Sick Note

I AM BACK! And starting this post with an apology for all my followers, I apologies for not blogging for over a month! I wouldn't be surprised if people started to think that I had stopped blogging! But no I have just been off for a long time. So my last blog told you about me being off swimming due to an injury but then competing in club champs and getting my second county time (yayayayyay!) but sadly I did not get to compete in the second half of club champs as I got a cold and also a perforated eardrum (basically a hole in my eardrum) so I couldn't swim and then when my cold finally went and my ear was better it was already the end of club champs and my dad had to go away again! Also, I had a bit of Costochrondritis, which just meant that whenever I breathed in it really hurt my chest and I also had a school trip to Belgium, Ypres-which was absolutely AMAZING- so I didn't swim much that week either! Basically I haven't had the best of luck recently but I am now back in the pool this week and my coach John said that he thinks the long break has done me good and that I have come back stronger and I agree, I am really enjoying it and although the long sessions are tiring I do think I am doing well. Unfortunately I am unable to go to my swimming presentation evening tonight as my parents are away in London for the weekend and my Nanna and Grandad from Kent have come to look after us and I cannot get a lift so I am very gutted. But anyhow I must go and finish my homework, so until next time, goodbye!

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Exciting news!

Hello again, I am back after not blogging for almost a month :L sorry! So what has happened since I last blogged?
Well, recently I have been off swimming for a month due to an ankle injury, a virus and then my dad being away on business and me not being able to get to the pool.
But, I'm back now and really getting stuck into training properly again. This has been spurred on by the fact that Club Champs has started and I have been doing well so far. On Sunday I got my second county qualifying time, in 50m breast and I took over 1.5 seconds off my PB! As I haven't even been training properly I was really pleased with that. Also, I have managed to get a couple of medals in other events so generally it's going well.

Anyway, I have to go now...to training. Blog soon, ttfn x

SHOUTOUT!

Bonjourno to my 4 dedicated followers!
Ok so this post is a quick shoutout to a new blogger amongst us! And also to a fellow blogger whose blog I love reading so first up iiiisssss......
Lauren Fisher and her blog the teenage dream!
So basically I was telling Lauren about ma blog and I said Lauren! YOU should start a blog! So, that it exactly what she did. And it's so good! Way better than what I did when I first started my blog, deffoo worth following! Already bookmarked it! So go check it out now!
Second iiiiissss...
Charlotte Havrylawk and her blog Sharlotte || omg actually love her blog! Perfect place to go for make up reviews, blogging advice or if your looking for a good read! Her blog design is lovely and again is another one of my bookmarks, go follow this blog now!

COUNTY TIME!

YES THE TITLE SAYS IT ALL! Finally I have a County Time. Oh no I'm not bluffing. I HAVE A COUNTY TIME! Words cannot describe the happiness I felt when I found out. I have made it, after years of trying I have done it. It just proves that if you work hard enough you will achieve your goal. This is just one goal of the goals that I need to achieve my dream. The event I got it in was 50m Frontcrawl, which isn't one of better strokes, so I was surprised! The time I needed was 31.9 and I got 31.91, but they round it down so I got it! But my next task is to get the time down so that when I go to the Essex Championships, I won't be in the slowest heat. I played a netball match yesterday and unfortunately fell over on my ankle, it hurts but I think I have only twisted it. Sadly it means I will have to take a break from sport for a few weeks until its better. I didn't swim much last week either as I was ill. On Monday we did cross country, we did it with my tutor and another tutor. We all had to do 3 laps of the field, including jumping the ditch 3 times and it was quite muddy(exactly what I love about cross country!). I came second overall and first out of the girls. I am really happy with this result, it was really hard race, and afterwards I got a migraine. It was really weird, I couldn't see out of my right eye! And since then I haven't feeling well, weird I know. So there we go I am a county swimmer...YESSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GET IN!

Sorry for the random link but I have just signed up to BlogLovin' =D
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Liebster Award :D

Hello! Guess who's back, back again! I realize the last time I blogged was quite a while ago, which I am feeling guilty about but I am going to post a second post after this one for a little catch up as this one is dedicated to the Liebster Award! For those of you who are wondering what the hell is she on about? I will explain. 
Basically whilst catching up on the posts I hadn't read on my best friend Evie's blog (www.regardingevie.blogspot.co.uk go check out her blog NOW OK? ) one of her latest posts was about a Liebster award so, like some of you might be now, I was like err...the what award? And what it is, is an award for people with below 200 followers and somebody has to nominate you and give you 10 questions to answer. Then you have to nominate 10 other people, like you with below 200 followers and give them 10 questions to answer. Then I reached the end of the post and saw who she had nominated and to my surprise saw I was on there! Thanks Evie! So here we go...

