Paradise

Her ragged breath escaped her lungs, creating a cloud of water vapour, adding to the misty haze already floating over the damp forest clinging onto the tops of the ancient conifers. 

And her feet; how they gracefully stroked the rocky undulating forest track. An eternal rhythm, an eternal pace, an eternal awareness that she was traveling forward using the power formulated by her own two feet. How truly mesmerizing was it that she felt so alive in this forest wilderness; surrounded by nothing but her own frantically beating heart and all that the untamed habitat around her possessed. 

She was not in nature. She was simply part of Mother Nature. An unspoken alliance was built with the tall trees surrounding her. A deep understanding; no matter how far she swerved along the path, flying on silent strides, breathing in the damp, fresh, wood-like air. And, no matter how exhausted she felt; if there was ever a time when each stride forward felt heavier and more laborious than the last, as the monotony of dragging her slight frame up a lung-bursting ascent became too much. All she would need to do was stop. Draw to halt and simply take a moment to survey the spectacle of nature. 

This was performed now as her legs screamed for their need of oxygen at the summit of a lengthy climb. Her body and mind had carried her to a new height, well above the forest. The misty cloud had parted and given way to rays of sunbeams which penetrated her skin just as they penetrated the earths'. The girl held her sweaty hands on her pounding head and sighed a sigh of contentment for there was a panorama of stunning, wild landscape all around. At that moment, she could conceive the idea her own flesh, body and mind was just a tiny speck in the enormity of the universe. These had to be the moments she lived for. She was not to be tamed and neither was nature; as they worked together in harmony.

A wave of new strength pulsed through her body, unravelling from her feet, right through to the top of her head. There was a gentle nudge, a forceful ache arising from deep within her soul. She needed to move her body once more and feel the gentle breeze caress her face. The descent was waiting for her and she graciously obliged after lingering to steel one last glance, committing the image to memory. She would need to obtain that photograph later.

She tore down the single track, descending as fast as her body and the laws of physics would allow. Her limbs; a tangle of blurring momentum. The wind; rushing in her ears, and her eyes; streaming tears of sheer velocity but also tears of happiness. This was the closest she could get to flying and she had never felt so alive.

Each jarring bend caused her rhythm to change. Moving swiftly, dancing over the terrain that seemed to laugh with amusement at her gleeful sense of wonder. It was only natural that a monumental mouthful of joy escaped her lips and filled the eerie silence. She encompassed the forest with these sounds, scattering the notes as if she was the conductor of this marvellous created kingdom. She was soaring on pure, raw human emotion with her senses activated to their highest heights.

All too soon, the forest floor began to level off slightly and with it her legs began to move less frantically. Her muscles and bones were slowly able to relax into a settled rhythm once more.  She began to stare up, towards the tops of the tallest trees, enchanted by the stories they must have to tell of lives and adventures gone by. She almost stumbled into a lone deer, gracefully racing over the dirt path. Stopping dead at the same time, the two creatures stood eye to eye. One; chest heaving, breathless from the exhilarating descent. The other; calm and motionless, more confident than fearful, as if knowing the girl would do no harm. 

Fascinated by the deer's continuous gaze, the girl extended her arm outwards; silently pondering whether the deer would agree to be touched. She longed to feel its warm fur beneath the palm of her hand. Alas; the spell was broken and the deer made off into the thicket, not wanting to make contact with the foreign human world. For the girl, just feasting her eyes upon the deer would have to be enough today.

Again, commencing her movement along the winding paths through the trees, the girl began to realise she would soon be transported back to reality. To a modern world far away from this peaceful, tranquil place. The forest haven conjured up a magical, mystical atmosphere, where in the shade and amongst the protection of the great trees, time seemed to slow and she had space to breath, think and ultimately; live rather than exist.

The green forest from where she was emerging provided her with a place to play, be free and escape the monotony she experienced in everyday life. With each familiar stride forward she was nearing her materialistic, metal car that would provide transport to the concrete forest where she lived, worked and interacted with other people.

