In the Spotlight

CLUB: EDINBURGH AC

DOB 22/10/93

EVENTS: 800m/1500m

PERSONAL BEST: 2.02.13 & 4.22.5

OCCUPATION: Chemical Engineering student at Cambridge University

YOU’VE MADE BIG IMPROVEMENTS THIS YEAR, IS THIS DOWN TO ANYTHING INPARTICULAR?

“Definitely weight training. I have started using the Core Cambridge strength & conditioning facility twice a week and worked on areas where I had weaknesses which has changed my running style. I now run on my forefoot which makes me produce more power and run more efficiently”

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO RUN?

“I live a few metres away from Arrowe Park on the Wirral so I spend most of my time running around the numerous footpaths and doing interval sessions up the long hill which gradually gets steeper towards the top! I enjoy running on golf courses as the grass is usually in perfect condition and I am prone to going over on my ankle. I just have to try to dodge golf balls! At Cambridge there is a footpath along the River Cam which I like doing interval sessions on, especially when you can race the rowers! In the summer I spend most of my time at the track, which for some people would seem boring however I enjoy getting into a rhythm and love speedy track work”. 

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO RUN?

I like the idea of a challenge. Pushing yourself past your comfort zone isn’t easy but the results are longer lasting, pain is temporary and makes you a stronger individual. I am never satisfied and will always strive to improve my times, become faster, better, stronger.Running is also a great stress reliever and I enjoy the sense of freedom you get from it.

WHO ARE YOUR SPORTING ROLE MODELS AND WHY?

“In running it’s probably Andy Baddeley. He’s from the Wirral like me and we had the same coach and I looked up to him and admired his achievements when I started competing. He’s always willing to offer any advice when I have asked him and signed one of his international race numbers as a birthday gift”

IF YOU WERENT AN ATHLETE WHAT WOULD YOU BE?

“I’m not a full-time athlete so the plan after I graduate is a career as a mechanical engineer within the Oil and Gas industry.  I would love a chance to dedicate all my time to running to try and make it my career out of it!”

BIGGEST SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE?

“It’s a toss-up between winning the British University championships or competing for England in the Loughborough International but if I had to say it would be running for England – it’s always been a dream to represent my country”

BEST CAREER ADVICE RECIEVED?

“Andy Baddeley told me to keep training and believe in myself – it’s simple advice but it’s always stuck with me and it works!”

WORST SPORTING INJURY?

“Touch wood I haven’t had anything serious other than I few niggles. I tend to be in tune with my body so I know when it requires rest which reduces the risk of serious injury”

WHEN YOU’RE NOT RUNNING & STUDYING WHAT DO YOU LIKE DOING?

“I enjoy playing the piano and violin; however I rarely have time, especially when I am away at university. I also like horse riding occasionally and water sports such as sailing, windsurfing and water-skiing”. 

FAVOURITE TRAINING SESSION?

“Split 500’s! It’s a 300m rep and a 200m rep with 30 second recovery, I do 5 sets of these with a long 10 minute recovery. By the final set I usually feel like I’m going to pass out. It’s a good indicator to me and my coach as to what shape I’m in”

FAVOURITE RACE?

“British Milers Club at Stretford. It’s a really high standard race and for some reason I tend to run my quickest times on that track so I’ll keep going back!”

TYPICAL POST RACE MEAL?

“I try and restore my muscles with protein as soon as I finish and this is usually a shake and I have these after races and training to help recovery. I do like a steak, Nandos or KFC and Jaffa Cakes, but not all at once of course!” J