2018 The Breakthrough Year

Thought it would be apt to start writing a blog to look back on my achievements in triathlon. 2018 was my second year of training and taking part in triathlon.

One of the highlights of the year was the Hampstead Triathlon training camp in Lanzarote. The facilities were brilliant and I forged friendships with my roommates and training buddies who continue to inspire me with their exploits.

Team Positive Vibes: Eva, Myself & FloReturning to the UK following Lanzarote I felt inspired to start taking my training more seriously and follow a structured training plan. Thank you Andy and Paul for your guidance this year.

During the freezing conditions at Berkhamsted triathlon Flo and Matt suggested that I attempt to qualify to represent GB in my Age Group. Having done a few sprint distance triathlons I didn’t think I would have much chance of qualifying. However, I had planned to enter Thorpe Park Sprint distance triathlon again as it had been my first event the year before and I had really enjoyed it. I duly paid my fee to to British Triathlon and tried to get some advice from my more experienced peers.

In contrast to Berkhamsted, Thorpe Park was pretty warm and sunny. I completed the course in 01:20:31 which was 12 minutes faster than the year before. I had some hay fever and stomach issues but was pretty happy with my time. Finishing 15th in my age group I would have to wait for a roll down place for the ETU sprint distance championships in Kazan, Russia.

Thorpe Park Sprint Triathlon: Eva, Myself & Helena

Anyone that knows me knows that cycling is my favourite of the three disciplines. With my Finsbury Park Cycling teammates we took on a 210km Audax and the Chiltern 100 mile events. Both events were great fun but I needed coke to power me through. The Ride London was less enjoyable in difficult conditions.

Chiltern 100 FPCC: Myself, Terry, Tony, Peter & DavidAfter using my Dad’s spare bike Carl the Cannondale I decided to purchase my own bike that would be a better fit for me and be lighter and quicker. I’m really happy with Lucy my Liv Envie. The first time I raced on her was at the London Triathlon Olympic Westminster route. I really enjoyed the race, particularly the bike leg. It was also fantastic to take the bike to Nice for a long weekend of cycling with Flo. Next stop will be to get a bike fit.

Riding Lucy the Liv around the Cote D’Azur

Having enjoyed my first taste of Olympic distance triathlon I decided to enter the ETU Olympic Qualifier at St Neots with Flo, my sister Rachel & Kate. I finished in 2:31:06, seventh in my age group and only a few seconds behind Flo who has inspired me so much on my triathlon journey. This was enough to secure a place for Weert, Holland.

With Flo who always inspires me at St Neots Olympic triathlon

I finished the season by doing the Ealing half marathon with my sister and Kate. I did the New Forest Marathon five years ago in 2:05 but found it extremely tough so was really pleased to beat my sister and finish in 1:41:02.

Ealing half marathon with Kate & Rachel

I’m excited for what 2019 will bring including racing for GB for the first time, going to Cambrils for a cycling training camp & hopefully improving and enjoying competing and training. Best wishes to everyone for the new year and thanks for reading.