So for the next two weeks the watt bike and treadmill became my best friend. I was determined to get back as quickly as possible; so I ate as clean as possible, drunk at least 4 litres of water a day, researched the best supplements to aid recovery and kept focused on the races ahead. In the grand scheme I knew the injury could have been a lot worse but nethertheless it did make me realise how much I loved training and racing and that you can't always take this for granted. I was even more focused to come back fitter and stronger than before. It also gave me a chance to improve my cycling and running. Swimming has always been my strongest discipline, so it was defineitly a blessing that my arm was injured and not my legs!
Two weeks post fracture I was back riding outside, however only in the bars, I still couldn't put any weight through the arm. Even opening the door was a problem! I then tried a swim to see if I was able to race the European Aquathlon in Bratislava; I managed 4 lengths. No aquathlon!
Four weeks post fracture; National Sprint Champs at Thorpe Park. I knew this was touch and go but I took the risk and finished with a bronze medal. Looking back now, I am amazed I was even able to race that weekend. Pure stubbornness!!
Windsor Triathlon was up next. My first elite race and with a few swims under my belt, it felt like my swimming endurance was starting to return. I was finally pain free and feeling stronger. A good steady swim, a faster bike and a poor hot run, I couldn't believe I had finished 3rd; behind Louise and Emma. A TDC podium! All those 6am swim sessions were seeming worthwhile! I also loved having my family and friends there to support as well. (Mum and Dad you are legends!!)
I then decided to enter Marlow Half Iron distance on a last minute whim, just a week after Windsor. A double taper week was probably just what my body needed. Every 5th week in a hard block I seem to have mini meltdowns, so I was quite glad of an easier couple of weeks. Luckily I have a great coach who keeps me sane! Mentally I was feeling good and confidence was high after the previous weekend. 1st out the swim, 1st off the bike and although my running legs were struggling, I managed to hold on to take my 1st win. Only my second race at this distance. Thanks Bruce for the run splits update! So now I am ready to get back into a hard block of training before Lanzarote 70.3 in September. I am super excited to have an 8 week summer holiday to train like a full time athlete, including two weeks training at Club La Santa at the beginning of August.
So after nearly a year with Team Dillon, I can't remember what I used to do before! 3 x GB qualifications, a national champs bronze medal, 3rd in my first elite race and my first middle distance win. I am kinda guessing their training programmes work! Thank you Emma for continuing to push the limits and keep me mentally strong when the going gets tough!
So now time to enjoy the sun, no 6am alarm clocks and time to experience mid afternoon naps! I have learnt so much in such a short period of time; that it is important to enjoy and trust the process, train on days that you don't feel like it and take some risks because you never know what could happen!
Bring on the rest of the season! #bethebestyoucanbe
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