The Year of Experience.

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With events continuing to get cancelled and our focuses constantly changing, it makes it incredibly difficult to set goals. Therefore, this year is undoubtedly turning into a year of experience rather than achievements. Whilst things can still be achieved, it is a year to not be afraid of trying new things and conquer any weaknesses that we may possess. It is a year to release the pressure we put on ourselves and not worry too much if things go wrong, or not quite to plan. Although we all wish the circumstances were very different, I believe we should try our best to embrace the situation as best we can, and see the lack of pressure as a positive.

British Champs.
If I am completely honest, I was slightly disappointed with my performance at the British champs, not because I didn’t give my all, but because I felt I wasn’t able to relate how training has been going into a race. It can be frustrating when training goes well, but racing doesn't quite reflect it. That being said, we haven't exactly had much race experience this year.

Additionally, considering the tactical way the race was run, I did my best in the circumstances and to get to the British Champs this year was an achievement as I didn't expect to be there.  Therefore, on reflection, there are so many positives and so many lessons to take away from the race. The way the race was executed was an experience I have never had before. I have minimal track experience, and even less championship experience. I learnt how championship races can be raced, which is a definite positive to take away. Another positive was how strong I felt mentally. Even when I felt my legs suffering from the pick up towards the end and I was running off the back of the pack, I continued to dig deep and not give up, and this is something I am proud of. 

New things in training. 
2020 is without a doubt, very far from the year we all thought it would be. However, this is something we have all tried our best to embrace by trialling new things in training. This has allowed us to see what things do work and what don't, and not worry either way. Some people have been more drastic with their changes than others, but it is the lack of pressure that has enabled us to just give things a go. There is no pressure from qualifying races or time constraints, instead we have the opportunity to try new experiences that we may have always wondered if they would work. 

Year of positivity. 
This year has been an incredibly mentally testing year. For most, who are used to training in groups, they have had to train alone. Those who usually always have a race to work towards are now without an immediate focus. Not only have we had to face changes in relation to running, but all aspects of life have become uncertain and financial pressures have increased. There is only one thing that has made this whole situation more manageable for all, and that is the positivity we have employed. When things get tough, which they have, our positivity and mental determination is put to the test. I truly believe this is something that will help us all in the future, both in and out of running. 

So, something I have done is change my outlook on this year. Rather than perceiving it as a year full of negativity, we should see it as a positive year to make changes and undergo new experiences without any pressure.