1.Who is your favourite artist/band?
Hmm this is tricky as there are generally a lot of artists I like but I am really loving John Newman at the moment and his work with Rudimental. I also really love Imagine Dragons, OMG Radioactive is my JAM!

2. What was/is your favourite subject at school?
Well in case you hadn't noticed I am really sporty, so I have to say PE! I love everything about it, the muddy cross country, the tactile netball and aggressive basketball!

3. What is your favourite film?
My favourite film hmm... I generally don't have one. I loved the Hunger Games, but then I loved The Notebook and also The Descendants. I also loved Les Miserable. Its so hard to choose! But if I had to, it would probably be the Hunger Games.

4. Do you prefer hair up or hair down?
This is hard as I am really for the messy bun look, which is how I often wear my hair to school, but if I had time in the morning to tame of the wild beast that is my hair I would wear it down as I like it straightened and I have started to become fond of my natural curls.

5. The book or the film?
I CANNOT read a book after watching a film! I love films but books for me are a lot more detailed and I like picturing everything in my head whilst reading, its like I have entered another world! And often films can prove a disappointment as the characters aren't what you pictured them to look like in your head.

6. Three words to describe your style?
My style would probably be described as modern, pretty and rock. Modern because I like to keep up-to-date with the fashion, pretty because I love floral prints such as Cath Kidston,  which I believe my mother and  my Aunty Catherine have had a bit of influence on! And as for rock, I love my black docs and like to wear black eyeliner. I also love tattoos, if I could would DEFFO have tattoos done. Again another style influence would be my dad, he introduced me to ACDC, Guns and Roses and other rockbands and he also has loads of tatts. He used to be subscribed to Tattoo magazine and I would often read them. I have to check with my mum with everything that I wear, just because I see her as one of my main style icons, I always ask her for fashion advice!

7. Favorite animal?
I share my love of wolves with my mother. We both find them so fascinating! They are such beautiful, elegant creatures, I love everything about them!

8. Something that you love doing?
SWIMMING!!!!!!! I love swimming, it is the inspiration of my blog, I have swam for almost 7 years now and it is my passion, my escape and I absolutely love doing it, even if people think I'm crazy for swimming as much as I do, whilst doing other sports.

9. Somewhere you've always wanted to go?
Rome. I have always wanted to go to Rome. As a catholic it would be an amazing experience, but I just love the culture, the beauty and the history of Italy.

10. Favorite sweet treat?
I generally love anything sweet, I have inherited my mother's sweet tooth! But I do really really adore fudge. Now that is my heaven. I would live on fudge if i could. It is the sweetest thing in the world.

So there you go! I have waffled my way through my 10 questions and now it is somebody else's turn!I basically have to nominate 10 people, or as many people as I can so the nominees are...drumroll please...
1. Evie Stoneman 
2. Charlotte Havrylawk (sorry if i spelt your name wrong!)
3.Claudia Chitty
4.Courtney Christou
And that's all I can manage!
Now your challenge!
1. What inspired you to create your blog?
2.Who is your inspiration/idol?
3. Favourite hobby?
4.  Your 3 best qualities?
5. What would you say is your life motto?
6. Quick tell a funny joke!
7. What is your pet peeve?
8. 3 qualities you look for in a friend?
9. What is your style?
10. What are your style influences?
Have fun answering them guys!
Don't forget to follow, share and comment peace out :)

Back to the pool!

Hello! I went swimming for the first time in three weeks, I swam yesterday morning, which was coached by John. It was a nice set but it was still tiring after losing my stamina, but I am glad to be back and am getting back into it, ready for the start of the season in September. I also swam last night and it was really fun, I really enjoyed the set. We also did this drill where we had to swim 100 strokes and see how far we got and then had to see if we could get further the next time. My best front crawl one was 6 and a half lengths and my breast role was 14 lengths and about 7 meters, which I was really pleased about as John predicted I would get 11 lengths. I am really happy with my breastroke at the moment and John says he is a big fan of my breastroke and thinks it is great which has given me some confidence, I just need to get fit again in time for the next meet. Also yesterday I went to town with my two bezzies (minus Carlann who is on holiday) who I haven't seen in like 4 weeks and it was really great to see them again. Also I am considering joining the army cadets as I think it is something I would really enjoy. Got to go now to buy uniform (blurrghh) but until next time, adios!

    In town with my girlies xxx

Summer!

