I have competed in two competitions since my last blog, the British University Championships and Loughborough International. Coming back from injury when entering both competitions my main aim was to make it through the rounds and feel comfortable running the 100m again. I was happy with how both of them went and am now confident in my ability to gain back my speed again and peak in the season were I want to. Training has consisted of more running, emphasising on speed work now with only light weights to allow me to run faster. After picking up a slight achillies injury after the Loughborough international I have been doing a lot of swimming and cardio rather than actually running to take the pressure off the achillies abit and to ensure that I aim able to compete in my next competition next week at the North of England Championships. Following on from that I have the u23 Championships in Bedford and the weekend after I am competing in the UK Championships in Birmingham. My last exam is on friday so I finally dont have to worry about University work anymore and can concentrate fully on athletics which I am very looking forward to and feel I can relax a little more which will only make me run faster. I have currently got addicted to the PhD flapjack bars which have kept me going throughout my revision as a nice snack and they make sure I dont over-indulge before training.

I will let you know my progress throughout the next of my competitions.

Annabelle

Following on from my first  blog I feel like I have had the longest month ever. Training has recently been going very well but it has certainly been a struggle to get there. After my arch collapsing in my foot I have had to start wearing innersoles in all my shoes including my trainers which has caused some problems pushing my feet and legs into different positions. It was painful at first to get used to them, especially when doing exercises but I am feeling alot better and more comfortable in them now and got back running quicker than I expected. I have been feeling very strong whilst doing weights and feel asthough I look in good condition aswell. My running technique is coming along nicely and I am very much looking forward to my first competition which should be the British University Championships in just over a month.

In relation to PHD products, having the recovery shakes to help my body repair and having that daily intake of protein has definately made a huge difference whilst suffering from different niggles. I have also started eating the smart bars which I must say taste so nice I’d rather have them than eat chocolate bars.

I have recently turned 21 and like a true athlete celebrated it in a low key manner and made sure I didn’t skive my training sessions for the occassion. Work at uni is also piling on, with the dreaded dissertation deadline so soon but I am organising myself well to make sure everything is prioritised.

Annabelle

Hi guys,
Overcoming a slight hamstring niggle, I have got my head down recently and got stuck into some hard training in the gym and on the track. Plyometrics and free weights have been a major part of my training over winter, and although i planned to run some 60m indoors, because of injury my winter training has been extended and to be honest I feel really good for it. I am currently moving into doing more speed endurance on the track which is really taking it out of me but Im getting there slowly and feeling stronger and more confident running over them longer distances. Just started back at university after exams so I am definately trying to be more organised and I am having to time my new job at next and uni work so that I am not fatigued for training and can carry on training as hard as possible! I am definately more focused on outdoors now and with only 3months until my first competition, the clock is ticking! I will keep you posted on my progress.

Annabelle x