She always felt a pang of regret as she drove away from her blissful sanctuary. A pang, often replaced by a feeling of protection. She knew deep in her heart she would return tomorrow to run her well-trodden path once more. In person or to explore in her dreams; either way would be enough. To once again, run wild hand in hand with nature’s paradise.

European Mountain Running Championships

Inhale. Exhale. The finish line in sight. The crowds cheering, screaming with excitement. 

A girl on my shoulder, suddenly sprinting past me. A barrier between a medal and fourth place. I could not finish in fourth place. I would not finish in fourth place.  

My arms pumped harder. My knees rose higher. My stride extended. My lungs; barely able to take oxygen in. I was a tiger about to pounce on it's prey and I would not give in to the pain.

I suddenly found an extra gear. Surging forward towards the finish line. Flying past the girl. Feeling like my legs and lungs were on fire. So much momentum. I would not stop until I was past that line.  

Crossing the line in the bronze medal position. Arms raised triumphantly in the air. Collapsing from the lactic acid swimming in my muscles. Kneeling, my head in my hands. I couldn't believe I had done it. 

My first international individual medal....

crossing the finish line

 

Back to the beginning

The plane left British soil and soared off the runway, up into the sky towards a new adventure. On board were the excited British Mountain Running team, ready to touch down in Italy and begin their quest for success at the European Mountain Running Championships in the scenic tourist town of Arco near beautiful Lake Garda.

I was part of the Junior Women's team and this was to be my fourth British mountain running vest and my second time racing at the European Mountain Running Championships. Having missed the British trial due to a niggle, I knew I was very lucky the British selectors selected in my favour. I couldn't wait to get out there in Italy to prove I was worthy of the selection by racing to my absolute best.

The strong British team were as follows...

Junior Women:

Scarlet Dale
Heidi Davies
Laura Stark
Bella Williams

Junior Men:

Josh Boyle
Gavin Bryson
Ciaran Lewis
Jake Smith

Senior Women:

Emmie Collinge
Heidi Dent
Rebecca Hilland
Sarah Tunstall

Senior Men: 

Tom Adams
Andrew Douglas
Ben Mounsey
Chris Smith

Team GB ready for the opening ceremony

The first thing we all noticed stepping off the plane and out into the Italian air was the heat. This was obviously something us Brits are not really used to and would make the races even more challenging. I think we can all echo the words of Ciaran as we left Italy on Sunday; "The only thing I won't miss is the constant sweating from the heat."

During the few days before the race, there was time to relax, become familiar with the course, swim in the hotel swimming pool, eat lots of Italian food and get to know the rest of the British team better. 

Walking the course

 

I know I've said it before in previous blog posts but I will say it again; the people and the community surrounding the sport are what make mountain running so special. There are no egos, everyone accepts one another for who they are and I am so proud to be part of such a close knit GB mountain running team. 

There was a good mix of old and new faces competing for the British team at these championships. The old showing the ropes to the new and soon everyone knew each other and felt welcome within the team. No matter who is in the team each time I have represented Britian, everyone has always got on with one another and it is a testament to the atmosphere within the sport.

Soon it was time for the opening ceremony but before that we all had to obviously have the obligatory team photographs. Chris had emailed us all prior to flying out to Italy to tell us to bring our club vests so we could get a picture of all of them as a way of saying thanks to our clubs for helping us along our journey's to running for our country. This was a lovely idea and the picture looks pretty good with a mixed array of Welsh, Scottish and English club vests. 

The Club Vests

So onto the opening parade and ceremony where the fell running legend, epic blogger and all round nice guy Ben Mounsey had the honour of carrying the British flag. 

With the legend himself

All the countries paraded behind their flags through the streets of Arco towards the square where each country was called up onto the stage and introduced. Whilst waiting to go up onto the stage everyone was trying to get away from the boiling hot sun and fit into the tiny patches of shade. This became a sort of game as every time we moved forward down the street we would have to find different patches.

