Kimberley MORRISON Triathlete @kimmorrison - Tumblr Blog

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The London Triathlon

We travelled to The Excel, London on the 8th August where 13,000 athletes race over 2 days. I raced in the Elite Women's wave against a strong field including 2xWorld Champion and Olympian Helen Jenkins. I have Helen's poster up in our garage (now gym) at home so when I crossed the finish line I went over to congratulate her on the win and gave her a hug, such an inspiration! I was asked during a lovely fish&chip indulgence at No. 1 Cromer with Ben's family early that week what my expectations were...

I quickly responded "Top10". However this was instinct, it's a privilege to make the start list and therefore see where I stand against some of the top girls on the drafting triathlon circuit. A Top10 would continue nicely on from my season so far having consistently finished within the Top10.

1st Anglian Water Duathlon 10th Ironman70.3 Pays d'Aix 8th Ironman70.3 Haugesund 1st The Norwich Triathlon 9th London Elite Triathlon The London Triathlon has been on my race calendar every year since participating in 2012. I am happy to be moving up the field each year, it's a great maker I use each year (this year the bike course was more technical through Canary Wharf and 2/3km longer): 2015 9th Elite 2014 14th Elite 2013 4th Age Grouper 2012 21st Age Grouper The London Triathlon 2015 - Elite Results Leading up to the race I was kindly invited out to Switzerland with my training partner Eloise and our coach Mark joined us. We got a excellent 10day block of training in climbing mountains, swimming in Sierre's spectacular lake and running up to 2,300m. The week before London I suffered flu like symptoms so took a couple of days to recover. I picked up the training last week popping myself in the pool most days keeping my swim stroke strong and familiar.

The weekend of the race was filled with so much excitement and great company. We enjoyed a family dinner the Saturday night in Canary Wharf and race morning I was greeted by friends from London, Norfolk and LA.. Wow that was special!

Sunday morning we were greeted by the sun, the water temperature in Victoria Dock where we swim was 19.8 degrees so .2 away from a non wetsuit swim. We lined up at 10.25am. Once our names were called into the water and we were all settled behind the canoes the horn sounded. A fast, furious start as all athletes jostle for positions. I had a clean start with swimmers cutting across as we swam towards London's City airport. Almost reaching the runway we turned back to the Excel.

I excited the swim outside the Top20 missing the chase bike pack.

Ben gave me a time check of 90seconds to get on my TT bars and bike hard. I cycled for just over an hour at threshold, I couldn't have asked my legs for anymore. It wasn't enough, solo, to chase the pack of 8 athletes however I didn't loose anytime holding the 90second gap. So having over taken a couple of smaller packs on the bike I started the run having moved up into the Top10. I felt relaxed on the run, I was moving up a couple more places and the support from friends and family was so uplifting, I enjoyed every second (minus the obvious pain endured).

I crossed the finish line 9th Elite Female feeling absolutely brilliant, so many beaming faces sharing my ambition.

Thank you Wensum Pools, Jacuzzi and Certikin for your continued support and all friends and family who continually support my triathlon journey from Great Ormond’s Street Children’s Hospital.

Thank you all for your support towards my triathlon journey. I love to share and I love to race amongst such incredible excitement. In just under 3 weeks I will be travelling to Zell am See, Austria for the Ironman70.3 World Championships with family, my training partner Eloise and my coach Mark Pearce.

Ironman70.3 Haugesund, Norway

a beautiful place... a beautiful race

Norway has been on my race list for almost 10months so it has been the focus of many early morning swim sets, evening lake swims, many miles spent on the bike and my countryside runs with Ben beside me on the bike.

Mark Pearce, my coach from Intellitri, had prepared me to be in good form for the race and we had come out of a solid 2 week training block with a good 5 days to taper. (I have a detailed pre race update on local races and TTs if you would like to read, just pop me your email address, details below).

Ben and I flew out to Norway with the intention of getting a top age group spot so I could pick up my ticket for the World Championships held in Zell am See, Austria next month. Mark reminded me, all the hard work is done, enjoy Norway! We really did, Ben and I enjoyed meeting a great group of friendly, talented athletes and we are so grateful for their support too during the race, thank you.

So the Race Plan Versus the Reality

1. Strong swim start; head down, 6 strokes, breathe.. repeat. Any clear water? Yep and there was some speedy feet up ahead so I pushed hard to bridge the gap and it felt like a solid pace I could sustain for the 1.9km swim. At the first turn around it was the two of us leading the swim with clear water. I exited the water with the lead lady in just over 26minutes. The lake was a warm 18 and perfectly still, an idyllic spot.

