Emily Patch - Triathlete

I'm pretty sure my February blog is supposed to be about how much winter training I've been doing and how I'm getting ready for my first race which is only weeks away and I really wish it was, however my last two months have consisted of 23 visits to A&E and my GP surgery. But many scans, tests and various medications later I am on the mend having solved the problem. I was allergic to my plastic retainer causing my throat and tongue to swell and so that I struggle to breathe, a very rare allergy. So the good news is I am well and back training again! YAAAAY! So thats the bad news out the way and I can talk about the positives. Firstly I'm going to start by announcing my sponsors for the 2016 season which are Swimzi, High5 and Zone3, I am very thankful for there support this year and will be tweeting, blogging and instagraming about their products throughout the year, to read about my new Swimzi products you can click on the sponsors link above. Training ...

In May 2015 I successfully started off this year’s triathlon season by qualifying for the World Championships in Chicago 2015 and the European Championships in Lisbon 2016, competing in the sprint distance events. With the lead up to my first International competition held in Geneva in July 2015, I structured a set race programme around my A levels to compete in various triathlons every two weeks to enforce race tactical practice. New Louth Triathlon Club Tri-suit To gain a faster swim transition I needed to improve on my technique in removing my wetsuit.  To implement my improvements and get used to open water racing I entered the 2015 Delta Simmons Aquathon Series held in Lincoln every month.  Still overcoming shin splints and working to the advice of my physiotherapist the first two rounds proved to be a bit of a struggle, running through pain. I managed to achieve a second place in the first round and gruelling third place in the second round. With months of dedicat...

Today I took my new whip out for a ride. I can't believe what I difference it makes, although side wind can be pretty scary😬  Went for a ride with grandad (in his car hah) to do some hill reps, still hard work even on my speed machine.  The biggest difference has to be having no pain in my back and shoulders while riding, having my bike set up has made a massive impact on the way I ride and made it more enjoyable, thanks again Cycle Mode.

With only five days to go until my first race of the season I am unbelievably excited to test out how fast my new bike can fly🚴💨. This month I have been focusing on revising so I am far from full fitness, however I am glad to have made some progress on my running, I managed to complete a 5k run with little pain in my shins. My run time won't be fast in my tri on Saturday but completing the 5k is a step in the right direction.  A few days ago I was presented my new customed boardman air 9.8 bike by Chris Boardman himself😊😍, was a brilliant day and I couldn't thank Cycle Mode enough for my new bike and for arranging the day. It is a stunner😍

Just over a month away till my first tri of the season (my third ever tri) and hopefully my running will be in shape by then. Being injured last season with shin splints was a major set back but with months of physio and new orthotics I am ready to start running again, last week I managed to run my first pain free mile of the year which was a huge relief. If you are ever unfortunate enough to get shin splints my advice would be REST and apply ice every night. By rolling after every session and stretching regularly hopefully you should be lucky enough to prevent any injuries. Let the training begin for Geneva 2015💪