swim camp and the start of winter

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.