2. Bike to feel; I don't have average speed displayed (great advice for me from Mark) when I race so it's purely Power and how I'm feeling. The bike course was busy as the Women were the last wave but with closed roads I was able to navigate safely. The bike course was stunning and no mountains to climb, just a case of navigating through the beautiful Norwegian countryside. I got to the half way point and knew I was on for a 2hour 30minute cycle (the mathematician in me.. actually that's quite a simple sum!) so pushed on for the second half to come in sub 2hour 30minutes.

4. Quick T2; Dan Orsborne will be analysing

5. Run at 13.7kmph; previously I would believe 14.5kmph was where I needed to be but this in reality wasn't possible after a 90km bike ride as I found out in Ironman70.3 Pays d'Aix. I stuck strictly to the pace and didn't slow throughout the run (wasn't able to speed up either) coming in just over the 1hour 30minute mark. The run was a 2x out and back loop where you could pace well as there were very few undulations.

6. Nutrition; I have Mark to thank for helping me in recent months/ weeks adapting to get this right. I had 9 torq gels and 1.5L fluid by the time I hit the run and I was feeling pretty conversational (not depleted like previous races). I allowed myself to stop at each aid station and take a gulp of water avoiding the drenched feet I've had previously that have caused blisters.

The beautiful thing about this race was how in sync the race plan was with the race itself. (and how in sync the Norwegian weather was with the UKs!) I crossed the finish line in 4hours and 30minutes with a massive Smile, the race really had gone to plan. I qualified for the Ironman70.3 World Championships held in Austria next month. The atmosphere and support out on the course was exciting, vibrant and loud. I will certainly come back to Norway to race Ironman70.3 Haugesund.

I finished first age group lady in all categories and my time popped me inside the Top 10 Pro women's field.

Thank you to everyone who was out there supporting on the course, the volunteers and all the support from home. I particularly liked to read "Absolutely bossed it.. fast course!"

Next race is just a few days away, this coming weekend where I am racing to hold onto the title from last year at Tri-Anglia's Norwich Triathlon. I will continue with some speed work as I head into the London Triathlon a few weeks later.

Next update to follow will be prior to us travelling to the World Championship Race in Zell am See on the 30th August. If you would like to be included to my mailing for pre race updates please pop me your address: [email protected]

Best wishes and thank you for following my journey from Great Ormond's Street Children's Hospital

Ironman70.3 Pays d’Aix, France

3rd May 2015

I absolutely love to race. To see my bike with a MRS luggage tag and to have my husband with me was the perfect recipe for an enjoyable weekend away in Aix-en-Provence.

We both thrived, the Ironman branded experience was a magical one.. the bike route clearly marked the Thursday before, cycling with the pre race favourite, Ben taking Mark Pearce's role in the support vehicle! The town hosted registration with extensive 'Ironman' shopping occurring amongst excitable athletes. The atmosphere was alive with precise organisation, busy triathletes and numerous supporters.. What's not to love! We divided our time to allow for a bike course recce as well as a dip in the lake. An early morning run of the course kept my nerves away leading up to race day. We enjoyed leisurely time exploring The beautiful town Aix, welcoming Mum and Dad, enjoying the food and Vino (well beer for Ben and water for me) and soaking up the culture that this town was absorbing.. Ironman!

5.30am race morning and it was not all smiles and hugs.. we couldn't find our car! Always an exciting start to the day no matter what the day ahead holds..

Somehow we still arrived at the lake in really good time and my pre race organisation saw me in the water happily warming up 20mins prior to race start.

7.40am PROs started in the water, female AGs on the beach. The natural instinct for anyone who loves to race.. Let's have a fast start to get in and amongst! As fabulous as this was the washing machine affect was horrendous. After a fast 400m mad splash it all became clear and my vision came back to me. A solid swim saw me exit the water in and amongst the front of the race, this became clear when Ben let me know what great company I had around me.

Onto the bike, my absolute favourite part! I can really relax and enjoy at this point. I train and race with a power metre but this often gets ignored, I much prefer to go with feel but I'm learning the importance of power. The route was a mixture of long gradual uphills, a couple of steep climbs, technical descents and fast flat smooth roads. My Canyon felt super speedy and didn't let me down, I held a strong av. speed and got some funny glances as we past the men on the neutral parts of the course moving up to 5th. With just 10km to go on the bike I was feeling slightly less enthusiastic, everything was beginning to feel a little less comfortable (understatement!)

The 4 lap run route was magical, awesome atmosphere and so much excitement amongst supporters! Lap 1 was excellent I moved up the field. I held that gap into Lap 2. Mark was giving advice on the phone that Ben was communicating to me.. I think I heard something about water? I basically had a shower at the aid station and this lifted me. Towards the end of Lap 2 my race enthusiasm had escaped me I was now running with terrible form and a horrendous grimace on my face.. the heat got the better of me and my last 45mins were certainly character building!