Hello! I am back from Spain! I have had an amazing holiday and whilst there me and my brother made some friends, all of which were swimmers! One of them, Joe was a national swimmer and another boy, Ed is regional. I didn't do a lot of swimming on holiday but I will be starting again on Monday. I am also going to eat healthily and prepare for the season. I am really hoping to get a county time, in fact I am determined to get one. Unfortunately my brother has decided to quit, he isn't enjoying it anymore due to numerous reasons, which is a shame. Well I am about to go and have dinner so until next time! 

Long Time No Post.

Hello! I am back! I am sorry I have not blogged in about a month but everything has been really hectic. Unfortunately the Colchester meet was cancelled so I won't be competing in that anymore. I have just got back from my school sports awards evening where I won 5 awards including cross country performance of the year, which I was really really happy about! I have been swimming well recently and I have also been focusing on my technique and I think it has really improved. I just hope another open meet will come up.I have just got back from my school sports awards evening where I won 5 awards including cross country performance of the year, which I was really really happy about! I have been swimming well recently and I have also been focusing on my technique and I think it has really improved. I just hope another open meet will come up. At district sports I came second in the 800m and I thought I got the record but it turned out it was a misprint, which I was really disappointed about but never mind! I have to go to bed now but I will be back again soon, adios!

Year 8 exams.

Hello sorry I haven't blogged in absolutely ages but I have recently been really busy revising for all the end of year exams I have had at school. I have still been swimming, although not as much as I have had a few parties recently, but when I have been training I have been training hard. On Thursday night I was second in the lane for some of the sessions. Thursday night was my last session with Jack coaching meas he has now left. I wish him the best for the future. I have been swimming in the mornings, and I am swimming again tomorrow morning. Recently I have been focusing a lot on my running as I am 6 seconds off the school record in 800m and I really want to get it so I have been running more frequently and trying to get closer to the time, but I can only get it at either sports day or district sports. I am doing the 800m and high jump at sports day and I really hope I do well. Also on Wednesday I have district sports, I don't know what I am doing yet, but I am really excited. The year 8 team is extremely small as most of the year group are in France on a residential trip. I am gutted as my three best friends are going and I am on my own for a whole week! Well I have to got to bed now until next time, bye!

Cold.

Hallo! Today was the first day back after the half term and it was good to be back.I went swimming beforehand and it was ok but there were only 5 of us there, so I got a lane to myself. I trained hard and well, although I didn't enjoy most of the set I still trained hard because of the upcoming open meet. I have been ill recently with a cold so I have missed a few sessions in the half term but I am going to get back on track with the swimming, until next time, bye!

Half term.

Bonjour! Sorry I haven't been blogging recently, but I haven't really been swimming recently as it is the half term. I last swam on Sunday and I didn't really do very well as I hadn't been swimming a lot. It was a two hour session and I didn't enjoy the set, I was very tired by the end. But then I went to my best friend  Carlann's house for a sleepover and I had a great time but I'm back home now. The Tuesday morning sessions are all cancelled so I get a bit of a break and I get to lie in, which I am definitely going to do! 

Rest.

Hey guys I haven't been blogging this week because I haven't been swimming this week as my dad has been away in Oman(I think) so I couldn't get to any of the sessions apart from one, which was Friday night. It was alright we just did dives and relays the whole session which was really fun! Well training is cancelled tonight so I get to relax, but that's after I do my homework, so bye!

Competition.

Hello I am back! I am sorry I haven't blogged but things have been going mental! Well I can't catch up on every session but recently I have been finding the sessions a bit tiring but I have been working hard. I haven't been doing brilliant but just working hard and focusing on my stroke. Then on Saturday we had the open meet. I got a few pb's although I was a little disappointed about my 50m Backstroke as I got a late start and was on pb but if I hadn't had a late start I might of got a pb. I enjoyed the open meet as I wasn't doing loads of races, so it was a bit more relaxing. I had a cold and wasn't feeling very well either so I think I did quite well to get some pb's. I had two more races left when I told my mum that I wasn't feeling very well, I had been suffering from bad headaches all day. I had the 50m Frontcrawl left and the 200M Breaststroke. My mum said that if I did well in the 50m front then I wouldn't have to do the breast so we made a deal.I was preparing for the race and racing 2 races before me was Carlann, my best friend from school who joined the club a year ago. She did really well and got my pb of 34 seconds. I was glad she did well but my competitive streak came out and I was determined to do better. I was determined to do well. I lined up behind the blocks focusing on the race. I was on the blocks and then the buzzer went I dived in and streamlined, I came up and just went for it, I was ahead by and inch. I did a fast turn and came up first, but still only just ahead then I absolutely went for it as fast as I could, put my head down until my hand smashed into the wall. I had won the heat and as I looked up at the board I saw my time. 32.91 seconds!!!!! A 2 second pb! I was so happy! When I got out and saw my mum after she was really happy, although she had missed my race to go and get a cup of coffee and was gutted to see she had missed it. When the results came up I found out that I had come third in my age group and won a bronze medal!!! Its the first medal in a long time I was over the moon! My friend Lucy also won a medal. well done! I still had a headache though so pulled out of the 200M breast and went home. We looked at the county times and the county time is 32.6!!! I am really close and I am confident that I will get it, especially as I had a cold! So I am really happy with how the competition went. Then yesterday I had a netball rally in Chelmsford. We won about 3, drew 1 and lost about 7 so we didn't do that well but it was a lot of fun although I got sunburn on my face and shoulders! I think I played well, I played GK (goalkeeper) for the whole thing. Then when I got home I said goodbye to my Dad as he is going to Oman until Thursday, which means I won't be swimming in the mornings this week, which means a lie-in! Until next time bye!

