Hannah Irwin of the Fast10 has been reflecting on 2019 and we personally think she’s had a cracking year. Have a read on how Hannah feels. 

It seems like only yesterday I was heading into 2019 after a year of injury, only just starting to get back into shape, and nervous as to what the year would hold for me. However, this year has far outlived anything I thought possible at this time in my life. I have achieved things I would only have dreamed of last year and I have continued to learn more and more about myself and this crazy sport. 

Something this year has cemented to me is that hard work, determination, and consistency are key. Therefore, with all these factors in mind, I feel I have only just begun and have a lot more to give in the coming years.

However, I want everyone to remember when reading this, that it isn’t all straight-forward and happy, there are weeks that feel a struggle and there are races that don’t go well. There are times when you have to take unintended rest days and others when you’re forced to cross train if your body says no to running.

But it is these obstacles that make the highs so much sweeter and make us appreciate the power of running. Whilst I may reflect on the highs, there were plenty of times I didn’t think I would achieve any of my goals and there were moments of disappointment. 

Reflecting on the highs. 

There is no doubt about it that my stand-out moment of 2019 was earning my first England vest. This is something I had thought about for years, but never even came close to achieving.

When it was in my sights at the start of 2018, I was hit with injury before I could even attempt to make it happen. But a thought that certainly never went through my mind, was that I may come home with my first international silver medal at the Rennes 10k whilst representing England.

This proved to me where I want to be and where my goals truly lie. Whilst I don’t know if my goals are achievable, one thing I do know is that I won’t give up until I have given my all to try and make them happen. Putting on the England vest and representing my country for the first time is a moment I will never forget, and something I want to relive with hard work. 

The summer of 2019 was slightly different to previous years as it was the first time I have ever fully committed to a season on the track.

Initially I didn’t think I would enjoy it that much, but I loved it! I love the focus on speed the track provides without there being any other obstacles getting in the way. I also love the fact there is no course to walk and no possibility of going the wrong way (unless you really don’t pay attention)!!

Amongst this enjoyment, I was able to reduce my 5,000m personal best by a minute and ran my first ever 10,000m on the track, which was exciting, but definitely a challenge. These races all gave me an insight into the summer season and continued to give me the racing experience I need. It allowed me to race alongside my regular competitors, as well as people I had only ever seen run on TV. 

Power of self-belief. 

Ultimately, all of these achievements have taught me the power of one thing, self-belief. I am so lucky to have such a supportive network of people around me, but possessing self-belief is immensely important. No matter how much other people believe in you, the most important source of belief comes from yourself.

This year has allowed me to see that if I work hard and believe in myself, I can achieve more than I feel is possible. Whilst it sounds cheesy, this reminds me to never give up and keep working hard to achieve my ambitions. What may now seem unachievable, may one day be achievable.  

To 2020 and beyond…

Whilst it may be the end of a year, it is just the start my journey and I feel I have a lot more to come. Heading into 2020 and beyond, my main goals are to happy and healthy, and most importantly injury free. I want to be able to see the effect consistent training can have on my performance.

Whilst you never know what lies around the corner, I will do my best to continue to grow into a stronger, more mature, and ultimately faster athlete. I will carry on learning from my mistakes and believing in my own, less conventional way of training.