I crossed the line in 10th position, 1st British Female and 3rd in my age category. "Solid debut" to quote Mark

Unfortunately I did not qualify for the World Championships later this year. I needed to finish 1st in my age category. I will be back racing in Norway to grab my slot!

Thank you Ben, Mum and Dad for a really great weekend away. Andrew and Rob also, congratulations, it was fun to have a drink or two and reminisce over baby oil, big chain rings and whether the run visor is too cool! Thank you Wensum Pools, Certikin and Jacuzzi for making the race season a very exciting one!

Thank you Mark Pearce at Intelligent Triathlon Training you popped me in the Top10!

Next up is the British Middle Distance Championships at Bala, 7th June 2015

THE ANGLIAN WATER DUATHLON

Nicetri Duathlon 1st Female 2015

A fantastic race two weeks out from Ironman 70.3 Pays d’Aix this race was a great warm up off the back of a solid few days training in Loughborough with Intellitri.

Colchester Half Marathon - 29th March 2015

4th Female 1hour 28minutes 45seconds

The ‘perfect’ match

March Training Camp - GoPro action from Intellitri https://vimeo.com/122228619

The third season of triathlon is now just a few weeks away and in the past few weeks of training I have realised something that no 220 magazines, Twitter feeds or Instagram likes can tell you... Training with a friend, a competitor, an all round motivator and most importantly a clumsy, plate smashing nutritional wonder women!

To improve and progress is simple, firstly you need to want it. Working alongside, striving to achieve, goals aligned... It's not something to go out and find, it will come to you. (Unless you let it smash up a 2000m climb too hard!) A pretty descent coach plays an important role too, as does a mentor or two.

Having just returned from a perfectly executed Triathlon training camp in Heurcal-Overa with Intelligent Triathlon Training I'm switching the previous GoPro montage for a Poem.

The 'perfect' match..

The causal morning sunrise, mountain air breathes through

'Eh oh eh oh' bellows from your cracked iPhone, I hide and sleep through.

Super oats fuel our first hour, or two

A trip down the hill greeted by 'gooood morning!' with that Spanish zing, electrifies you.

Our daily dose of chlorine, and Finis keeps us smiling

Mark is super sharp, and never misses multiple timing.

Into the gym for squats, core and strengthening

Leigh's circuits now robust, we work on developing.

Compulsory Lidl stop, they have a fresh bakery!

You pick up your colourful fruit, Mark heads for the winery.

Meal time back up the hill, eggs on our agenda

Will makes his omelette teaching flavour bombs, pretender!

Out on the bikes for a climb, or two

I'm sorry I've spent most the camp sat on the back wheel of you!

TT efforts in the sunshine, next to the sea

Marks impeccable photography and precision, always capturing me.

5pm lunch, always felt the norm.

You make it so colourful, with your beetroot and corn.

Afternoon run, always fun

Will loves to join us, at least for one.

Fit Camp Spain welcome us home, with the pans on the hob

We relax and enjoy, saves us a little job!

You chop the lemon, pop some in my glass

We all got into the zesty taste, alkalinity at last.

The plates are cleared, and the kettle whistles loud

Your peppermint calls, Marks lemon&ginger made proud.

8.30 is too early for bed, so we procrastinate till 9

Random outburst of laughter, hopefully the cats are in line!

A giggle here and there.. I wonder what cat climb tomorrow will hold!

You make it fun, you make it fair.. you are the best I have out there! #fitisfun

Winter Wedding Training

As our big day is excitingly fast approaching, I am trying to keep my focus and enjoying the winter miles...

Lode Runners Half Marathon - November 2014

(The race was shortened to 10.9miles on the day)

North Norfolk Triathlon, 14th September 2014

An opportunity to end my season accompanied by wonderful friends and family.

Thank you for all those who came to support and your enthusiasm and electricity I felt before, during and after the race. I raced with a massive smile and although it was tough, I loved it! A relaxed Sunday morning for us however the trees swaying from side to side looked angry.. Ah it's going to be tough out there today! The swim is held in Wells quay and the tide is always a challenge although the organisers do a mystic job to get us off at slack water (with 3 waves of swimmers it's tricky though). The water conditions looked choppy however I found it relaxed and enjoyable. We had a nice little pack form chasing the super swimmer who led out from the start. At the turnaround buoy we were faced with the tide against us but picking the right line can give great benefits, thanks coach for spotting that from my mistakes last year! I excited the water in the lead and I couldn't help but beam.. Thank you for all of the smiles, cheers and motivation. I continued to hold the lead on the windy bike that took us right up to Mum and Dads residence..

