2012...... what's in store for me???

Well 2011 was a bit of a washout year for me.... A broken scaphoid in January halted the progress which I had made through the winter, which resulted in 3 months off work and pretty much no running or swimming. I did manage to get on the turbo a few times, but seriously not good!

I began running again after the cast was removed and at first everything seemed to be fine, races were entered and I was back to my old self, or so I thought.

Then it began, that horrible stinging feeling in the shins and after each run and each session they were only getting worse. It was back, that pain of 2007 through hockey training. I had shin splints.

My friend Becky recommended I see a doctor and then I was referred for physio only to be told complete rest was going to be the answer. Not the answer I wanted when I had tonnes of races and my goal was to qualify for Beijing 2011 World Triathlon Age groups, like I did in 2010.

So 2011 was spent not running and basically feeling very deflated.

That was until I moved to Oakham in July. Moving in with Will and having him write me up plans for training was the next best thing for me, and he completely appreciated the running injuries and therefore we decided to work upon my swimming, gaining strength and speed, and cycling.

After 10 weeks of hard work, averaging around 7-8 hours a week, with a full time job, came Christmas and the New Year. Having family meant the training took a back step, but I was pleased as now we are beginning a new year with lots of positive thoughts and goals.

My one goal for this year is to finish the Dambuster Triathlon in June, I have made it my A race. I DNF'd (did not finish) at 2011's race due to being overworked (Glasgow two days prior to racing), poor training and preparation and tiredness. I have since take the day off before the 2012 race and am working hard at cycling and plan to work really really hard in training for it.

My other goal is to qualify for the 2012 New Zealand Triathlon Age group team. I want to wear that GB trisuit again and I want to feel like I have achieved hard!

So this month is all about getting my mojo back, and working hard this week (14 hours of training which is double what I have been doing) and working with lots of other triathletes has helped me to feel positive about 2012.

Good luck to all this year and I hope that training goes well!

Kerry X