I made it to a World Cup, and managed to climb quite well. It would have been good to get in the top 30, the semis…. but I’m really pleased with what I managed to do – 35th in Slovenia against a very strong and big field of competitors. Also, I got to see Shauna’s outstanding performance to get on the podium in 2nd (check out her blog).
My new training regime had been going really well. Unfortunately I caught a bad cold which led to a chest infection and ultimately pleurisy just when I was meant to be adding the finishing touches to my comp preparation. I was ill for the whole of March and still have discomfort in my chest. I had hoped to go to the first World Cup in China, but was not up to making a long haul flight, let alone competing. I was unable to hang from my arms as it hurt too much. I could not exert myself without having a coughing fit/breathing trouble. I felt frustrated after so much successful training – I could feel strength ebbing away.
I went to Fontainebleau for a week instead of going to China. Rest, relaxation, fresh air and building the climbing back up.
I had two very short sessions on plastic between Font and going out to Slovenia. I wasn’t sure how well I was climbing, but had made it my goal to be back on track for this comp. I woke up very early on the day of the qualifiers to find that I had more illness. I couldn’t believe it. I had a very upset tummy (I didn’t manage to keep a main meal inside me the whole time I was in Slovenia). I don’t know whether it was food poisoning or a bug, I just know it was annoying and very bad timing. I tried to ignore it and relied on energy gel and isotonic drink to get me through the comp. I topped two problems and touched, but failed to latch, the penultimate hold on two others. Not too shoddy!
I’m tired, hungry and resting up for Vienna at my mum and dad’s. Sorry body. Fingers crossed for the next round.
