Hello again!
The season is drawing to a close and all too soon. It’s the time in the season where I always look back and think where did it all go!
Berlin was a great experience. I was particularly impressed with the stadium and the sense of history surrounding it. The German supporters were great but I was particularly humbled and happy to see just how many British supporters had made the effort to be there to support us.
We were staying in one of the biggest hotels I have ever seen, the rooms were comfortable and spacious and we were even given a few treats…the best of course being free internet! The food, I have to admit, was awful but that’s usually a given at championships and besides until you finished competing its probably for the best, you really need to eat right while your at an event.
2009 was somewhat bittersweet for me, although I reached my first major world championship final; it was not quite the journey I had envisaged. Still it is another stepping stone towards 2012 and valuable learning curve. Injury and obstacles are all part of the sport so it’s all about how you bounce back from these setbacks. There really is so much to look forward to in 2010 with the Europeans and Commonwealths, I’m excited already!
Since returning from Berlin I have ended my season and am currently on my break and trying to do all the things that you simply just don’t have time to do during the season. First on my list was sorting out my bedroom!! It might sound mundane but it’s actually exciting for me having been away so long. Aside from that I will be going on holiday to relax in the sun, but not before some birthday celebrations next week!
Maz’s Top tip :
As one season ends and we roll on to the next have you ever thought about keeping a training diary, it is always useful to log your sessions, thoughts, physical feelings and anything you think is relevant to your training preparation for the year ahead.
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Thursday, 3 September 2009
Hi everyone!
When I last blogged I was in Portugal at the holding camp, awaiting the arrival of the rest of the GB team! Two days later they all arrived and the vibe in the holding camp began to heighten. We developed a strong team atmosphere, and away from hard training and concentration there were always plenty of laughs.
Training went really well in Portugal, particularly in the last few sessions before arriving in Berlin. The nerves and anticipation were starting to build as to how the Champs would unfold. I do not think I could have waited any longer, I was eagerly waiting to get to Germany!
We were the in the first wave of athletes to arrive at the Estrel Hotel which was our home for the next 10 days! It was the biggest hotel I have ever seen, with 4 wings. Everything was really impressive, apart from the food! I think we were thoroughly spoilt at our five star resort in Portugal, so we had high expectations!
Not long after we arrived at the hotel the other nations did too so I was really starting to feel the championship vibes! I had a whole 3 days to prepare for my first round, so I really put my head down and concentrated on the competition.
I had some first round nerves, but it was a comfortable race so I went through to the Semi. I was originally expecting to be in the first Semi Final, but on the morning of competition my coach Ayo, told me that I was now in Semi 3. I had psyched myself up to be in the first semi, so I had to re-focus and prepare. I was really nervous about this one as I have never made a World Final! I knew that I had to finish in the top 2 in my race, or be one of the 2 fastest losers. The first lap was quite slow, but my coach told me to be patient, so I finished in 2nd place and made it through.
The morning of the Final arrived, and I went through my preparation. I finished in 8th place, but I had mixed feelings after the race. I was happy to have been in the Final, but at the same time I was annoyed as I know I could have done better and taken home a medal!
Tip of the month ‘make sure you always pack your favourtite healthy snacks in your suitcase like cereal, cereal bars , my personal fav- cashews. Just in case the food isn’t up to scratch you will need to keep up your strength!!
Talk to you soon!
Maz xx
Training went really well in Portugal, particularly in the last few sessions before arriving in Berlin. The nerves and anticipation were starting to build as to how the Champs would unfold. I do not think I could have waited any longer, I was eagerly waiting to get to Germany!
We were the in the first wave of athletes to arrive at the Estrel Hotel which was our home for the next 10 days! It was the biggest hotel I have ever seen, with 4 wings. Everything was really impressive, apart from the food! I think we were thoroughly spoilt at our five star resort in Portugal, so we had high expectations!
Not long after we arrived at the hotel the other nations did too so I was really starting to feel the championship vibes! I had a whole 3 days to prepare for my first round, so I really put my head down and concentrated on the competition.
I had some first round nerves, but it was a comfortable race so I went through to the Semi. I was originally expecting to be in the first Semi Final, but on the morning of competition my coach Ayo, told me that I was now in Semi 3. I had psyched myself up to be in the first semi, so I had to re-focus and prepare. I was really nervous about this one as I have never made a World Final! I knew that I had to finish in the top 2 in my race, or be one of the 2 fastest losers. The first lap was quite slow, but my coach told me to be patient, so I finished in 2nd place and made it through.
The morning of the Final arrived, and I went through my preparation. I finished in 8th place, but I had mixed feelings after the race. I was happy to have been in the Final, but at the same time I was annoyed as I know I could have done better and taken home a medal!
Tip of the month ‘make sure you always pack your favourtite healthy snacks in your suitcase like cereal, cereal bars , my personal fav- cashews. Just in case the food isn’t up to scratch you will need to keep up your strength!!
Talk to you soon!
Maz xx
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