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2019 Mountain Running, Lauren Dickson and Euan Brennan, European Championships

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2019 European Mountain Running Championships

Held in Zermatt, Switzerland, the 2019 European Mountain Running Championships excelled in all aspects. After nine months of injury and rehab, including a broken foot only two months before the race, I was extremely grateful to have been selected by British Athletics after proving my fitness. The course was a  suitably challenging yet exciting route, gradually increasing in gradient and altitude.
After working hard to get a strong start before the track narrowed and the technical ascent up to 2,600m of altitude began, I was able to slot in with a small group chasing the leading trio. With a lot of runnable track, the pace was fast and the final climbs certainly got both my lungs and legs burning. Crossing the line in 12th position, I was delighted. I must give much credit to my coach, Andy Henderson, for getting me fit enough to compete in such a short time period (and for coaching Euan Brennan to an amazing 5th position in the U20 men’s race)! 
Team spirits were flying high for Great Britain as Joe Dugdale and Jacob Adkin brought home individual golds, leading their respective teams to gold medals too (U20 men; Senior men). In addition to a great weekend of racing, this experience provided a great opportunity to learn and develop skills which will undoubtedly help future performances. The Jack Bloor Foundation greatly facilitated my training for this race, which I hugely appreciate. 
Euan Brennan and myself in front of the Matterhorn after the race.