Soon there was the official opening of the championships, speeches and dancing whilst us GB juniors moved a bench and made camp in the shade to once again get away from the sun. (Can you tell we're British?)

Opening ceremony

From the electric atmosphere at the opening ceremony, I could just tell that race day was going to be exciting with all the Italians screaming out on the course. I just hoped that there wouldn't be any chain saws in my face like at the World Championships in Italy in 2014.

The day finished with a team talk by Sarah Rowell and a speech by the experienced Sarah Tunstall who was the team captain of the British team this time around. 

If you're not starting to feel nervous about the race during the opening ceremony then you certainly will during the team meeting. When both Sarah's were giving their inspiring talks, it really just hits you that tomorrow you are going to be wearing your country's vest out on the course. You are going to be competing against the best athletes in Europe. These are the moments you work so hard for in training and the reason why you continually put your body on the line both when training and racing. You had to give it your all.

As we left the team meeting Sarah's words were ringing in our ears; "Don't enjoy the race." If we were enjoying it, we were not pushing and working hard enough. I wasn't going to enjoy it. 

*********

Everyone assembled on the start line in the centre of the car park. Us Brits in pen nine. The steady bass of the music playing over the loud speaker echoing throughout the car park. The sound of excited voices, nervous exhalations. Athletes jumping, constantly moving up and down. Got to keep the blood flowing ready for the frantic start.

Eyes focused ahead. Going over the race plan one last time in your head. Turn the nerves into excitement. Let the butterflies fly into formation and assist you to run faster than you ever have before. Today is your day.

On your marks....
BANG

We were off...

Snaking our way through the pretty narrow streets of Arco. A group of girls all with the same dream. Who would want it enough?

Leading the pack up the first climb, concentrating on each step up. Pitter patter, pitter patter. Inhale, exhale. Up, up, up.

Breathing becoming more laborious at the top of the steps. Inhale, exhale. Someone's passing me. Don't panic. Flow. Pitter patter.

A long flight of steep wooden steps, a camera in my face. A flatter section. Flow, relax. People screaming my name. A cup of refreshing cold water tipped over the head.

Up, up, up. Up over the cobbles to the castle. Up the steps on the inside of the castle. Steep switchbacks. The summit of the climb. No time to look at the view.

Down, down, down. Extend stride. Quick, break into the corner. Stay on your feet.

More screams, cheering. "Keep at it Heidi!"

The end of the first steep descent. Time to go back up. Up, up, up. Work, work, work. Heavy breathing. Pitter patter. Keep the rhythm over the rocks.

Someone is getting closer. Breathing down my neck. Don't panic. Rhythm, rhythm.

She passes me and I am in third...

Legs moving faster. Down, down, down. More screaming.

Downhill on cobbles. Wrong shoe choice. Ouch, ouch, ouch. Keep flowing. I can still catch her.

Downhill steps. Interrupts the rhythm. Almost at the finish. I can still catch her.

BOOM! Onto the flat. Inhale. Exhale. The finish line in sight. The crowds cheering, screaming with excitement.  A girl on my shoulder, suddenly sprinting past me. A barrier between a medal and fourth place. I could not finish in fourth place. I would not finish in fourth place.

Arms pumping harder. Knees rising higher. Stride extended. Lungs barely able to take air in. I was a tiger about to pounce on it's prey and I would not give in to the pain. Who would want it more?
 
Find an extra gear. Surging forward towards the finish line. Flying past the girl. Feeling like my legs and lungs are on fire. So much momentum. I would not stop until I was past that line.

Crossing the line in the bronze medal position. Arms raised triumphantly in the air. Collapsing from the lactic acid swimming in my muscles. Kneeling, head in my hands. I couldn't believe I had done it. My first international individual medal....

Turning my head and seeing Scarlet, crossing the line in fifth. Another fantastic race from her. Laura, crossing the line in tenth. A superb debut in the GB vest.