Long Break

Hello again! I am sorry I haven't been blogging for ages my laptop died and I couldn't find my charger! Right ok so lets get updated! Well last weekend I had the Halstead Open Meet. It was ok in most of my events I was on pb, I did pb however in the 50m Front which I was really happy about! I didn't do that well in the 100m events because I haven't been training much recently due to my mum being ill and stuff so my stamina was down, but I am back to full training now and working towards the next meet where I will hopefully do a lot better and get a lot more pbs. In training I have found it quite difficult getting back into but I think that as the session progresses I think I get better. I was meant to be doing long course training last night but I couldn't get there so unfortunately I couldn't go. We have been having really good weather recently which is good because the athletics season will be starting soon and I am really excited about that! I am really going to try and compete more this year and get some good pbs. Well I have to go now so until next time!

Easter!!!

Hello I am back! And happy Easter! I hope you have all had a nice Easter, I know i did! I am happily looking forward to the next few days of the holidays, because its nice to just have a break from things! Swimming wasn't on Monday and I didn't swimming Tuesday morning as I was going to swim Tuesday night but we realised later that I couldn't get there as my mum can't drive and my dad was at work and we couldn't get hold of anybody who could give me a lift. So instead I went to athletics and did running for an hour. It was cold but I did enjoy it although we did 300s which I am not the best at. Then I swam Wednesday morning and I really enjoyed it. There was mot many people there, me and Charlotte shared a lane. It was coached by Lee and Maria and I really enjoyed the set. It was a very good set. I think I trained well. I haven't been in quite a while due to illness so I need to get back into it and work hard as I have a open meet coming up and I am determined to well in it. Well I am now so bye!

Long week.

Hello! I am really sorry I haven't been blogging recently but it has been a really hectic week. I haven't been swimming recently because I have been ill and it has also been very busy at home with mum in hospital and my Nanna and Grandad were looking after us so they couldn't take us swimming because they can't fit all of us kids in the car and of course they can't leave the little 2 at home on their own and Dad was at the hospital staying with mum. So I didn't swim Thursday or Friday because we went to see her in hospital, but I think Friday night training was cancelled anyway because of counties, I would like to say a big well done to everybody who competed at counties, and I am determined to make it next year. Unfortunately we had to say goodbye to Nanna and Grandad but Grandma and Grandad are taking their place! Then mum came home Sunday! It's really good to have her home, everybody has missed her so we are really glad she is back. Then I didn't go training Monday morning but I did go Tuesday. I enjoyed the set but it wasn't one of my favourite  The part I enjoyed most was the part where we did a did a pyramid. We did 6x25m Fly then 5x50m  Backstroke then 4x100m Breastroke then 2x200m Frontcrawl then we went back down. The part I least enjoyed was the frontcrawl. I lead on the breastroke when we went up and on the breastroke, backstroke and fly when we went down. Then I also swam Tuesday night as netball was cancelled due to icy courts. So I went swimming.I found it hard as it was a 2 hour session. I didn't do great for the first part of the session but I think I did better in the second. We did relays at the end which was fun. Then I swam Wednesday morning and we had Lee and Maria coaching us. There was only 5 of us so I had a lane to myself. I loved the set and Maria and Lee are really good coaches. It had to be one of my favourite sets because it was hard but enjoyable at the same time. One part of the set we had to do 6x100m frontcrawl but on the second turn you had to do 2 tumble turns and it was really fun! So I really enjoyed that session! But because my mum can't drive for 6 weeks I have to get the bus which means from  now on I need to get out at 7. Unfortunately at school I didn't feel well at all I had a fever, sore throat, bad headache and a bunged up nose. As soon as I got home I went straight to bed and slept for ages. I woke up and just laid in bed as I had a really bad stomach pain. Whenever I moved or got up I started shivering uncontrollably. I had dinner in bed and went to sleep. I woke up in the morning feeling a lot better with the exception of the sore throat and a blocked nose. My grandma said it was probably just a 24hr virus thing and my little sister had something similar at the weekend. My Grandma says it is probably due to lack of rest and because my body is so fit it is easy to catch an illness and that if you look at athletes such as Seb Coe they always get horrible bugs so I need to rest. The funny thing is me and my brother both got it at the same time but Monty woke up still ill so I went to school but he didn't. This is the reason I didn't go swimming Thursday morning. Thankfully yesterday(Thursday) was our last day of the spring term and now it is the Easter Holidays! So we are off for 2 weeks, but that doesn't mean that swimming has stopped, although there is no swimming tonight, Sunday or Monday, I will still be swimming during the Holidays.Well I am off to get ready to go to see the horses at the stables with my family bye!

