing the line in second! I was extremely pleased, it was a very fast race and a result that brought home another Christmas pudding! It really showed my training was working and im getting a lot quicker.
Im now back into my training before i will have another of couple of easy days around New Year celebrations. 2014 for me is going to be a really exciting year. I am scared to finish university and all the work that goes with that but i believe i can use my motivation in triathlon into my work and hopefully come away with a decent degree! I will keep training hard through snow and rain in winter and hopefully come out the other end injury free and ready for the new season.
I want to thank anyone who has trained with me, raced against me, supported me or read my blog this year. It really has been a bloody fun journey and i can't wait for next season. I have a lot of work to do and many meters to swim, km to run and cycle before then so i will leave it here.
Thanks for reading. Merry Christmas and Happy New year.
1. Bringing home more Christmas Pud!
2. Not all rain and snow in winter
3. Swim analysis screen shot.
