FITNESS fanatic Lauren Munro-Bennett is back in Kendal after competing in the World Age Group Triathlon Championships in Chicago, Illinois.

The event was held over four days and was the biggest triathlon the 20-year-old has ever took part in.

After a gruelling 1,500m swim, 37km bike ride and 10km run, Munro-Bennett emerged as 15th best in her age category (20-24) and second fastest GB athlete.

"Overall I was happy with my performance and I am excited for what next season will bring when I am a year stronger, more experienced, and hopefully injury free," she said.

"I have so many people to thank that helped get me out to Chicago. Thanks to everyone who kindly donated towards my race because otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to go out there and race; with a special mention to my old swimming club Troutbeck Bridge for kindly donating an incredible £500 towards the expenses.

"MyTriClub for being continual support in allowing me to participate in your events for free. Donna James who has been an incredible coach the past 18months and helped me find my feet in the world of triathlon.

"The inspirational and knowledgeable Duncan Richards who has always been there to calm my ‘chimp’ when it gets stressed. And finally my ever supporting parents who have to put up with the fact that training always comes first for me."

Munro-Bennett's wave on Lake Michigan set off at 10.21am.

She said: "The swim start was manic. There were feet in my face, people grabbing my legs and I was swimming on top of people.

"Although it calmed down a bit, I ended up being in a big pack for the whole swim, and at one point I was being squished by two girls either side of me.

"It was difficult to stay calm and get in my rhythm, but I knew I couldn’t let the rough swim affect me mentally as this was only the start of the race."

Despite the manic start, Munro-Bennett finished the swim just outside the top ten to set her up perfectly for the bike ride.

"My main aim on the bike was not to lose too many places because I knew my running wasn’t up to scratch and I wanted to give myself the best chance for a good position," she said.

"However, I was racing against some very strong girls and coupled with the fact I don’t have Time Trial bike made this a tricky task.

"The bike was over fast, and I only recall four or five girls passing me, and I managed to overtake a few too."

Munro-Bennett has suffered from injuries this year so knew the run was going to be physically and mentally tough.

She completed the 10km in 46:51 to finish in a total time of 2:18:40.

"I managed to overtake two girls right at the start of the run," she said. "Then I had my eyes on an American girl front. I managed to chase her down with each lap, and at the end of the last half lap I put a kick in, overtook her, but we still had a few hundred metres to go.

"She kicked again past me and I had nothing in the legs so ended up finishing three seconds behind her."