Last post continued.

Hello, I am back from school and am in my pajamas ready for bed, this will be a quick one as I am going to bed soon. Well I swam Monday morning and I did enjoy it although i felt ill halfway through. I didn't get out and I am glad as after the set we practiced our starts and I think my backstroke start has definitely improved! I did not swim yesterday morning as it was my dad's birthday. Tuesday night I went netball, after going pizza hut with Millie my bestfriend and Archie, who are family friends. I found netball ok, it was just very very cold! I didn't go this morning as I felt ill again last night. I think I am coming down with something, but my dad is going to make me an appointment as I have been suffering from sickness and headache recently, although I have not been sick. Well I am not swimming in the morning either as my mum is going into hospital to have a operation and will be in there for 5 days. My Nanna and Grandad are coming to look after us while mum is in hospital. Well I must be off to bed as I have an early wake up in the morning as we have to go to Mel's (Millie's mum) house..

Tough.

Hey sorry I haven't blogged but it seems that my last one didn't load for some reason. Right well so I didn't swim Wednesday morning as I felt sick and had a bad tummy ache so I didn't go on Wednesday. Then I couldn't  go Thursday as my mum had a hospital appointment. I swam Friday and I did find it hard and I was at the back the whole time but Jack said it was ok because I haven't been swimming recently due to my cold. So that was Friday night and the next session was Sunday. I found Sunday really tough as it was a 2 hour session. I was at the back again and i was really tired by the end of it, but I survived. The only part of the sessions that I have been finding difficult and not enjoying is the frontcrawl bits. We have been doing a lot of frontcrawl sets recently, I have to go now but I will be back!

Back into it.

Hello well I didn't swim at all that week as I was still ill with a cold. So this week was my first week back since I was ill. I am feeling a lot better now, although still a little bunged up and my throat is a little tender. I swam yesterday morning and it went ok although it really tired me out afterwards. I didn't really enjoy the set as it had quite a lot of frontcrawl in it, but it was ok as there were not many people there and it was only me and Rebecca Moloney in the lane, so we swam side by side. I like swimming side by side but it does put a bit of pressure on me as I feel I should be keeping up with the person, not slower than them but I just tried to not think about and remember that I am doing at my pace, nobody else's. Then I swam this morning which was alright but I was very tired and Maria said that it was because I have just come back from and illness and I need to gently get back into otherwise I will tire myself out. We did some IM's which I found quite tiring, although I like IM's sometimes I find them really hard if I am not up for it, but I got on with it and apart from getting out and having to blow my nose a few times, I was fine. Then this evening I had a school girls basketball match. We were against HoneyWood school and it was my first ever proper basketball match against another school, so I was quite nervous. My best friend Carlann did it with me along with my best friend Keerthy who is in year 9 the year above us. She is really good at Basketball and encouraged us to go along, and I think I would like to join the Basketball club.

Cold.

Year 7 Girls team at the County Final last year. 

Hello, this will be fairly quick as I have to get ready for school. So I swam Monday morning which was coached by Richard. As I was the only one from my group there he put me in the National Development lane with Harriet, Rebecca (Kitching) and Georgia. I think I did well as the only thing I was a bit behind on was the pull but apart from that I kept up. It was quite a nice, with the exception of the pull. We did some fly so I focused on my head position and the speed and movement as my arms because before my arms were coming over instead of round so I have been focusing on that as well. I didn't swim Tuesday morning as I felt ill and when I was at school my throat really started to hurt and when I got home I could barely talk because it hurt so bad, so I missed athletics and netball as well as missing swimming this morning. When I woke up this morning I had a sore throat, bunged up nose and a headache. But I am still ok for school and hopefully I will still be well enough to do the school indoor athletics competition which is today after school. Last year only we (the year 7 girls) got through to the county final so hopefully more of us can again this year. Well I must go and get ready, so until next time!