Had we got a team medal, surely we had. Yes team gold!

Hugging, shaking hands, choruses of 'well done', 'congrats', 'you ran so well'.

The flower ceremony. Presented with a beautiful bunch of flowers. Flowers raised in the air. Photographers, smiles, more choruses of 'well done', 'good job'.
 
All that hard work in training paid off... At last.
 

 *********

I am so so proud of all the girls in the GB junior women's team for all running so strongly and bravely. It still hasn't quite sunk in yet that we are the best mountain running team in Europe for our age group.

I must give a special mention to my room mate, Bella who ran so well being in the top ten throughout the race. Unfortunately and so gutting for her, she collapsed along the finishing straight and wasn't able to finish the race.  I'm just so happy that she was allowed to come and collect her team gold medal next to us and stand on the podium because it belongs to her just as much as it belongs to us. A team is a team, and we wouldn't have been a team without Bella.

After our race it was then time to watch all the other races and cheer everyone else on. It's so inspiring when you're out there screaming for your team mates and you can see that they're are running to their absolute best and leaving everything out there on the course.

Laura's amazing GoPro skills

The Juniors

Yep, we do have GB flags on our legs

The juniors went to watch the races from the flat section by the castle and the atmosphere here was absolutely crazy. Everyone was shouting at the top of their lungs for their team mates and there was a continuous ring of bells and horns which added to the atmosphere.

All too soon, the races were over.

RESULTS

Junior Women:
Heidi Davies-BRONZE
Scarlet Dale-5th
Laura Stark-10th
Bella Williams-

Team-GOLD

Junior Men:
Ciaran Lewis-13th
Gav Bryson-17th
Jake Smith-21st
Josh Boyle-26th

Team-4th

Senior Women:

Emmie Collinge-GOLD
Heidi Dent-7th

Rebecca Hilland-13th
Sarah Tunstall-14th

Team-SILVER

Senior Men:
Andrew Douglas-4th
Chris Smith-12th
Tom Adams-17th
Ben Mounsey-26th

Team-BRONZE

All in all a successful day, wouldn't you say?

The long awaited post race pizza and ice cream was then on the cards. I remembered to take a picture of the pizza but not of the ice cream. You'll just have to take my word for it... It was delicious.

PIZZA

It was soon time for the medal ceremony. It still felt kind of surreal standing on the podium to receive my bronze medal and I was so happy to be standing on the top step to receive the team gold medal with such a nice group of girls. The national anthem played and Scarlet and I are sorry for hurting Laura and Bella's ears with our singing. It was such a fantastic moment.

The ceremonies went on for each race and the atmosphere got even more exciting helped by the fact that by the end the Italian national anthem was played three times in total. I felt very inspired when Emmie stepped up to receive her gold medal for winning the women's race. She is such a class athlete and so friendly. She is loved by the Italians as she lives out in Italy and competes in lots of their races and it was amazing to hear such loud cheers for her. She really deserved it. If I could be half the athlete she is in the future, I would be very happy.

After even more food and spending time in the square which had a crazy atmosphere as the Italians were watching their team play football, there was a water display to music and then a pretty wild party started out on the square. 

My mate from Scotland

The next day it was time to fly home. We were all sad to leave the town of Arco and Italy behind, nevertheless, we all have very special memories that we have taken home, even if it does kind of feel like a dream. 

Flying over Germany

I must be honest, my preparation into this event was not the best after picking up a small injury and not being able to run for a few weeks and having to miss the GB trial. Nothing but good old fashioned hard work won me that bronze medal as I poured myself into my cross training and then after my injury had disappeared, back into my mountain running training. Admittedly, I would have liked to have been challenging for the Gold medal at these championships but I will happily take bronze after the rocky preparation I have had. The fact that I was only one second away from silver is enough motivation for me for the future. I can only hope I can get fitter and stronger over the coming months and make the British team for the World Championships as I'm excited about seeing what I can produce there. 

