The Milestone that is 2017

This year will for me be a milestone in my life, I have begun the year by moving from home to Loughborough full-time. In 2016 I made the decision to train with the Loughborough University Triathlon Squad, however I was still living at home (45 miles away from Loughborough). Back then there were a number of factors holding me back from moving; finances, work, maturity and general worries. I have now made the big move and I share a house with other triathletes and train with the squad most sessions. I really do not miss spending the majority of my days driving back and forth from Leamington Spa, however I do miss my family (my dog Oakley A LOT!) and home comforts of my food and ironing being done for me.

Although I am not studying at university, I am still focusing on my education. This month I passed my qualification in BTF Triathlon Coach Level 2, to go alongside my swim teaching qualification I achieved last year. I’d like to challenge myself with some more qualifications in the autumn after my competitions have stopped. I’m just trying to work out what will complement the qualifications I already have. I’m already loving using my new set of skills daily and I’m still enjoying teaching young children to swim, it’s so rewarding. Swimming Teaching is my primary source of income at the moment, but hopefully soon I will be able to take on some triathlon sessions (I’m still guilty of having to ask the mum and dad for a little help now and then).

This year I will race in the under 23s and seniors categories, this will include a mix of distances; sprint and Olympic. I hope to race more sprint distances and a few Olympic distances in order to break myself and my body into it gently. France run a Grand Prix league which attracts a number of international athletes who compete in around four race, if chosen. Teams will have a number of athletes that will sign up for their team and it depends on the individual schedules and capabilities to who makes the team, this year I will race for Tri St Amand Dun ’18. I’m really excited to race as I feel I really thrive in a team orientated situation.

My main goal this year is to qualify for European and Worlds but to also remain injury free. I haven’t had much luck these past few years with injuries, so I hope 2017 will see a new robust me. Strength and conditions are going to key and I’m going to have sport massages weekly. My cooking skills are also improving so I hope my nutrition will improve, I still need to focus on calming my sweet tooth.

I am so thankful of my sponsors and this year is more important for me than any others, as I am supporting myself with no financial funding. So I am extremely thankful and appreciate to the kit and equipment as that really helps me out as there is such a large amount of buy in this sport. A big thank you to Liv and the team; Collette, David, Ricki and Simon – Your support and friendship is amazing! My next blog post will be about the great bikes and kit I have been lucky to receive from Liv. Last year I ripped my wetsuit towards to end of the season and Huub were there to rescue me with a new one and a long list of swimming kit and bags. Their support over the past couple of years has been amazing.

A big appreciative thank you to Liv and Huub.


Megan x

2 Races In 2 Weeks

July so far has been a very busy month with racing at the ETU Junior Cup Holten on the 2^nd  July, then my birthday on the 8^th and finally racing in the BananaMan Triathlon at Eton Dorney Lakes on the 9th.  So, it’s been a busy couple of weeks but enjoyable. Here is how I got on...

Holten ETU Junior Cup.

You would think being in Holland that this course wasn’t going to be very interesting but it turns out it was the complete opposite. The course was a pontoon start with a single lap 750m loop, then into T1 which was next to the lake. The bike course was a 6km ride into town which then included 2 loops of cobbles, a climb (the only hill I have ever seen in Holland) and some sharp turns. We finished the bike in town so that involved a second transition area, which is quite unusual. Finally the run through the town and out onto a gravel track and back in through the stadium.

With a strong GB field the swim was going to be fast one. I had a good start making sure I didn’t get into any trouble. When heading back to land I wanted to be as close to the right hand side as I could as it was much shallower water, which meant I could stand up quicker and my exit to T1 would hopefully be faster. It was a clean sweep for GB exciting the water with the top 6 athletes out the water all team GB. I had a great transition jumping on my bike in 3^rd place, which made up a pack of around 13 girls; the group was slow to get working with the GB girls trying to push the pace with a few attacks but nothing sticking. Going through the town I tried to attack on the cobble section but I had no luck so I decided to save some energy for the run. Coming out of transition I was in second place and onto the run (the weakest of the three disciplines for me at the moment).  With the chase pack close behind I ended the run in 16^th. I have lots of positives to take from the race and I can see lots to improve on. Then it was time to go home and prepare for the race at Eton Dorney the following week.