Long course.

Hello sorry I haven't blogged since Monday(oops). I didn't swim Tuesday morning as my mum had an interview at school for the Head Of Year job, which she got! Well done mum! So Wednesday morning was really good, Lee coached us and he is a great coach. I really enjoyed the set and I did well, leading the lane for some of the session. I really liked the set as it was varied and it was a good set, although it was a little hard, it was still really good. Then I swam Thursday morning which was coached by Jack. I was the only person from my group but I still enjoyed the session, it wasn't really hard, especially as there were only 3 of us, it was quite quiet. Then Thursday night was fun, although it was hard and I was very tired by the end of it. Friday night I did really well, I was second in the lane, including the frontcrawl set, which I was surprised by as I don't enjoy frontcrawl as I feel that I shouldn't be behind certain people because it means that I am not doing well and I get nervous in case everybody overtakes me. Pete has told me that there is no pressure and that it doesn't matter whether I am at the back of the lane as long as I am trying hard and getting the best out of training, so I have started to try and not get nervous, but I still don't enjoy it. Then last night was long course training. Unfortunately I couldn't  do any breastroke as I had a netball match and I had a bad fall within the first 5 minutes. I cut my knee, elbow and hands and badly banged my other knee, which has been hurting a bit lately. But swimming still went well again for the first part I was second in the lane again for some of it. It wasn't as hard as some of the other sessions we have had but it was one of the best, we did some dives as well. I won't be swimming tonight as I haven't been feeling to well. But hopefully I will feel better in the morning, until next time!

Back to School!

Hello everybody this will be quick as I have to prepare for swimming in the morning! Today was the first day back after the half term break. It was good to be back although I didn't miss the homework! I haven't actually got anything to report as Friday training was cancelled and so was Sunday due to counties. My brother went to counties Saturday and competed in the Boys 50M Backstroke. He got a pb and next years county time. He also qualified for the final along with his best friend Finley. Finley came 3rd and Monty came 8th, they both did really well! I swam this morning and it was quiet but I did enjoy it and Alexis, the coach, helped me on my head position on fly and it made quite a difference, I know that I must practice it every time I do fly. Also at the weekend my brother helped me improve my backstroke start as he is very good at it and it really helped and my start is a lot better. Well done to every body at counties, especially to Jordan who got a gold in the Boys 200M Breastroke! I am now off to bed so until next time!

Logbook.