Back into T2 and the excitement was amazing, I almost ploughed into the crowd with my bike! Onto the best bit now.. Running to Holkham and then back along the sand.. Ouch! It's a character builder for sure, the pain is ridiculous and as for the sand getting in the trainers.. Once off the sand I passed my best friend from school, Louise and her Irish triathlete friend, and I felt huge elation. Just a 1mile stretch to the finish line awaited. I had all the energy in the world as my emotions took over. Just over 5mins and I will be running past friends, family, old school teachers, father- daughter high-five and my future husband for my final race of 2014, I couldn't wish for more!

I crossed the finish line in 2hours 13minutes and had a quick snap from the local media team...

'That was a tough one!' hug with husband to be...

Thank you to absolutely everyone who has been so excited to hear about all of my racing this year, you are all pushing me on in those gruelling training session where it's just me, rain, darkness and strong Norfolk winds.

Thank you Pro Athlete Supplements (PAS) for your support this year. Fuelling is so essential when you are clocking the training, pushing the intensity and racing frequently.

Thank you coach, Perry Agass, your attention to detail is just brilliant and your dedication is, as Dad would say, "inspirational, amazing!"

Thank you Ben, you really do live and breathe triathlon alongside me and the medals I have picked up along the way belong to both of us. I can not wait to start the New Year as Husband and Wife.

Next for Ben and I is a luscious long holiday.. Let's hope I don't pick up another inspirational book (Chrissie Wellington's A Life Without Limits) at the airport and come home to a new ambition, triathlon is suiting me just fine!

Cotswold Classic Middle Distance Triathlon - 31st August 2014

I competed in my first Middle Distance Triathlon which comprises of a 1.9km swim, c. 90km bike and a 21.1km run (half marathon).

Competing at the longer distance is certainly to be respected in so many ways:

1. Swim starts happen before sunrise!

2. Competitors setting up home in transition.

3. Tempo on the bike

4. Bike aid stations

5. Chatty competitors urging you to race at your very best

6. More time to either smile or realize how well you can cope with immense pain!

In summary I absolutely loved the race atmosphere, the swim start, the overcrowded transition and the company of chatty competitors!

A 4.30am alarm was not required, I was already awake reading Nikki Bartlett's blog who raced Cotswold Classic 2 years previous, excellent read.

Race morning was a little tricky to adjust.. I popped Elton John on in the car much to Ben's amusement! We met up with my coach Perry at Lake 32 who was buzzing, as always, must be all that Pro Zero PAS hydration! After assembling the bike shoes and getting my race belt ready to go in the dark we headed for transition. After some hoo hah about whether or not a thermal was required for the race I stuck to what I am comfortable with, don't change anything for race day!

So at 6.30am the horn sounded and we were off. My aim was to find some fast feet and stick with the pace. The distance on the swim is not to dissimilar to the Olympic (1.5km) swim so the swim dynamics for me were the same. The swim route was an interesting technical swim and the lake was beautiful. Crystal clear water and not too deep.

Into transition one (T1) and I was 6th out of the water (1st female).

Onto the 90km bike which was a super flat two loop course. The first lap was extremely lonely. I was determined to stick with the pace of the leading men but at 38kmph av. I thought it was wise to hold something back for the second lap at least! I had a Jackoatbar on the bike washed down with PAS Nutrition (a combination of carbs, protein and electrolytes) which kept me fresh for lap 2. Onto the second lap and I was joined by the 2nd female. This gave me a real lift and I cycled my second lap fasted than the first, I wasn't going to let 1st position bike away from me, no way!

The half marathon was then upon us as we came into T2 together. I gave my feet a quick wipe and popped some socks on. A gel in each hand and it was onto the run. I was not thinking about the win, just to have a strong run so I was out of T2 (first female) and didn't look back once. The run was a combination of track, grass and road and was 3 loops. Mum, Dad, Perry and Ben all spread out around the run so I had so much support, it was just brilliant! Towards the end of the second lap I heard some encouragement from behind as I moved back into 2nd. I kept 1st female in my sites for another 5/6km but as we approached the 20km mark it was no longer a big push for the win but a big big push to get to the finish line! I felt like my legs were going to snap and I was really reaching for something positive to get me to the line fast! We all endure pain in whatever distance we do, that's why it's a race. This distance took that pain, not necessarily to a more painful level, just a different kind of pain that I need to learn to enjoy, somehow!

I was in great spirits and will certainly be back racing Middle Distance.

