Review of 2011

As I write this overview of 2011 I feel very thankful. This time last year I could barely walk, nevermind run and was probably a real pain the in ass to be around (there's nothing like an injured athlete!).  So much has progressed over the year from those incredibly painful physio sessions twice a week (thanks Richard @ Sportmed), to being able to run for 5 minutes on a treadmill, to completing my first duathlon in March and eventaully being able to run pain free July time. It's been a long journey and I thank my family, my friends and my sponsors for their ongoing support. 2011 was a journey and as 2012 starts I'm fitter, stronger and healthier. May it be a good year for us all.

So, in summary, 2011:

January and February
No racing, just 2-3 times a week for 5 minutes on the treadmill and lots of swimming and cycling.
March
Dambuster duathlon 2nd in age group by 10 seconds, not bad considering going into the race I hadn't run more than 5 miles! Qualification for European and World duathlon champs.
1st place local 25 mile TT
April
European duathlon champs, Limerick. Closely beaten in 4th place by 1 second - gutted! Pleased to have the 3rd fastest bike split overall the female competitors.
May and June
Out to the USA again to compete with the best in the US. Had a top 15 spot in Texas and 12th at the notorious Escape from Alcatraz (I love that race, it's so damn tough). Got swept by the tide and took ages to swim back to shore - not good but on the upside, my bike time was nearly 4 minutes quicker than the previous year.
Back home to do the wonderful Liverpool 5150 triathlon, still struggling with my feet but enjoyed the race and got 7th elite female.
July
Ripon triathlon 5th overall and fastest vet - apparently got a 2 minute penalty - still not sure how that occured. My first race pain free - yippee!
August and September
Training and preparation for the World duathlon champs, national and World masters individual pursuit champs. Unfortunately, just when you think things are looking up, I got sick, real sick with gastroenteritis while out in Thailand training for the Laguna Phuket triathlon in November (I didn't go in the end but it's still a race I'd love to do one day for many reasons).  Recovering from that back in the UK I managed to get back to some fitness only to come down with the 'flu 10 days before the Worlds. Looking back, my immune system had obviously had a severe kicking in the previous few weeks and although I thought I'd recovered, I wasn't even close to competing at a top level. I spent four days either in bed or dragging myself to a sofa with a temperature of 102F. I still thought I would be ok for racing the following weekend. Well, I got on a plane and travelled to Spain and I took part, but didn't/couldn't race. Hindsight suggests not going and cancelling the rest of the year!
October
Recovering and a little light training for the next three weeks I took part in the World masters track cycling champs. For ten weeks I'd followed a training plan from the City of Edinburgh Racing Club, the aim to get me onto the podium. In reality, this didn't happen and I got 6th but I had great 'fun' training for a new skill and will be continuing in 2012.
November
After a complete rest from training, it was time to start all over again with plans and goals for 2012. Time for some Friday night track league action at the Manchester velodrome and a real introduction of what to expect in 2012.
December
Time for some training camps in Lanzarote, a favourite place to train. Also, a little last minute race to spice up training, the Lanzarote 10.55k, a quarter of the marathon distance also held on a very windy Sunday. For a change my trusty stead was left at home and I was accompanied by my trainers and a wetsuit.

Thanks for reading my blog. Hope you all have a great year in 2012.
Vic :)

1st race of the year

This was my first race of the year. A little lung warmer of a 5 mile trail run on the outskirts of Stockport. Recently my running has been getting stronger, which after the ongoing injury, has been fantastic news. I started mid pack and very quickly made my way to the front of the group of ladies, by the first muddy hill I was in second place. My recent hill/strength training had obviously worked and I recovered well. It was truly a mud fest and lots of puddles too. By mile two, I had taken the lead and was running well with a group of men. Unfortunately at mile four (ish!), disaster struck when I tripped over what I think was a rock hidden in the mud. I did the most fantastic face plant and skidded along the mud. Although I partially recovered, the following mile I felt terrible and my legs wouldn't work properly, probably because of the amount of mud I was covered in! I eventually finished 3rd overall lady, which I'm pleased about and I'm still smiling, so it looks like more trail runs for me. Thanks to Belle Vue Racers for a great event. Next time i'll remember to take my fell shoes and not use my ordinary road trainers, school girl error!!

Vic :)