Hello everybody, well the last few days have been...eventful. Maybe that's me being a little melodramatic ok so the reason I didn't blog Sunday night was because I was round Carlann's house for a sleepover. I didn't swim Monday morning or this morning because on Sunday night about halfway through the session we were doing backstroke to breastroke 50m and I was catching Dylan up(a 14 year old 6 ft boy who I swim with)and I as I went to turn he came out of his turn and kicked me in the eye. Of course I stopped climbed out and Jack got the lifeguard and I sat with and ice-pack on it, and it soon swelled up. That is probably one of the most painful injuries I have ever had, it really hurt! So I got out and sat with and ice pack on my eye eventually the swelling went down and I gave the ice-pack back. I then was picked up by my best friend Carlann's mum, Alexis as I was going round Carlann's for a sleepover. It was really really fun and we played Minecraft on the iPad yes I know, nerdy) and we think we killed Herobrine! It was really freaky. For anyone who doesn't know who or what Herobrine was, its this person in Minecraft but he isn't really a person, it isn't a real person its this creature that looks like another player but has big white eyes and no gamer tag  It then destroys some of what you have built and then kills you, but its really freaky like something out of a horror film. But anyway away from the nerdy stuff! And for those of you wondering "who the hell is Jack?" well Jack is a new coach that is being trialed by Pete. At first I wasn't sure I liked him and I am afraid I might have been rude but I just didn't really take to him but he has sort of grown on me and I do think that he is a really good coach. But back to the swimming, I didn't swim Monday morning as my eye was bad and Carlann's had been coughing and sneezing all night. Then I didn't swim Tuesday morning as my eye was still hurting and I was going to swim Tuesday night because netball wasn't on. Tuesday night went really well I worked hard and enjoyed the set it was the first Tuesday I had done in a long time but I really liked it, although it was a fairly hard session. Then I didn't swim Wednesday morning or this morning because its half term and I think I need a break from the early mornings, I think I am the only one in my lane who does all four morning because I have to due to missing Tuesday nights for netball.  Also on Tuesday night Pete got us all out and gave us a big talk about how some of us have low concentration levels, little self discipline. I think I need to focus more because as much as it is nice seeing my friends I also need to remember that I am there for a reason and that reason it that I love to swim and I want to become an Olympic swimmer. Pete also made us do an exercise where we all got into teams of about six and then we had to swim in a line behind each other up and down the lane and the person at the back had to sprint to the front. It proved to be a challenge because the people who weren't sprinting had to not go too fast so the person at the back could make it too the front. And I think it fair to say that every team failed. He told us that we were being to selfish, we were thinking of getting to the front and hoping that the rest of the team don't got too fast when you have to got to the front, instead of thinking of the person at the back now. So basically we should be thinking of the rest of the lane as well as ourselves. So then we did some sprints and Pete said he really wanted us to focus and it to be good and that he and Jack shouldn't have to pick us up on anything. So that was what we did for the rest of the session. But before we all left Pete said that we need to be recording EVERYTHING in our logbooks, how we feel, our height and weight, even stuff that is going on at school. He also said that sometimes he has been nagging at people at why they don't come in the mornings and it turns out that they have younger siblings at home, maybe their parents have to travel up to London everyday etc. so the next part of this post is going to be a bit of a bio about me.
My name is Verity Forster, I am 13 years old. My mum is a full time Maths teacher at Notley High School and my Dad also works full time as an Insurance Broker in London.His job includes business trips at least once a month to the Middle East for at least 5 days at a time. I have three younger siblings, Monty who also swims and is 11 years old, Elizabeth, my 5 year old sister and Henry my recently just turned 3 year old brother. I attend Notley High school and I am in year 8. Next year I will be taking my options. The thing that has most been worrying me at the moment is that I have discovered a rash on my chest, back and face. A few months ago I went to the nurse because it was just on my face and I thought it was acne. She prescribed me with some acne cream and I went home and put it on but I had an allergic reaction to it, my face went red and swelled up so I stopped putting it on. But then I discovered a rash on my chest and back so I went to the Doctor's and got an appointment with the doctor. She said that it wasn't acne but a rash and that it may be due to chlorine. She has prescribed me with some tablets which I must take four time a day. I was really relived to know that it wasn't acne. Recently I have found swimming really hard and it isn't the actual swimming itself it's the whole idea of it. I have just been really low recently especially as Counties is this weekend and everybody in the whole lane is going except me and Lennie and I honestly am really pleased for everybody its just that I wish I was going with them. But I know that I will get there and that this isn't the end of the season for me, it's the beginning. Well I have to go and take my tablet so bye!

I'm back!

Hello I am so sorry that I haven't blogged in so long I feel so ashamed that I let myself forget. But I will definitely make sure I don't do it again. So to get you updated, recently I have been training well but to go back further than that, I was finding it really hard and tiring and wasn't always up for it. Pete spoke to me about this and so did my mum. They said that I cant just give up and that if I want to stop swimming then I should but if I don't then I need to get back in the pool and give it my all and work harder to achieve my goals and that I mustn't remain downhearted. So I have definitely been working harder in training although it is still quite tiring and I am finding it a little hard. I know I can get a county time I just have to believe I can and go for it when I am racing. Also we have had a new coach join for a trial, his name is Jack and he comes from Chelmsford. I don't really know whether I like him or not as I have only had him for 3 sessions but I think he is nice. Counties is coming up and I hope everybody does well especially my best friend Tyra as it is her first county's and Rebecca and everybody else who hasn't been before! I am excited for them all as it is their first time although a little disappointed that I wont be with them. Last weekend we had the swimming club presentation evening and it was my best friend Carlann's (who has recently just joined the club) first time so she slept round mine and we got ready together and it was really really fun, everybody did a lot of dancing and it was a brilliant night, I didn't win any awards but well done to everybody who did! Recently I have had a bit of a cold, runny nose and headaches and a bit of a cough but I think I have just managed to fight it off, thankfully although I did miss a morning this week because I felt to ill but i think I am better now! This week is half term which I am glad of, I need a break from school!Well I am off to bed bye!

X factor live tour!

Hello right now I am in the car on my way home. I have just been swimming and it was a fairly easy session and I had fun and enjoyed it. I worked hard as I am training for the next open meet most people may be winding down as they have county times but I am winding up! I will get that county time!

Early morning.

Hello I have just got in the car after swimming and am now on my way home and then I will be off to school. This morning there was quite a lot of people there but me and Tyra were the only ones from our group. I enjoyed the session it was fairly easy and I did well (I think) I am now at home so I must go, bye!

Tired out!

