European Junior Cup race, Quateira, Portugal

The first race of the season finally arrived and oh my did it come around quickly. I flew out to Portugal  on Thursday the 19th the race was on Sunday the 22^nd of March. I flew out from East Midlands airport with Olivia Mathias and a few others from the GB team, which was really relaxing.

Once we got out there we unpacked our bike boxes, and put our bikes together again. We then went on a ride to ensure all was good and also to have a first little look at the bike course. That particular day it was really rainy and wet, but luckily for the race it was dry. The course was nice, with technical bits, a hill and 4 hair pins per lap, but this was good as long as you took it well.

We then rode to where Head coach Rick Velati and Physio Lyndsey Townsend were staying to get a massage, which was really great and help with the preparation of the race.

The Friday was the day of familiarization's, so at 10am we had the bike recce in which we got in 2 laps of the bike course, which was helpful. Then at 11am we got to do a swim recce. I had forgotten over the winter how really cold open water is and the numbing sensation that occurs in your face, hands and toes, but all at the same time I had really missed it. We practiced many beach starts and let’s just say I wasn't the best, but I think I got it on the day so that’s all the counts.

We also had a really gently run on the Friday also, with drills and a really gently loop around the run course. The run was nice, but as soon as the ground was wet it got really slippery, so this was something to watch out for.

The day before our race was the day of the seniors race, in the morning the GB guys managed to get pool time so most of us went for an easy swim and then had a great day watching the other races. It was interesting to watch how the more experienced guys were racing and get feedback off them in order to help our performance.

Race day: Liv and I were sharing a room and we got up at 6.15am on the Sunday, as our race was at 8.45am. We got breakfast quickly and headed out for a gentle walk for some fresh air. Once we got to the room we grabbed our bikes and bags and went to sign in at the athletes lounge area, where we got numbered up and photos taken of our trisuits. We then went to set up transition and we had a quick run through of the ins and outs and then we were good to go. Both Liv and I done a swim warm up just o get a feel for the water and get really warmed up for the race ahead. I was really pleased we did because we found that the tide was A LOT lower that the other day, so whilst before we could dive before we hit the water, if we did that in the race (which some people did)  we would get a face full of sand.

The heart beat came around quickly, (after having to wait for all of the numbers to be called out before me, as I was 49, and then the few after me, to around 60). Once the horn went off it was quick a manic start, with people sprinting roughly 50m for the sea. I was really happy with my swim, I struggled to start trying to find clean water and get through but before the first buoy I found myself at the front, with it being 3 wide. I was lucky enough to get the inside/left, as the 4/5 buoys were left turns, so I had a slight advantage here. The last was a right turn, but I managed to worm my way across and find a good line which got me out of the water in the top 5, including the fact I fell flat on my face as I tried to exit the water. I was very pleased with my swim and I felt really powerful yet flexible in my Zone 3 vanquish wetsuit. I feel I had a fast transition with a little hiccup at the mount, (my feet were so cold I couldn't find my shoes). I managed to grab the front back and then we worked well together. The hill was tough but I feel that I flew up it thanks to the wheels Copy IT digital sponsored for me. It was really important to try and get to the front of the pack at the hair pins, so you didn't have to sprint out of them. Although everyone had this idea so every turn there was a sprint into, trying to be at the front. I found it really important to keep having little sips of my drink on the bike. I chose to use the H2Pro precision hydration 1500 strength, I find this really does help me stay hydrated well and also give me a great performance. At the end of the bike, there was still a good 15-20 in the front pack and I got a little bit pushed to the back going into transition, but I had a good transition, even though my feet were still numb.

I felt strong on the first lap of the run, holding a strong form and running stride for stride with Meg and Liv, but on the 2^nd lap of 2, Liv

managed to make a break as an Italian girl ran past and I just didn't have it in my legs to go with her. Meg and I then ran most of the way until I managed a last little sprint just to get the edge on her, but all the GB girls had a great performance.

I was really pleased with 15^th in my first European Junior Cup race and with 3^rd girl from GB.

I know running is the discipline I need to work on but this gave me confidence and a really good opportunity to get the speed endurance back into my legs before an important race coming up in a couple of months.

I had a massage today with Carl Goose, in order to prepare me for the British Duathlon Champs this weekend and I am really excited to race my first event in the British elite Junior Super series. 

Another thanks to Team sportsaid and Bank of New York Mellon on the support this season and enabling athletes just like me to get these amazing international and unique experiences to be BRILLIANT.