My first Middle Distance splits:

Swim: 25minutes 38seconds

Bike 2hours 21minutes

Run: 1hour 36minutes

Overall: 4hours 26minutes (Second Female)

Thank you Nikki Bartlett for all of your race experience support, most appreciated!

Also congratulations to Kate Comber for the win and Jess Parry-Williams for completing the podium with an inspiring run split.

Race Results: http://m.racetecresults.com/Results3.aspx?R=936

Can my Pull Buoy hold on just a few more days...

If you asked me if I wanted this to be my last race of the season... "Certainly not, I would love to race through to October!" However my coach, close friends, family and even my Pull Buoy are giving me a hint that it's time to enjoy my last week of the 2014 season!

In just 6 days I will be floating in Wells quay (North Norfolk Triathlon) waiting for the final horn to sound!

I am so excited to be racing in my Tri-Anglia team kit, racing alongside team members and being accompanied by so many friends and family from near and far for which I am so grateful, thank you! The swim start is 10.30am which is tide dependent. Thank you in advance for an early Sunday morning start 'it's a lovely long lie in really!'

The London Triathlon

I finished 14th in the Women's Elite Field in a time of 2hours 5minutes 59seconds. There has certainly been some improvements since I competed in 2012.

We all arrived at London Excel Saturday evening, 2nd August. Mum, Dad, Gary and Sharon a while before as Ben decides to, in Dads words "drive with a flat tyre". When we eventually arrived Shaz, close family, was aware of my shaky 10days leading up to the race. I simply said "I am relaxed and think the rest has done me the world of good." And with that I felt confident and excited about the race ahead. We all enjoyed a glass of fizz or two before grabbing a bite to eat. It was 4hours before our diner reservation so we needed something! The race briefing took place at 7pm so Perry, Ben and I headed over followed by an eventful family diner with Gary certainly indulging in a banquet for 1! Race morning and I headed for the usual early morning swim, just to kick a few nerves. I managed a decent breakfast so I knew that I was more relaxed than previous races. Perry, Ben and I then headed out so I could have a little spin on the bike and then into transition nice and early to rack the bike. It was the compulsory Jackoatbar and black coffee where the heart started to thump that bit harder but I went off for a quiet jog and told myself to enjoy, relax and smile! The swim was non-wetsuit which excited me!

I hadn't raced this way before so I was looking forward to the change in dynamics, if any? In all honesty it felt great, a refreshing way to race for sure, loved it! The swim start was an interesting one I popped myself in the middle and felt rather relaxed about it. 50m into the swim and the washing machine effect was upon me, always an occasion hard to prepare for. A cut in the swim packs soon formed ahead but I knew I was in good company with Emma Holt so I remained calm. I pushed hard to bridge the gap but at the turn around buoy the pack was moving further away. As we excited for T1 I was amazed with how my legs felt, they were certainly getting a move on!

The bike leg was not what I had in mind. I wanted to experience the world of drafting but unfortunately the bike packs were up ahead so it was a hard, brutal chase. I enjoyed the flat nature of the course and revisiting my commuter routes! Onto the run which felt absolutely fabulous. The support from so many friends and family was unbelievable. Dad was waiting for me as soon as the run emerged from the Excel and we had our father daughter High5. We are starting to perfect this now.. No more falling over with excitement!! I managed a few thumbs up and smiles and even a cheeky beam to the camera on lap 1 also.

Lap 2 & 3 I certainly refocused and I could see I was catching a few girls up ahead. I pushed harder and started to make my way up the field. As I entered the Excel for the final time the finish line arrived and I didn't hold back. To my disbelief the time read 2hours 5minutes... I beamed and crossed the finish line with extreme elation! As I reflect on the race I am pleased that I embraced the opportunity to race in the elite field with a continued smile. I have also learnt a lot of lessons and I can not wait to come back stronger next year! The London Triathlon is the biggest in the world hosting over 13,000 athletes and it's an event I love being a part of!

Thank you again for such wonderful support on the day Mum, Dad, Gary and Sharon. Thank you Justine, you motivated me to give triathlon a go and I am so grateful to see you at the race. Also Heather, Steve, Annie and Darren what a brilliant night out that followed... watch your back!

Ben and I literally race hand in hand and I am so grateful for your shared passion, excitement and determination. We both come away from the race equally exhausted!

Thank you Jacuzzi for your continued support this year. PAS nutrition thank you also for the monthly fuel to keep the engine running!

Next stop for me? I will be getting a flavour for middle distance later this month: 1.9km swim, 90km bike, 22.1km run See you in Lake 32!

Tri-Anglia Norwich Triathlon

Thank you Tri-Anglia for hosting a super friendly, picturesque, challenging and lively triathlon. From turning up at the car park, exiting the swim, marshals out on the bike route, competitors on the run... everyone was wishing everyone to do their very best out there, the atmosphere was fabulous!