Hello I am now back from swimming and have had my dinner and have packed my bag for the morning. Tonight session was tough and Pete was hard on us but I still enjoyed it and I lead the lane for about half the set. We had to do 32x50m-16x50m four of each stroke halfway underwater at start and turn then 16x50m four of each stroke sprints-Pete made us start because we weren't doing it right so it was tiring but I still enjoyed the set because it included all strokes. I am now going to watch some telly and then go to bed ready for the morning so until next time, bye!

New season.

Hello sorry I haven't blogged in ages I didn't realise! Well recently I have been working harder in preparation for the next open meet in April. I have missed counties this year so I am already focusing on next years counties! And I am trying to stay positive and get back in the pool working harder than ever! I am swimming tonight and I am looking forward to it so I will blog afterwards!

Snow!

Hello! Sorry I haven't blogged recently I have been busy sledging! I went sledging all day Sunday and Monday, but not on Saturday as I was recovering from a nasty virus which I got on Thursday. My first session back was Tuesday night and it was really hard and I was really tired out after my sick bug. Also on Tuesday I had my 2nd HPV jab and I didn't faint!!! I was really glad that I didn't faint and hopefully I won't next time either! I also went Wednesday morning, Yesterday morning and last night. I found the mornings tiring but they were quiet as not many people go in the mornings but last night was quite hard. I still tried really hard even though I was tired and I did really well! I did 200m Fly for the first time and not only did we do 200m Fly but we did it twice with only 15 seconds rest in between and I led the lane! I was worn out afterwards and went to bed soon after I got home, well I have to go now so bye!

Hard Work

Hello! I am right now on Facetime with my best friend Lauren Fisher(lol, hey!) and also doing hw. Swimming was also not on this morning so I got another lie in. Last night I went training and it was hard but I trained really well and I enjoyed it. I dont know whether swimming is on in the morning and it might be cancelled on Friday which means I will be able to go to a party I am going to. I am going already but just later after swimming and I have had to turn down an offer of going round somebody's house beforehand, but swimming comes first! So bye for now!

Back in the pool.

Hello! Wow the last week has gone so fast! I am really sorry I haven't blogged recently, I need to get you up to date with what has been going on. Well the Monday morning session went well I led the lane and I enjoyed the set. I think I am doing well at the moment and I am really working hard. Then this morning it was cancelled due to the snow and so is tomorrow morning, so I am swimming tonight, which will be quite tough as it is a 2 hour session, so it will be hard but I am going to still try and work hard. Well I am off to get ready so bye!

Disspointment.

Hello! Today was my first day back at school but to be honest it didn't really feel like it! I spent my weekend at Bexley open meet in London. It was a hard weekend as it was my last chance to get a county time and unfortunately I didn't get it. I was disappointed and after my 50m breast I got really upset and I was crying a bit so I went and saw my mum up in the gallery, I just was getting really disappointed and annoyed because I wasn't getting any county times. On the Saturday Pete had told me that I need to be aggressive and that I need to be completely focused and at first I wasn't really and Pete told me off for that but from then on I really tried but I still wasn't getting any county times and I was getting really frustrated. I calmed Dow. And had to go and do my last race which was 100m IM, which I wasn't really up for but I still did it and tried hard,and I did well I was on PB. I went home really disappointed and getting up this morning and going swimming was really hard and I really wasn't up for it, but I went and it was a nice set. Pete said that I shouldn't worry if I don't get my time and I shouldn't be disheartened because I will get, my time will come. I do know that it will come but I am still a bit upset because everybody who I swimming with are all getting their county times and I am not so I am finding it hard getting up and swimming at 5.00 am because i just dont understand whats going wrong but I have to keep working hard and move on to my next open meet. Well until next time!

A new year.

Hello and happy new year! Wow the holiday has gone so fast! Let me update you on what's been happening since the last time I blogged. Well I went swimming the Friday after Christmas and I did really well, I lead the lane for some of the session, and I wore my drag shorts for the first time! The drag shorts were quite tiring as the cause drag in the water that slows you down, so you have to work extra hard, but I did like them although it was tiring! Then I missed Sunday because I was at QPR vs Liverpool. Then the next session was yesterday morning. It was ok but I had to stop twice because I felt really faint and sick. It could be because I am coming down with a bug that my little sister and brother have had, but I hope not as I have another open meet at the weekend in Bexley. Also last night was QPR vs Chelsea, and QPR won 1-0!!! We were all, especially my dad, over the moon! Then I also had training this morning, which went really well, like yesterday was quite quiet there were only 8 people and I only shared the lane with one other girl. It was a nice session and I worked hard, now that my swimming schedule is back to normal, so has my sleeping! Although that doesn't mean its not hard to get up in the mornings! Well I am back to bed now bye and a happy new year!