Chasing the guys

Posted: 19/12/2011

I’ve just got back from a two week training camp in Playitas, Fuerteventura. Our camp was made up of Tim Don, Fraser Cartmell, Ritchie Nicholls and myself. Three men and a little lady – not that I’m really little at 5ft9! I love Playitas. It really does have everything under one roof. It made training easy. I will be back there for sure!

Looking back over my two weeks, I’ve decided that training with guys is the way forward and it keeps me happy. There’s many reasons for this! Firstly, guys say it as it is (and not behind your back!). Secondly, it’s hard to keep up with them (especially when some extra testosterone kicks in, e.g, competitiveness) so it makes me work hard and man up. Thirdly, I feel safe.  Finally, I love guy chat! In fact, I’m sure I could sit here and list reasons upon reasons why I rate training with guys.

When I’m back in Loughborough I do most of my training with Stuart Hayes and Will Clarke, so I’m pretty lucky! I’m looking forward to when I head out to Australia where Jodie Stimpson (another friend and training partner!) and I will have a male dominated group to push us on!

So where am I at in terms of fitness and training? I’m about to start week six of my training and do you know what, I don’t feel that bad! This time last year I started to be very inconsistent with my training, mainly because I had a bike crash on the ice that resulted in a shoulder injury and stopped me swimming and running for three weeks! It’s nice to have had a consistent five weeks and long may it continue. Consistency is the key.

I’m also pleased I got a two week training block in before Christmas. As I said above, consistency is the key, but sometimes it’s a tad difficult over the festive period. Pools close, weather often interrupts and family gatherings fill the diary. I try and stay as close to my normal week as possible. Christmas day is a Sunday this year, so I can still do my long run! My family and I are in London for Christmas so I think I’ll run the streets of London early doors. London by foot, capturing all the sights! Dad and I are also going to go swimming in the Serpentine on Christmas day! It’s a tradition and has to be done.

This week I’m back in Loughborough and have signed up to the nightly onesixeight fitness Bounce classes.  What is Bounce I hear you say? Well you’ll have to stay tuned to find out more…