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

Women's Team Series 2016, Banbury Star Road Race, Cat 1,2,3

A few weeks ago I entered a road race, just because it was close to home and I knew the roads. After receiving confirmation I had a place in the race I took a closer look at the course and the entries.  It was a Cat 1,2,3 race, I’m cat 4 currently and to top it off  I was going to have to climb Edge Hill in Warwickshire (600m long with a max 14% gradient)  3 times over the 47 mile 3 laps course. And I didn't have a team. I can honestly say I didn’t know what to expect, all I knew was it was going to be hard and fast.

The race started at a rapid pace with everyone trying to move up the field to be in the best and safest position. I had positioned myself close to the front ready for the first of the three climbs up edge hill.  When we started to climb the pressure really came on with massive group soon breaking up. I was 29^th coming up the hill over the QOM (Queen Of the Mountain) line missing the front group of 19 mountain goats. I was now riding in the 2^nd group of around 18 riders. The group really worked hard together to try and close the gap to the lead pack and by the time we reached the bottom of Edge for a second time we were within a few seconds of the lead group.

However once again the climb broke the groups with a number of the girls coming back to us while the stronger girls pushed on again. To make things worse the weather had turned from a lovely sunny day to torrential rain, hail stones and gusty winds.  I was glad in some ways to be riding as the hardy supporters on the top of Edge looked quite battered. I thought it made the race more interesting and quite funny when you hear a few screams of “that hurts” as the hail stones came down. These wet conditions added to the races tough nature and with the potential of slippery roads on the downhill sections I took extra care. Over the top our group slowly reformed now with greater numbers but some 20 seconds down on the leaders.  I tried to make sure I did my fair share of the work to try and catch but this was getting tough.

On the third lap I crested Edge in 19th place I'm told and although our group worked well we weren't able to close the gap on the leaders. As it got close to the finish the group stopped working and that's when I knew the sprinters would get me. Everyone tried to get in a good position for the small sharp hill which flattened off for 15m to the finish. At this point I could feel my legs burning I dug in but finished 27^th, not bad out of 70 starters.

I’m very happy with my race and it was another great experience, not being a full on cyclist it is hard to judge were I should finish but being a cat 4 rider against cat 1's and 2's I couldn’t have been happier just to keep up.

Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/584544524

Thanks to Giant / Liv and Giant Leamington for their support and the Wednesday crowd who all braved the weather and stayed to cheer me on.

Great Day.

Megan McDonald

Triathlete / Part time Road Racer

British Triathlon Junior European Qualifier

Llanelli 14^th May 2016

On the 13^th May I travelled down to Llanelli Wales to compete in the British Junior Qualifier for European Championship's, which will be held in Lisbon. The British Triathlon qualification was for 4 places for men and women. With a very strong field of women I knew it was going to be a tough race, I needed to get everything right on the day and be on my A game.

14^th May Race day.

My race was scheduled to start at 3.30pm, a late start compared to most races. However the course would be closed from 9.00am for earlier races so I got up really and rode down and round the course to familiarise myself.  Then back for breakfast and a quick hour nap before going back down to the course for registration at 12.00. The course consisted of a beach run in to the closed dock and two laps of the course with a run out and in on the second lap. The bike course was mainly along the sea front, a flat rout with 3 turn around points, nothing technical but the cross winds coming in off the sea could make it rather tough. Finally the run was 2 laps out and back along the coast to finish.

At registration and warm up it was clear we were all there and all ready for a great race. On the start I was next to my good friend Olivia Mathias a great swimmer to be next to. I had a strong run in and I soon had a clear view to the buoy and felt I was in the front 6.  Olivia made a break after the first buoy kicking out of the turn, I missed her feet and wasn’t able to hold the gap. A group of 5 formed in front of me and although I had a good swim I exited the water about 20 seconds down to the leading 5.

My transition was quite smooth and once on the bike I soon moved in to 4th place chasing down the group of 3 ahead. I didn't really close on the front group at all but felt I was holding my own against them. It's so much easier if you can ride as a group but if you miss the pack then its head down and get on with it. The group of 3 finally broke and became 2 and I moved into 3rd place but knew I have given a lot to get there and the run was going to be tough with a much larger group coming up behind that  consisted of some strong runners. I had another good transition and off we went. I knew I had taken a lot out of my legs on the bike but was determined to hold form and have a good run. The breeze along the sea font was now quite welcome and although I gained 1 and lost 3 places I felt relatively good and happy that my leg speed and my form stayed for most of the run.

Overall I was really happy with my swim and run progress from my last race in Portugal but I know if I continue with my current training my times and fitness will improve. Finishing 6th doesn't get a qualification to Lisbon so that's a disappointment but compared to how I felt 12 months ago. I am on track. Congratulation's to Kate, Lizzie, Olivia, and Sian and good luck "do GB proud"

Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/577009299

My next triathlon is Blenheim place. A hard course but one of my favourites,

Thanks for all the support Giant / Liv UK.

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

October

Officially now it is the off season for Triathlon with the final big race finishing this month but for me really there was no season down to injury. I have decided not to sulk about this year, I can’t change what happened so I ‘m focusing on next year and staying injury free. At least the forced rest has allowed me to grow quickly; all I have to do now is to get use to the extra height and pounds.

October for me has been the best month, finally I have been given the all clear to start running again OUTSIDE! I am finally running on the road only for 25 minutes but for me this is amazing to just be out. I have had no pain in my leg and my physio is keeping me in check.

At the start of the month I was treated to a week’s holiday with my Mum and Dad, we haven’t been away together for a few years. We went to Majorca and stayed just outside Palma in a great hotel called the Fontanellas Playa, only a five minute transfer. We cycled every day, except for one to have a rest day in the middle of the week. We averaged over 55 miles a day, including some climbs and lovely descents and scenery. I have to say compared to places I have had been to on training camps this beats them all. For anyone looking for their first training camp cycling or triathlon this is the place to do it. Amazing bike shops to hire bikes, sea swimming, running along the sea front and plenty of great cycling routes on quiet roads with brilliant views. All the rides I rode are on Strava so if anyone would like to have a peak give me a follow. I can’t find anything negative about this holiday so if anyone is looking to go on a cycling holiday I think Majorca is the place for you.

After returning from my cycling holiday, I’m feeling strong and all parts of training are going in the right direction for next season. I have decided not to go to university this year and stay home and work and take some coaching qualifications. I am already a level 1 swim teacher and I am aiming to do my level 2 at the start of next year.

Next month I have a Jaguar Academy day at Ben Ansilie Land Rover BAR Team HQ for a day which I am very excited about and also the possibility of a 3 day training camp at Sherwood Pines, mountain biking with West Midlands Academy.

A big thank you to Liv and Giant Uk for my new kit and helmet, you always look after me and the support is much appreciated. I always receive lots of compliments on how good the kit looks!

Thank you to Jaguar Academy for the financial support and academy days, I have learnt so much and the media sessions have been a great help. The financial help has helped me with my recovery covering the costs of my physio.

Finally thank you to The Bike Yard for their continuing support, servicing my bike and just being such a great shop.

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.