http://www.triathlon.org/results/result/2016_holten_etu_triathlon_junior_european_cup/281289

Eton Dorney Banana Man Triathlon

This is a course I have raced many of times, and I would highly recommend this event organised by Human races to every one of all ages. The races vary, from kid’s racing scootathlons to races of Olympic distance.  Lidl had supplied a free tasty barbeque with drinks for all competing and supporting and any donations supporting Cancer research. A very nice treat for after racing.

The junior girl’s race started at 9.50am, nice and early. I had a strong swim coming out the water in joint second. I made sure I focused on myself in transition and with a great jump on and getting my feet straight into the shoes I was off and chasing down the girl in front.  After the first 5km loop I was on my own in first position and I knew it was going to be a hard windy ride. With a chasing pack of 6 behind me, I had to dig in. For the first 3 laps I managed a gap of up to 45 seconds but it was tough I was now struggling. My last lap was the hardest and very windy, behind Kate Waugh and Sophie Alden had broken away from the chasing group and were working well together.  I entered transition two around 20 seconds in front. As soon as I got on the run my legs were hurting. Kate soon caught me and went striding past, but I wasn’t going to give in. With around 3km to go Sophie appeared on my shoulder, I played it tactical and used her to block the wind that was sweeping across from the lake. She soon caught on and all through the run we were swapping sides neither of us wanted the side nearest the lake. With 100m to go we were shoulder to shoulder, matching each other’s stride, it would be down to my first sprint finish of the season. We both kicked at the same time but today Sophie was the strongest. Overall I was pleased with my race and as always room for improvement.

I now have 4 weeks till the National Championships at Liverpool, so time to get my head down and work on what I have learnt so far this year.

Thanks to Giant Liv, Jaguar and Sports Aid for all their support.

Megan McDonald

Portugal Training and Quateira 2016 European Cup

This year has started with many lifestyle changes for me as I have left full time education and I am know working part time and taking in some coaching qualifications, so along with my training life is busy busy. My training environment has also changed greatly with me training with the Loughborough  University squad, early mornings and hard work have made me learn a lot more about myself as an athlete and a person.


With the start of the season soon approaching I was excited to be given a start in this year's first European Cup race in Quateira, Portugal. Unfortunately around a month before the race I strained my abductor which meant my run training was again hampered somewhat before the race. I decided to go ahead with the race because I was to be in Portugal already on a training camp with the Loughborough guys and girls. I enjoy racing and the race would give me a good benchmark of my strengths and weakness for the season. Plus I get to give the Liv Envie some real good sessions!

Training Camp Quateira

On the 19th March we flew to Faro Portugal for a 2 week training camp before the race on the final weekend. It was great to have 20 degree temperatures, less wind and no rain, plus being able to train where you are going to race was an added bonus. The bike riding in Quateira was amazing, the roads there are smooth and quiet with great views. One thing to be aware of though was the roaming stray dogs but this did help us with our sprint practise on a couple of occasions.

Our swim training sessions were split 50/50 between the local 50m pool and the beautiful beach sea. For me the sea training was especially beneficial as I could practise techniques and tactics before the race. The first week on camp was my first week fully back running but my hip area was still weak causing me to limp slightly, but with no pain I was able to do most sessions so I was confident of competing going in to the race.
The Saturday before the race was the senior’s races, this was a great opportunity to watch and see how people perform and what they do tactically, I spent time watching the swim and the transitions as I felt this would benefit me.

Race Day: Quateria European Cup Triathlon 8.45am

I was buzzing and ready to race but a little nervous as it had been over a year since I had raced a full Triathlon due to last year's stress fracture. The swim was a running start into what was now quite choppy water, I had planned to go to my right to stay out of trouble which went reasonably  well as after around 500m I was in about 10th. I concentrated on my stroke rate and pace and as we approached the beach I was hoping to catch a wave, luckily my tactics worked and to my surprise I exited the sea in first place.

