Louise Damen's Blog by Louise_Damen

Happy 2012 everyone! Now that the calendar has rolled over it seems that Olympic fever has really ramped up. It’s strange to think that a lot of athletes will have had 2012 in their sights for the last seven years, but all of a sudden the whole nation seems to have gone Olympics crazy! It’s going to be an exiting year for both athletes and sports fans that’s for sure and I really hope that 2012 will leave a great sporting legacy. I had a fairly busy Christmas visiting family, but Chris and I did manage to squeeze in a cheeky race on Boxing Day. We decided to blow out some cobwebs at the Round the Lakes 10k in Poole.

The race took place in Poole Park, a venue that I’m particularly fond of, as it’s where I won one of my first races as a thirteen year old scamp! I spent much of my childhood and early athletics career in the Bournemouth/Poole area so it’s nice to go back and race there, as I’m still considered a local and the crowd support is always brilliant. Chris and I enjoyed a good morning out, bagging his and hers victories. I ran a solid 33.48, which I was reasonably happy with, especially as there was a nice coastal breeze to contend with!

I’ve taken some time to sit down and take stock on 2011 to see what I can learn and take with me into 2012. It’s fair to say that 2011 was a mixed year for me. I enjoyed some real highs and some real lows. Best moments of 2011:

• Winning the English National Cross Country. This has been a long term goal of mine ever since I won the junior race back in 2003. It took me eight years to do it and it was a real honour to be finally able to add my name to the illustrious trophy. The National has always been an important feature on my cross country calendar and I love the history behind the event. The senior women’s race dates back to 1927 so I’m proud to be part of a great tradition.

• Making my marathon debut in London and achieving the Olympic A standard. Experiencing 26.2 miles and joining the marathon fraternity was an experience like no other. I’ve never felt fatigue like it, but to move a small step closer to achieving my ultimate aim of becoming an Olympian was brilliant. Moments of 2011 that I’d rather forget:

• Hauling myself around the Birmingham Half Marathon with a hard 24 miler in my legs from the week before and almost being beaten by a giant banana!

• Having to pull out of the Yokohama Marathon. After spending months training for that one race and having travelled across the world to run it, was undoubtedly one of the biggest disappointments of my career.

Lastly I’d like to say a big thank you for following me this year and I wish everyone the best of luck in chasing their goals in 2012.