In October I set off for which would probably be my last
swimming camp with City of Norwich Swimming Club to Fuerteventura, as hopefully
next year I’ll be at University. I’ve been with the top squad for about 5 years
(but I have been with CONSC since I was about 4) and been on 2 previous camps
with the club, but there is no doubt that this camp was the best. The training
was tough, but so enjoyable in the sun and the lovely 50m pool. My least favourite
session had to be the times 5000m for the distance group. I was in so much pain
towards the end I could barely spin my arms and mentally it was very tough. Let’s
say only a few tears were shed. 
On the Wednesday half way through the camp we got an afternoon
off for a boat trip. We had the boat just for our squad and set off towards a
smaller island, where we put the anchor down and stayed for the rest of the
afternoon. There was loads of small fish right by the boat which we got to swim
with, which was really cool. Overall the camp was really good; the swimming was
hard work (physically and mentally), land training was always very sweaty and
we even got a few spinning sessions in. All the time I was helped out with my
hydration with H2pro Precision Hydration, which allowed me to perform well and
exceed my expectations throughout the camp.
On my arrival home, I go the lovely welcome present from Swimzi
with my Swimzi pack. I have been living in my onesie for the last few days as
the temperature has plummeted. Big thank you to Chris and everyone there.
The next weekend I had a cross country at Ryston, Shouldham
Warren. There isn’t an Under 20’s category so that meant straight up to senior
women. I must admit I did feel quite old, especially seeing the U11 and U9
races, which I used to take part in. I had a 9km course ahead of me and I was feeling
pretty strong. I managed to pace it well, not going off too fast and building
my way throughout. Normally on the second lap I go backwards with people
passing me, but I was doing the over taking this time round, which gave me
tonnes of confidence and relief that all my hard work and training is paying off.
With upping my mileage over the last few weeks I thought it
was about time to get myself some new trainers, so we popped down to Sport Link
at Taverham Garden centre. I got some brilliant Saucony and New balance trainers
with the help of Neil Featherby, former international marathon runner and now
owner and fitness consultant at Sport Link.