My transition was a little slow due to the run up to the bike racks but fast enough to make the lead bike pack. The bike course is one of my favourites as it is a little more technical and has more turns. However due to weather conditions and crashes on the first lap (which I was able to avoid), the organisers cut the uphill and downhill section out of the course causing the bike to be shorter, this change didn’t suit me but it's the same for us all.


Going onto the run I was in 2nd place but this is where I struggled a bit as my running form wasn’t there and I slowly went backwards finishing in 24th place . Overall I have taken lots of positives from the race and training camp as I knew that my run was to be my weak point but I got through it finished and had no pain. So I need to work hard and the form will come back.



Below is a link to my Facebook Page were you can see more pictures and videos from the race. https://www.facebook.com/Meganmcdonaldtriathlete/?fref=ts

Mallory Park Women's Cat 2/3/4 Cycle race

On Thursday 28th of May, I raced my first senior cycle race. Due to injury I am unable to run and compete in triathlon at the moment so I decided to keep myself in racing mode, and compete in cycle race something I have been keen to do. Firstly I sent away for my British cycling licence.

I have raced at Mallory before competing in triathlon I have to say that it was nice to know I wasn’t going in the horrible muddy lake in the middle. The race was 30 minutes continuing cycling then another 3 laps after that, a nice short race for my first one. I was a little nervous going into the race as I didn't know what to expect but my plan was to sit and see how it goes.

On the first lap I tried to stay top 6 to cover all eventualities, it was soon clear no one wanted to lead out the race. The race track was open and windy and the more experience riders and sprinters seem happy to let the pace drop. Triathlon being different tactically you all work together so chasing packs don’t catch or to catch a pack. For me though I didn’t want a tempo ride with a sprint at the end. So I decided to hit the front on the end of first lap and pick the pace up on the hill. That was my first mistake as then none of the ladies wanted to come through and I spent most of the race at the front. With 3 laps to go I decided to try and make a breakaway out of the chicane in the course I managed a 15m gap but it was closed down by the race winner. With 2 laps to go the pace slowed with some attacks happening but no one got away. In the final lap there were 12 of us sprinting to win. Round the last corner I didn’t place myself very well being 8th in line, second mistake. The sprint started and I tried my hardest to come past, in the end I finished 6th.

I will hopefully learn from my mistakes which I will change for next time. The next race at Mallory is on the 11th of June which I am hoping to improve on my position.

My next triathlon hopefully will be Blenheim Palace on Sunday 14th of June, if I am back running in the next couple of days. I am doing everything I can to get over this injury and hope to be back on the triathlon circuit soon.

Thanks for reading

Megan McDonald

Quarteria, Portugal European Cup

The start of each season always excites me, racing is my favourite part of the process of being an athlete. I’m always the most nervous for the opening race; usually it’s a small triathlon or the Duathlon National Champs, which is a nice way to ease into the season. But this year I was starting the season across the sea in Quarteira, Portugal. My first race was a Junior European Cup Triathlon. 

Winter training has been successful this year; I was in high spirits about my first race, feeling strong and positive. In regards to equipment I haven’t made too many changes, I am still wearing my amazing Huub Design wetsuit, which I love. But one big change is my new racing bike; I am now riding a ladies triathlon specific Liv bike with a ladies Fizik Donna 00 seat. My sponsorships are a huge benefit for me; they continue to encourage me to do my best. 

Whilst in Portugal we were able to watch the elite race as it was happening the day before the juniors. I took this as an opportunity to prepare myself for the race and spectate how the elites tackles the massive waves in the swim and u-turns on the bike..

My race was on Sunday morning with an early starting time of 8:45am. Whilst setting up my transition I couldn’t help but notice how many Liv Envie Tri bikes were there, the brand certainly stood out really well. At 8.30am we were ready to line up at the starting point, and of course, we did this to the music Pirates of the Caribbean, a theme song well known in triathlon as it is played before every race. At that point I was ready to race. 