Well done to everyone who competed at the championships on the weekend. You were all part of a very special event.

I would like to thank everyone that has been involved in my journey to my first individual international medal, whether in a big way or a small way. My family, friends, team mates, Norman Walsh UK, Sports Aid, The Ron Pickering Memorial Fund, Happy Home Gift Company, The Metropole Hotel, Junk n Disorderely, Arvon Ales, Chris Jones at Welsh Athletics, Matt Craythorne and Laurence Birdsey at Sport Wales... the list just goes on.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to congratulate me and thank you for the kind messages.

Finally last by not least, I would like to thank all my team mates, all the support staff, the organisers of the Championships this year and the people who helped to make this weekend so memorable. You are all amazing.

Mountain running. More than just a sport. More than just a race. 

It's about the inspiring people you meet, the incredible places you get to visit, the close friendships you build and the unforgettable memories you make. 

It's so much more than a run up a hill.

Ciao Arco

Learning to Trust the Process

In this world it's not unusual for everything to seem to be falling so nicely into place, only to then come face to face with a frustrating set back that quickly slaps you out of your dream-like world and back to reality.

All it could take is one wrong turn, one silly decision, or just one stride forward on your usual Tuesday lunchtime run.

Everything was falling into place. I had a decent block of Winter training behind me and was feeling like I was running faster and stronger than I ever had before...

That's when life said; "Nah Heidi, that's boring. Let's give you a challenge." and the niggle began.

The first few days of the dreaded niggle were absolutely awful. It's fair to say, I did not grin and bare it but more like sulked and moaned. I know people get niggles and injuries and are able to cope with not running for a period but you can only really appreciate how frustrating it is when it actually happens to you.

I know you should never-ever self diagnose using the Internet, but I'm ashamed to say I did. This really was very unhelpful as it planted the seed in my mind that I could possibly have a stress fracture. A trip to minor injuries followed where I demanded an x-ray only to breathe a sigh of relief when it turned out negative.

Thankfully I was able to see the Welsh Athletics physio, Adam Rattenbury who worked his magic. This was extremely painful but at least it showed me all I had was tightness of soft tissue and nothing major, putting my mind to rest. 

During this niggle, I have thrown myself into cross training and had quite a few enjoyable, mad adventures.

I've power walked up and down the local hills in numerous different conditions. Driving wind and rain, boiling hot, humid sunshine, hailstones, snow, drizzle and I actually really enjoyed doing this. There's something magic about striding around the local countryside with only sheep for company. It's the closest you can get to mountain running when you can't actually physically run and it's nice to slow down from running once in a while and take in the view. 

Nevertheless power walking is not all fun and games and on one of my walks I had quite a scare. I had just reached the top of Little Hill above Llandrindod Wells my hometown when the clouds opened and it absolutely poured it down. I took shelter amongst the tall trees to wait the worst of the rain out. I slipped my bag off of my shoulder about to go in search for food and took a glance to the right. This is the point where my heart stopped and I hurried off and ran out of the trees and back into the rain. I could have sworn I had discovered a dead body. There were some clothes and material all wrapped up in the trees and one part was shaped like a nose, as if someone was laid down. 

With my heart beating frantically in my chest and looking all around, I felt like I was being watched. The atmosphere suddenly seemed to become extremely eerie with the only sound the rain blowing in the trees and the crunch of my footsteps as I timidly crept back to the dreadful spot I had discovered. I had to have another closer look just to make sure.

I edged closer to the pile of clothes and bent down to slowly prise back the material only to find it was just that. A pile of clothes and material and not a dead body after all.

I can not even begin to tell you how relieved I was as I quickly hurried away and back out into the rain once more. I could not stay in that eerie spot one moment longer. I would just have to get wet. 