Please see my diary below - a brilliant day out with our family and friends...

5am - started with an outside shower, our newest addition to our garden, essential for all triathletes!

5.30am - Ben and I sat down to a challenging breakfast, we just weren't hungry, very strange for Ben!

6.30am - we were greeted with a friendly smile and parked right next to the race venue, no long walk. Perry, my coach, was already waiting for our arrival. A round of High 5's and we headed to see the Tri Harder boys (Norfolk's first dedicated Triathlon Shop, Simon always ensures my bike is race ready, thank you!)

7.00am - Transition was busy busy with excitement, just before entering I meet Rob Lines (Chairman of Tri-Anglia the club I joined two weeks previous). A quick introduction and we were reminiscing about the awesome results the club had at the European Championships in Kitzbühel. 12 Triathletes qualified bringing home a Gold and 6 top ten finishes, fantastic!

7.30am - Compulsory Jackoatbar with a black coffee

7.45am - Perry and I made our way to the swim start and chatted over the race ahead. The key for this race was to go out there lead the swim out (hopefully), remain composed on the bike and hit the run hard.

7.55am - Compulsory warm up consists of; Glute firing, 10min jog with some efforts and band work for the arms.

8.05am - maxifuel gel with some water

8.15am - horn sounds!

SWIM - a very busy swim start and a handful of super speedy starters shot off the front. I remained calm and got myself in an amongst the washing machine. I felt the pace was solid but I knew I had more in me. I waited just a couple more strokes and kicked hard to take the lead 200m in. I had a relaxed swim and concentrated on my breathing and technique. I exited with the roar of "Come on Kimberley!" That was Lisa from Tri-Anglia, who was right in the water helping us out in a beautiful pink too too thank you!

T1 - wow the support was unbelievable it was only natural to beam the brightest smile, I heard family and friends cheer, an unforgettable experience. The motivation is electric and when people ask; where do you get the motivation? That's the answer!

BIKE - for Norfolk this was quite some bike route with numerous leg burners thrown in! I used the male athletes throughout the bike as my markers but unfortunately a familiar name Proctor was just too fast! So fast he broke the 2hour mark, well done Sam!

T2 - another massive cheer as I sprinted out of transition to the friendly face of Kate Scotter who won the sprint the evening before.

RUN - Perry asked "how are you feeling" I was super relaxed "fine, why?", he replied "ok, smash it!" so off I went...

The run route was a 2x lap around Whitlingham lake. The terrain was mixed keeping it interesting. After lap one I had our traditional Father and Daughter High 5 but this distracted me and I was on my way to the finish. Whooops one more lap to go. I got back on track and I had a bicycle to follow for the last lap. The feeling was unbelievable, the cyclist was with my the entire way letting runners ahead know the 'leading lady' was on her way! Oh gosh no pressure but I had to keep pushing on, no letting up! The pain was pretty immense and I tried so hard to smile at friends and family but my focus was on the run. You completely loose awareness of whats around you. However it was hard to miss my Financés God Father. As I past him 400m to go he sprinted off ahead and encouraged me to push with him. He expending so much energy for me and I was so grateful. It electrified me to the line and gave me that sprint finish I thought wasn't there! Thank you Bryan that moment was incredible and congratulations on your massive PB!

I finished first female in a time of 2hours and 15minutes. Thank you North Norfolk Radio and the Eastern Daily Press, it is so exciting to hear and see results recognised locally!

There was a genuine feeling of everyone wanting everyone to achieve, that's what it's all about! Friends and family had all had a early start to spur me on, thank you! Especially those who arrived following a night out.. that is endurance at its finest! Thank you to my coach Perry Agass, we have certainly had a good go so far... Let's see what else we can do!

Next stop for us... The London Triathlon, see you in the Dock

Mixing it Up!

The past few weeks I have been mixing it up.. I am always motivated by getting involved with numerous experiences and challenges... so what have I been up to?

- Joining Wetnosers, the local open water swim club in Leziate.

- Tom, my brother living in Hong Kong, came home so we headed out on the bikes and later compared our speeds to the Tour de France, brilliant!

- Raising over £500 for Cancer Research UK for participating in the Jenson Button 2xtriathlon challenge, great transition practice!

- Guest speaker at Sharnbrook sports awards evening.

- Getting on board with the Pro Athlete Supplementation PAS, thank you coach!

- An interview with Great Ormond's street Children's Hospital, where I spent my younger years.

- Joining my local triathlon club Tri-Anglia!