As soon as the horn went I ran as fast as I could into the sea, the tide was out so there was a long run into the sea. I couldn’t help but notice the people to my left diving whilst I was still running. My start was strong but my goggles steaming up disrupted me and I my vision was so blurry I couldn’t see the buoy. Luckily after about 350m my vision cleared and I could see a gap growing from the front group and me. I knuckled down and tried my best to chase them down. I ended up exiting the water in 14th place and into transition. My Huub design wetsuit was quick to come off and with a solid jump on my Liv bike I was in the front pack.

The bike pack had some strong runners in so I knew I needed to try and pick up the pace of the pack. I loved the bike course; it had 4 dead turns, a steep uphill, and a steep down hill with a 90-degree turn at the bottom. I tried to make sure I was at the front for the first downhill so I moved through the group and suddenly a massive bang came from behind, a crash on the first lap. I tactically tried to use the course to my advantage working out of every turn and powering down the downhill section. A couple of us did try and get the group working together after we were warned the second group time gap was closing down but it wasn’t responsive. So, I was one of a few working at the front. I did manage a breakaway of 20m but the French girls worked the group back. I organised myself well to be one of the first back to T2 in order to get a good start on the run.

Unfortunately my legs didn't feel great, I had no spring in my step and felt very heavy, but I tried to do the best I could working well with Sophie and Olivia (GB athletes) on the first lap. After a 5k run and a sprint finish I finished 17th.

I am very happy with the way I raced but just wish my legs were there for the run. It's a good start to the season and I have lots to work to do from now. Hopefully things can only go upwards.

Thanks to Liv and Giant Uk, TheBike Yard, Extra Uk and Fiziks, Huub Design and Jaguar Academy, for all the support and help they are giving me.

Extra Sponsorship

This year I am very lucky to have a new sponsor, Extra UK Ltd. A leading UK distributor of quality cycling products who represent Fi'zi:k alongside other premium brands within the UK. As a sponsor the company will provide me with Fi'zi:k products through Extra. 

I went to meet Extras Brand Specialist Hannah Wilson at The BikeYard's women's evening, she was great and really helpful explaining the difference between products and how they benefit different people. The quote below is from Hannah:

“We are really excited to be supporting Megan. Having met her at an evening for female cyclists at The Bike Yard Leamington Spa we loved her attitude. She is dedicated to her riding whilst remaining friendly and very approachable. We believe in her and her ability and can’t wait to see what she achieves in the future!”

Fi'zi:k is a cycling brand. It represents beauty, speed, passion and freedom, for those who race against each other, race against the clock and for enthusiast cyclists around the world who identify with the feeling of the fire of competition. Fi'zi:k build for comfort that will enable us to train, perform and race without any pain. They do this by understanding the human body and how it connects with the bike.

For example Extra UK Ltd uses spine flexibility which determines saddle and handlebar compatibility. The Spine Concept ensures that riders gain the maximum performance and comfort from their products. View their online video to learn more: http://www.fizik.it/#sthash.Fn3ZrTB0.dpuk

Also for more information about Fi'zi:k please watch the brand video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-KQgmA_thU&list=UUvWJA1-7BPOrfBqN-C35iV

I am very excited to be able to ride using these products and can't wait to see the benefits of having the right equipment for me. I would just like to say a big thank you to TheBike Yard for introducing me to Hannah. Also thanks to Hannah, for all the support she has given me so far, it's greatly appreciated.

Thanks for reading!

Megan

Early Christmas Present

Earlier this year I proudly became an Ambassador for Liv, alongside other amazing female athletes like Helen Jenkins and Charlotte Cooper. Two weeks ago Christmas came early for me as I headed up to Liv UK to pick up the brand new race bike that I will be racing on for 2015. I was equipped with the Liv Envie Advanced tri, a stunning looking bike from this year’s Liv range. The Envie Advanced has an Advanced-Grade Composite frame with Advanced-Grade Composite fork with Hybrid OverDrive Steerer which makes the bike aero and FAST. Also, amazingly, the Giant P-SLR 1 Aero WheelSystem which has had amazing reviews with the aluminium rim but still as light and speedy as full carbon race wheels.