I've cycled so many kilometers during this cross training malarkey and I've kind of fallen in love with just pedalling around the local hilly lanes as fast as I can. (And hoping I don't crash into a farmers truck as I have done in the past...that's another story)

I've discovered it's really not wise to stand up on your pedals on a really long steep hill and change the gear down accidentally with your quad. This left me hanging on for dear life. As if bike hill reps aren't hard enough!

On a sunny Sunday evening, I went out for a long ride along a route I hadn't done before, basically out into the back lanes of Mid Wales, into the middle of nowhere. I unfortunately got a puncture from going over a pot hole too fast but thankfully I had some signal to ring Dad so he could come and rescue me. I must be honest I thought he was just going to come and pick me and the bike up and take me home... but no. He pulled out a spare wheel from the car and quickly and efficiently changed the wheel meaning I could finish my ride. I never knew I had my own service car!  

Just as my Dad drove off around the corner and out of sight, I fell off and my knees came crashing down to the road. Surprising (given the colour bruises I developed) this didn't hurt that much but as normal when I fall off I had managed to bend the wheel arch and had to adjust it; resulting in my hands and legs becoming covered in bike oil. I must've looked a funny sight, cycling back home with blood dripping down my oil covered legs. It was all worth it though as I got to see the sunset. All you can do in those situations is laugh at your own stupidity. At least it made my Sunday evening a bit more eventful. A big thank you to Dad for coming to the rescue. 

Swimming is something I do regularly now anyway even when I can run but this niggle has meant I've been spending more time at the pool, swimming and doing some dreaded aqua-running. Aqua-running is something I find soooo boring but it has to be done even if you do get many strange looks from the swimmers.

I'm so happy to see my cross training has paid off and I've not lost fitness and I'm now able to do my running training again.

There is never a good time for a niggle or injury to occur, they're always going to interfere with an event or goal you are working towards. 

Due to this niggle I  had to miss the British trial held at Whinlatter Forest in Keswisk for the European Mountain Running Championships as I did not want to hamper my recovery. I was so gutted I couldn't compete to hopefully earn my place on the team but well done to everyone who did race. It was an anxious wait to find out whether the selectors would select in my favour.

Beautiful Arco

I am so so grateful to be selected to run for Britain in these championships at the beginning of July and I can't thank British Athletics and the selectors enough for believing in me and selecting me to be part of the strong British team heading to Arco, Italy.

I have ran in Arco once before in 2014 for the World Youth Cup (my first taste of international competition) and it is such an absolutely beautiful part of the world. I can not wait to pull on my GB vest once more and to race in Arco again. Time to put even more hard work in and sharpen myself up ready to race my uttermost best at these Championships.

Racing in Arco in 2014

This niggle has taught me a lot about myself and life in general. At any point in life it is important to embrace challenge and struggles and allow them to grow you as you work to overcome them. 

Your struggle is just part of your story. No-one ever got anywhere, ever without a setback of some kind. What matters most is your attitude towards the situation. You can either let it define you or you can stare it straight in the face with no fear, knowing whole-heartedly you will walk through the flames life throws at you and come out on the other side stronger and more determined than ever.

I am so so thankful I did not develop a full-blown injury and caught the niggle in time to only have to take a few weeks off running and not have to miss a season of competition. Someone somewhere is worse off than you- you've just got to fight your own battles and appreciate your own path. 

Yes, it's so easy with the accessibility of the Internet with so much information available at your finger tips these days to get so caught up in what everyone else is doing. What training they're doing, how fast they're running, what races they're winning. But at the end of the day when it comes down to it...none of that matters. Your journey is what is important. All you need to do is hang on, believe and trust the process towards achieving your goals and your dreams. Your time will come when you're ready. 

This niggle has made me realise running is not the be all and end all of everything. There is so much more to life than running. Running is just a way to live and express your hopes and dreams. I'm more than Heidi the runner, and it's important for me to remember this every once in a while.
 