I am excited to be joining the friendly and welcoming Tri-Anglia. With over 400 members it's going to be great getting to know more and more triathletes over the next few months in Norfolk. Tri-Anglian was formed in 1992 and it's evident I've joined a fantastic community having just raced at their hosted event, The Norwich Triathlon.

There is certainly one element that doesn't change and that is the dedication and support my coach, Perry Agass, continually exercises.

Jenson Button Triathlon, Saturday 12th July

A unique opportunity to: - compete at a stunning venue around the grounds of Luton Hoo - race in two triathlons in one day - mixing it up with elites, age groupers and first timers - racing alongside Jenson Button - being charged £££ for a couple of boiled eggs... perhaps they were of a championship breed! It was also lovely to catch up with Jane, Rachel and Sam, congratulations ladies!

It was a fantastic day, the sun was shinning, so many friendly faces. There was a great atmosphere from start to finish and thank you very much for the signed Jenson Button T-Shirt for being amongst the fund raisers for Cancer Research UK. Thank you sponsors we raised over £500 and thank you friends and family for coming to support on the day. I finished 2nd in the opening race and 11th in the final. Next race report will follow shortly: Winning the Tri-Anglia Norwich Triathlon that took place on Sunday 13th July.

European AG Triathlon Champion 2014 (Kitzbühel, Austria)

Race number 20411, a few glasses of Vino Tinto, ecstatic to met Mr Brownlee, continuously smelling of chlorine, popping my bike shoes on the wrong way round.... becoming European AG Triathlon Champion 2014!

Heading to the infamous ski resort, Kitzbühel, but to compete in the European Age Group Triathlon Championships... I think it's going to be a hilly one then!? 1 year ago to the day I competed at the Dambuster Triathlon in Rutland finishing 4th in my age group (25-29years) qualifying me for the age group 2013 World Championships, London and the 2014 European Championships, Austria. In October 2013 we put together an outline for my 2014 season, at the top of the page; European Championships. This was set to be my A Race 8 months prior to race day.. Plenty of time to prepare then? It's not just about pen to paper.. It's a scientific experiment! We have an end goal and an ambition to capture the best possible result. Along the way we have to test numerous anomalies, all tried and tested.. And tested further. But trying a new combination takes several days, weeks, months to even get a glimpse of the true result so patience, perseverance and belief is key. The results don't quite match so you have to take steps backwards.... Good job I just get on with it then, while my coach adapts training accordingly, getting the easy and steady miles in as well as hitting the key sessions Hard! Thanks for your dedication Perry. 10 days prior to A race day I was focusing on; - Fast and lengthy swim sets including evening recovery swims - Steady bike miles including a 'hilly' TT - Fast and short run sessions including a park run 5 days prior; I flew out to Kitzbühel solo to slow the training down, familiarise and rest up. I was able to get in the lake for an early morning swim, head out into the Austrian hills with my Venge and jog around the lake which made up the run course. There was also the pool located next to our hotel, a perfect place to kick any pre race nerves.

2 days prior; Mum, Dad and Ben flew in to join me and straight away we were all in relaxation mode indulging.

Race day; A polite voice said to me as I was leaving transition "excuse me, you have attached your bike shoes the wrong way round". Oh my gosh, the embarrassment! Reality check and my mind soon refocused to Mums comment the day prior "we have had a lovely weekend so just go out there and enjoy it". Mums comment stayed with me throughout the race build up and I soaked up every minute with a smile. When our wave was called (female age 25-29years) I ran onto the pontoon to give Dad a big hug who was standing proud in his new bright orange polo.

We had a small wave so I was expecting a well spread swim. The horn sounded and not the best reactions once again but I soon got my arms flying to pick up with the leading two swimmers.

I enjoyed the swim and although it's a painful 21 minutes I remained relaxed and felt my technique doing most of the work. Into transition 1 and Dad clearly indicated I was in third. The bike was an absolute stunner, hilly yes but spectacular! We climbed c. 700m over c. 40km which was a 2 lap course. On the first hill I moved up the podium and this gave me a real lift. The second hill was more gradual, a quick look up the hill... No way, it's Gold! I remained calm and pushed on giving a solid effort as I approached the top of the hill. At this point I couldn't wait to get back to transition on my second lap to let the family and my coach know I had moved to the top of the podium. Yes I certainly didn't hold back, I was so excited and got carried away screaming Gold as I reached Mum and Dad and then again at the turnaround where Ben and Perry were ecstatic! Adrenaline pumping the second lap on the bike felt fabulous!

It was a 2xloop run course with a stinger of an out and back climb thrown in. I kept as light as possible on my feet and absorbed the pain. I am still struggling with the third discipline but patience is key and we are working on it! 300m before the line I was floating, absolutely no feeling of my body just pure elation! I crossed the finish line in 2hours 23minutes and 23seconds with second place 25seconds behind.

