13/05/2011 Not many things make me cry (I like to think I'm a tough cookie!) But when I opened up my laptop yesterday and was directed (through twitter - pretty standard these days!) to have a read of my friend, Kirsty McWilliam's, latest blog, the tears were rolling after only a few lines in. In a nut shell, Kirsty has announced her retirement from triathlon. At first I was shocked, but I knew Kirsty had ben going through the rocks a bit. We lived together for a few week in my house in Loughborough last summer. It was the period when I left Ben and wanted to leave Loughborough and Kirsty was a bit uncertain about where she wanted to be. Let's just say, it wasn't a happy household. It was pretty sad to see two athletes under a roof be so down, so lonely and hate what we were doing day in and day out. What a contrast to when Kirsty and I first met. Two youths who were like two love sick puppy dogs with triathlon! So eager, keen, young, buzzing. So I left my house in September to head up North, I rediscovered my love for triathlon and rediscovered happiness. Kirsty headed up to Scotland, went back to her old coach and I thought she'd rekindled her love like me. I was wrong. I think the first time I met Kirsty McWilliam was at the British National Aquathlon in 2005 at Salford Quays. Kirsty had just returned from the European Youth Relays with a team gold medal - I thought she was a super star. I don't think I dared speak to her! The closest we got was when she came storming past me on the run. I was still in my swimmer to triathlete transfer - so came out the water with quite a bit of a lead. My run however was still below par! We first spoke on the podium that day, I got the silver and Kirsty got the gold. 'Wow I'm on the podium with Kirsty McWilliam' were my thoughts at the time! Kirsty was the young super star of triathlon, something and someone I inspired to be. Next time we met was at the British National Youth Championships in Llanelli, Wales. Again, Kirsty passed me, but this time it was after a disastrous transition. I jumped on my bike and a shoe came off. I got back on and the other one came off. From then on I think all my T1s have been jinxed! (or I just need to practice more!). Another 1, 2 for Kirsty and Hollie. Another early memory was when I roomed with Kirsty on a training camp in Easter 2006. I think that's when we really got to know each other. It was my 16th birthday. I remember I thought she was being off with me, as she kept leaving me and going off with the other girls. I didn't know at the time, but the times she was going off, Kirsty was arranging a birthday cake for me and getting everyone to sign a card! For some reason, I also remember her addiction to milky bar buttons! It's weird the things you remember. The picture I've attached with this blog was at Junior Europeans 2007. Kirsty and I both ended up on the podium. That was a very memorable trip for me. A bit off topic, but that morning, pre-race I remember having a meeting with Chris Jones who told me that I had the talent to get to the Beijing Olympics. I was flattered but thought the idea was out of this world. But Chris, you got it spot on. I think Chris's comments were more special to me than my gold medal at that race. 2007 Worlds didn't go so fab for Kirsty. But I was over the moon to hand over my crown and title to her when she conquered Junior Worlds in Vancover 2008. And Kirsty - never forget, you've got a World title to your name. Not everyone can say that now can they. And I know it seems like people forget that, but those who matter will never forget. And do you know what Kirsty, it's not about the medals you win, or the ranking you get, that doesn't make you who you are. It's your smile, your humour, your intelligence and your bubbly personality that make up Kirsty! And again, those who matter will love you for those things. We're all not going to be running around streets in a swim suit for our whole lives! So Miss McWilliam - I'll miss you. We've shared a lot of highs and a lot of lows together. You were an inspiration to me when I first came into the sport and you helped me fall in love with it. You've hung up the race shoes, but take down your high heels! I hope you can start loving life again. I know you're never too far off a giggle.. in fact just as I'm writing this I got an e-mail from you having a wee giggle about something, so there we go!
3/01/11 Happy New Year! In fact – Very happy New Year! This year’s (well last year’s!) festive season was pretty special and one I will always remember. It was just the four of us for Christmas and I couldn’t have asked or wished for anything else. Mum and I cooked a very scrummy Christmas dinner and the Avil banter was on great form! I loved every minute. The picture I’ve posted is the four of us on our post Christmas dinner (pre- Christmas pudding!) walk. Smiles all round! Sorry I haven’t blogged in a while. But like I always tell my parents when I haven’t spoken to them in a while, no news really is good news. I’ve just been keeping my head down, training hard and loving it! I’m really enjoying Leeds. Everything from the friends I’ve made to my cosy little flat. The Yorkshire air really has been a breath of fresh air and it’s a breath of fresh air every day I wake up! Before Christmas I headed away to Club La Santa in Lanzarote for a British Triathlon camp. It was great to see everyone again after the summer. It was my first time to Club La Santa, but it lived up to its famous reputation. It was great to bag some miles in the sunshine and have a good laugh too! Karaoke night provided some great entertainment! Let’s just say, I think us triathletes should stick at what we do best! Or maybe I’m just speaking for myself! I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas period! Here’s to a healthy, successful and exciting 2011. Hollie
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