This last month has been very difficult for me and has challenged me greatly. First up for me was European Junior Qualifiers in LLanelli, a race I was targeting. I had an excellent swim, leading the combined Junior and Senior field into T1, and followed this up with a good T1 giving myself a small lead at the start of the bike. A group of about 10-15 athletes (along with 3 other juniors) formed at the front of the race and extended the lead throughout the bike. T2 did not go quite as well for me, and I went out onto the run towards the back of the group, however, I felt strong and quickly moved up in 2nd place. Just over a third of the way into the run, something didn't feel quite right in my lower back, and my the time I reached halfway, I could barely run, and unfortunately was forced to pull out. It turned out I had pulled a muscle in my back. This was devastating, as I had put myself in a strong contending position, but things like these just happen sometimes and all I could do was be pleased that I was feeling fit and strong, allow my back to recover and move on to the next race.
May has also seen the beginning of my A-Level exams, which will take up the majority of my focus, until my next race, at Eastbourne Triathlon in my home town, on the 14th June when I have completed most of my A-Levels. My next super series race will be at Eton Dorney on 29th June.
Thanks for reading,
Noah