Full list of results and splits times: http://www.triathlon.org/results/result/2014_kitzbuehel_etu_triathlon_european_championships/264513

Thank you so much Tom (limitless older brother) for following me the entire way all the way from HK and informing me that not only had I won my age group but I had the fastest female split so far that day! The video you recorded puts a tear in my eye... It's so lovely that my family share the passion, drive and emotion that's goes into fulfilling ambitions. Thank you to Sharon Spooner and family always there otherwise glued to the internet to see the results come in, your support pushes me on and on and I'm so grateful. My uncle Andrew, Kate, Char and Mickey thank you for also being so wonderfully passionate each time I'm out there racing! Maid of honour, best friend, Vegas party planner, maths genius and overall a true team player... You make me believe that 'anything is possible' Mrs Ravioli! Thank you to Ben, as long as he's not too busy eating, your support is super king and we make every race full of indulgence and fun!

Mum and Dad you have given me the start that's essential in triathlon, the ability to swim!

Next up for me is the Jenson Button Triathlon where I am raising money for Cancer Research UK - I would really appreciate your sponsorship, it is a unique 2 triathlons in 1 day!

http://www.justgiving.com/Kimberley-Morrison17

Congratulations Eloise for also taking Gold... that's our 4th meet so far this season, a great competitor and great company!

Triathlon is certainly a team sport, thank you Wensum Pools Ltd, Jacuzzi, Endless Pools and Pinewood Park Leisure.

Blenheim Palace Triathlon

The two most challenging factors of my first elite triathlon?

1. Getting on the start line

2. Realisation

So what challenges did I face getting onto the start line?

14th October 2013 - we set to work on preparing for the 2014 Triathlon Season in the beautiful countryside of North Norfolk right down the road from Mum and Dad, just perfect!

When planning the season ahead I nervously mentioned the British Super Series (British Elite Races). Perry, my coach, told me that it wouldn't be impossible (because nothing is!) however a lot of hard work and dedication was required to even get close to consideration.

To put it into perspective I raced at Blenheim in the open race last year (2013) and swam the 750m in 12mins and 32seconds. To be competing with the British Elite girls this needed to be touching 10minutes!

I watched the British Elite races last year, I didn't want to shout about it but Ben, my fiancé, certainly saw my desire when I made sure we attended Blenheim, Liverpool and London.

Perry and I set to work and the swim training went from 3 sessions per week to 8 sessions per week before I knew it. I was rolling 400s at a pace that I couldn't imagine holding in my 2013 season. Circa 800km of swimming later and I hit 9mins 49secs for a 750m in the pool (22% improvement, I love analysing my numbers being a Mathematician.. my university friends will certainly laugh!)

With my bike improving throughout the winter thanks to some great training camps in Spain and work steadily progressing with the run I went to Blenheim excited about how I would fare against the field.

So realisation?

I will happily admit that I had high expectations when I turned up at Blenheim. Swimming was strong and if I could be in sight of the lead pack I would confidently push the power down on the bike to join them.

As usual I took the cautious start point in the swim, far right to avoid the 'washing machine'. It soon became clear that this wasn't where I wanted to be. Isolated and having to zig zag in and amongst the packs forming. Lessons certainly learnt and I now have my Mum keeping an eye on my endless pool sessions checking the technique!

I exited the swim very disorientated and thought I heard Ben shout "catch Lucy Gossage" was I dreaming? was the iron lady racing? Indeed she was and I unfortunately never caught a glimpse of her on the bike... It was a lonely bike ride and I was moving steadily up the field but not shinning with any breaking bike split records.

Onto the run and I found a rhythm which was far too comfortable and I have certainly had words with myself over this.

"You have got to be willing to loose to win"

Finished 18th Elite Senior

Swim: 10.41

Bike: 33.41

Run: 23.38

My head is now up and I am focusing on the age group European Championships in Kitzbühel on the 22nd June. Mum, Dad and Ben are all coming to Austria to support and my coach Perry Agass is also making the journey. Thank you all so much, I am so excited to get back out there and race Hard!

Thank you to everyone for their support at Blenheim. Mum, Dad, Ben and I enjoyed a few nights at the Wild Rabbit in a beautiful Cotswold village, Kingham.

Laura, Colin, Elizabeth and Philip thank you for making the journey and cheering me on. Laura and I exchanged smiles on the run, perfect moment!

Tom and Linda in Hong Kong, Cheers!

It's been a fantastic start to the season with a few podiums and certainly a handful of lessons learnt. I am excited to see what the rest of the season has lined up!

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Kimberley MORRISON Triathlete