 At Giant and Liv HQ I was set up on the bike by David Ward, Giant UK Product and Training Manager. I was looking at two sizes the XS and S. As I am 5ft 6 inch and long legged, we found the small was the best bike for my optimum position.

For any Women (or small men) looking for a new fast stylish bike, this bike is for you. It’s great value for the amount of amazing equipment you get, you won’t just look and feel fast you will be fast whilst looking good doing it.

After a great few hours the bike was ready and set up to go home, I was so excited to go for a spin. I would like to say a MASSIVE thank you to Ricki, Collette, David and everyone at Liv and TheBike Yard for their continuous support.

                                                      So… say hello to Lenny The Liv

Nottingham European Cup Triathlon 2014

After a hard, challenging year it was time for my last race of the season. A European Cup Triathlon in Nottingham, not the most exotic and exciting location for a European race but it was nice to be in the home country. A great race in Liverpool, it put me in great spirit leading up to the event, but a week after I was in bed ill with a cold, just my luck I thought. After a day tucked up in bed and some easier training sessions it left me feeling much better, but still a day before the race I was coughing and still suffering with a blocked nose. Nevertheless, I was determined to race and end my tough season on a high - so I put the cold to the back of my mind and started to just focus on the race.

The course is not my favourite, a flat square bike and an out and back run. The distances were a 750m wetsuit swim, 20km 4 lap bike and an out and back 5km run. My race was to start on Friday at 11:00am, even though I couldn’t wait to race, I felt sad it would be the last one of the season.

As I was setting up transition an hour before the race the weather wasn’t looking good, it poured down with rain, but luckily just in time for the race the sun came out. I was ranked number 6 going into this race and had a good starting position on the pontoon, however this didn’t really matter as it was a straight swim for 350m.

I started strong finding clear water but noticed groups were forming either side of me, I decided to go towards the left but noticed they were going quite wide and the group on the right were going straight so I changed and drafted of the lead swimmer. As we swam around the buoys, I was very happy as there was no contact with swimmers compared to most races this season. Heading back to transition I could see there was a line of 3 swimmers in front of me, this put me in a good position as I had plenty to draft off and I could see I was close to the front. Exiting the water I was in 6^th place but with my strongest ever transition this year I exited transition in first and was swiftly on the bike.

I was with a strong group of girls in a breakaway pack, with two GB girls, two Italians and myself. Kate, Lusia and I worked hard together trying to create a good lead if we wanted a chance to win, with strong runners coming behind we needed a sufficient gap. I felt strong on the bike trying to push the pace, but due to the rain and the corners being a bit sketchy we had to make sure we tried to stay as safe as possible. We pushed hard knowing the gap to the next pack was getting bigger as 60, turned in to 90 then to 2minutes, but we still had to keep pushing. Heading into T2 I wanted to be at the front so I could have a clean dismount and in T2 I got off smoothly and with another quick transition I went into the run in first place.

As the run began Lusia and Kate came past me but I knew if I dug deep I could stick on the back of them. Lusia from Italy started to pull away on the first lap and I knew it would be a battle for second place against Kate, but also a battle for bronze as Bronwin was fast approaching behind. Kate and I battled it out till the last 300m when she started to pull away and sadly I just couldn’t keep up the pace. I finished in third place and I couldn’t off been happier finishing with an 18:19 5km time. I was in high spirits and also finished the race in 1.00.00 on the dot. My first ever individual medal at European and to share it with Kate was also amazing as I also got my first European Relay Medal with Kate back in 2012 and again in 2013.

I would just like to say a big thank you to my parents for this year as they have helped with so much that has happened. My coaches, Graham Nash, Steve Lloyd, Jim Rothman and Graham Lock for their ongoing support and great training sessions. My sponsors Huub for their support with my wetsuit for this year improving my speedy transitions. The Bike Yard for their continuing support with training and generosity of equipment. I am already looking forward to working with my sponsors next year, including my new exciting partnership with Liv Giant where I will be representing them as an ambassador for their amazing products. 

Visit my Giant Liv Ambassador profile here.