There's no point in being grumpy if you're unable to run for a period of time. Concentrating on things you can do rather than the things you can't will help you believe and trust in your journey. I was very fortunate I was able to still get out in the hills in all weathers and experience the countryside, yes admittedly at a slower pace but at least I could get out there and enjoy each moment of being alive. You don't have to be running to enjoy life. 

Life is what you make of it and now I've got through this frustrating niggle and I'm back up running, fighting and working hard towards chasing my dreams. The niggle may have sent me down a different path but I can't ever say I didn't enjoy the adventure.  

"Before Alice got to wonderland, she had to fall"

See you in the hills....
Heidi x

Nine lessons I've learnt this cross country season

Hello you lovely lot,

Yes...I do admit some of these things I already knew before this cross country season began. Nevertheless, they have been of particular relevance this season. So let me share my nine things I've discovered or re-discovered during cross country.

1: Never be afraid to dream...

I was over the moon and so honoured to be selected to represent Great Britain at the Great Edinburgh Cross in January this year after having a good race at the British Athletics Cross Challenge in Liverpool. I couldn't wait to get out there and show that I'm not ~just a mountain runner, who can't run fast~.

2:...but be prepared to pick yourself back up when those dreams are shattered. 

After catching a nasty cold just before I was due to represent Great Britain in the Great Edinburgh Cross, I had to make the extremely hard decision to withdraw and allow a more healthy athlete to have the honour of representing the country and do the vest justice. Looking back now, that was the right decision but it was an extremely difficult one to come to. What was important was I was able to recover and pick myself back up to compete well for the rest of the season. I am hopeful that there will be more opportunities to represent my country in the future and I will be able to show people that I am not ~just a mountain runner~. 

3: Trust the process and don't stress over the short term results. 

The short term races are just stepping stones to the long term goals you are aiming to achieve. In the long term you'll look back at the ups and downs and see that they helped you to learn and understand what you need to do to achieve your best. It's all just part of your journey.  

4: If the tactic doesn't work the first time; it's probably not going to work the second. 

Enough said.

5: Appreciate the moment.

This cross country season I competed at my last ever Welsh Schools' Cross Country Championships after competing in every race over seven years.  It was the end of an era and made me really appreciate the amazing opportunities I have been given through being involved in this fantastic sport. This was further re emphasised when I competed for Wales at the Home Countries Cross Country this past weekend in Scotland. This was combined with the Schools' International (SIAB) and seeing all the younger Welsh athletes so excited to race in their Welsh kit for the first time was priceless. I remember that feeling; a feeling of nervous anticipation that I do still get standing on any start line today.

6: A bad race does not make you a bad runner. 

Everyone has good races. Everyone has bad races. It is important not to lose your motivation when you have the latter. Each race is a learning curve. Don't beat yourself up. Learn from it and move on.

 

7: A friendly rivalry can help bring the best out of each other. 

This cross country season myself and Cari Hughes of Menai Track and Field have had a friendly rivalry all season.  When you have those sorts of races it really helps and pushes you to achieve your best. I was obviously extremely happy for Cari when she won the Under 17 British Athletics Inter-Counties Cross Country Championships recently. Watching her run away from the leading group was amazing and I am glad that we have been able to push each other and experience this rivalry within Wales. I'm already looking forward to pushing each other over the country next season. 

Sorry Cari, I stole your photo!

 

8: Once people start to realise you write blog posts, they naturally want a mention and keep asking when you're going to write your next one. 

So here's a shout out to all those Welsh athletes wanting a mention that competed at the Home Countries Cross Country on the weekend. Naming names would be seen as favouritism: you know who you are! 

The Welsh team at Home Countries

 

9: Without my family and people around me; I would not be the athlete or person I am today. 

I am forever in debt to my family who have spent the last seven years being my number one running fans and supporting me wholeheartedly towards achieving my dreams. So a huge thank you as ever to my family and also the people around me at school, my friends, teammates and people within Welsh Athletics and Sport Wales for helping me along this journey. 

Onto the next chapter.
See you in the mountains, 

Heidi x