2011 Season was not the season I was looking for. It was a season where I had some ups but unfortunately many downs. It was a very unfortunate season health wise. I was sick for very long periods during the season, most of the times in crucial moments before a very important race that hampered my race performance. Looking back I think that since the season started early in January instead of March was the main factor as I did not had a good preseason training. I injured my hamstring before the Sicily - Malta Games last year due to the fact that pushed too much too early in the season after my break and was sick after the games spending 2 months mostly inside to recover than training and building for the new season. This hampered my performance in the National Duathlon Championships by only claiming a 3rd place.
After these championships I had a good build of training but again just before the TCSSE which was my main target of the year, got sick again. I did my best. Was first place till the start of the run but then slipped to third. After talking to my coach, we did some changes in my training by allowing me more recovery. Finally results were coming by claiming top 5 spots in both local cycling and running races, won a couple of races as well and a great performance in the Tour of Malta.
I got sick again just before the first race of the Birkirkara St Joseph Triathlon Series which I still won. After winning this race, I had a good summer of good training. I won the Triathlon Series for the 4th time in my career (a record), managed to go under the hour in Sprint Distance twice, came 2nd in Bedford Triathlon and first in Desford Triathlon in my category both races in the UK. I was in top form for the National Championships but got sick just before the race, and it was hard to defend my title with such a stiff competition and not in a good shape. At least the title remained in the family, which confirms our domination in the sport. After the championship I was 2 weeks sick in bed and had to compete in the Sicily – Malta Games. Sicily was not a great experience being given a controversial stop and go penalty in a drafting race and although still did not completed half of the race I knew that my race was over. I kept on pushing till the end just for the sake to make proud my country as I could
It was a season where I had a lot of challenges. However I learnt a lot during the year. I noticed that the more one gets popular, the more people get jealous. The more you want to excel in the sport, the less help you find sometimes. The more you win, the fewer friends you’ll have. It was so unprofessional when one day I was receiving such hate comments on my face book wall after a particular race from someone who is an educator and a coach. I think it is not a great example to show to students and athletes out there. It is better to accept defeat and just close your mouth and think about the next race. However I am glad that this year turned out this way. I lost some friends who used to help me a lot in the past, but now they are the PAST. This year I noticed who my real friends are, whom I have to listen and whom I have to ignore.
I know that some people were happy seeing me underperforming in the last month. Maybe 2011 was not my year although I still won the Triathlon series and Triathlete of the year award for the 4th time; however I just started training hard but sensible taking care of every detail. I will be back stronger, faster and quicker than these last two years. I am very determined, focused and am looking forward for a successful 2012.
Thanks a lot for following My blog. I try to keep it updated as much as possible.
Yours
Keith
