and I’m beginning to get the itch to get fit again. I have spent my off season on holiday in California which has helped curb any boredom and definitely proven to be a great way to unwind and relax after yet another unpredictable season. The off season for an athlete is a chance to indulge in some of your favourite treats that you can’t get away with eating during training and competing. For me being in the US, the challenge has been to not overindulge...but with so much choice this has been hard..
My particular weakness' being chips (McCain only of course!!) and cheesecake, I have probably failed but it has been worth it and I will happily put in those extra miles once I’m back running!I have done my best to soak up the Californian sunshine. Together with the beautiful beaches and promenades of Santa Monica and Venice, I have tried to also soak up some culture visiting a couple museums, notably The African American History Museum in San Diego and The Getty, a haven to notable artists and their repertoires... I particularly enjoyed Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe pieces!! It hasn’t all been feet up for me, winter training looms and I can only imagine the pain that awaits. The cycle continues. This is the time of year I particularly love; evaluation of the season past and a chance to set new goals and heights for myself both on and off the track. Conditioning of the mind, and of course the body, which provides the base I need to carry me through 2010!
Maz x
Monday, 19 October 2009
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Hello again!
Hello again!
The season is drawing to a close and all too soon. It’s the time in the season where I always look back and think where did it all go!
Berlin was a great experience. I was particularly impressed with the stadium and the sense of history surrounding it. The German supporters were great but I was particularly humbled and happy to see just how many British supporters had made the effort to be there to support us.
We were staying in one of the biggest hotels I have ever seen, the rooms were comfortable and spacious and we were even given a few treats…the best of course being free internet! The food, I have to admit, was awful but that’s usually a given at championships and besides until you finished competing its probably for the best, you really need to eat right while your at an event.
2009 was somewhat bittersweet for me, although I reached my first major world championship final; it was not quite the journey I had envisaged. Still it is another stepping stone towards 2012 and valuable learning curve. Injury and obstacles are all part of the sport so it’s all about how you bounce back from these setbacks. There really is so much to look forward to in 2010 with the Europeans and Commonwealths, I’m excited already!
Since returning from Berlin I have ended my season and am currently on my break and trying to do all the things that you simply just don’t have time to do during the season. First on my list was sorting out my bedroom!! It might sound mundane but it’s actually exciting for me having been away so long. Aside from that I will be going on holiday to relax in the sun, but not before some birthday celebrations next week!
Maz’s Top tip :
As one season ends and we roll on to the next have you ever thought about keeping a training diary, it is always useful to log your sessions, thoughts, physical feelings and anything you think is relevant to your training preparation for the year ahead.
The season is drawing to a close and all too soon. It’s the time in the season where I always look back and think where did it all go!
Berlin was a great experience. I was particularly impressed with the stadium and the sense of history surrounding it. The German supporters were great but I was particularly humbled and happy to see just how many British supporters had made the effort to be there to support us.
We were staying in one of the biggest hotels I have ever seen, the rooms were comfortable and spacious and we were even given a few treats…the best of course being free internet! The food, I have to admit, was awful but that’s usually a given at championships and besides until you finished competing its probably for the best, you really need to eat right while your at an event.
2009 was somewhat bittersweet for me, although I reached my first major world championship final; it was not quite the journey I had envisaged. Still it is another stepping stone towards 2012 and valuable learning curve. Injury and obstacles are all part of the sport so it’s all about how you bounce back from these setbacks. There really is so much to look forward to in 2010 with the Europeans and Commonwealths, I’m excited already!
Since returning from Berlin I have ended my season and am currently on my break and trying to do all the things that you simply just don’t have time to do during the season. First on my list was sorting out my bedroom!! It might sound mundane but it’s actually exciting for me having been away so long. Aside from that I will be going on holiday to relax in the sun, but not before some birthday celebrations next week!
Maz’s Top tip :
As one season ends and we roll on to the next have you ever thought about keeping a training diary, it is always useful to log your sessions, thoughts, physical feelings and anything you think is relevant to your training preparation for the year ahead.
Thursday, 3 September 2009
Hi everyone!
When I last blogged I was in Portugal at the holding camp, awaiting the arrival of the rest of the GB team! Two days later they all arrived and the vibe in the holding camp began to heighten. We developed a strong team atmosphere, and away from hard training and concentration there were always plenty of laughs.
Training went really well in Portugal, particularly in the last few sessions before arriving in Berlin. The nerves and anticipation were starting to build as to how the Champs would unfold. I do not think I could have waited any longer, I was eagerly waiting to get to Germany!
We were the in the first wave of athletes to arrive at the Estrel Hotel which was our home for the next 10 days! It was the biggest hotel I have ever seen, with 4 wings. Everything was really impressive, apart from the food! I think we were thoroughly spoilt at our five star resort in Portugal, so we had high expectations!
Not long after we arrived at the hotel the other nations did too so I was really starting to feel the championship vibes! I had a whole 3 days to prepare for my first round, so I really put my head down and concentrated on the competition.
I had some first round nerves, but it was a comfortable race so I went through to the Semi. I was originally expecting to be in the first Semi Final, but on the morning of competition my coach Ayo, told me that I was now in Semi 3. I had psyched myself up to be in the first semi, so I had to re-focus and prepare. I was really nervous about this one as I have never made a World Final! I knew that I had to finish in the top 2 in my race, or be one of the 2 fastest losers. The first lap was quite slow, but my coach told me to be patient, so I finished in 2nd place and made it through.
The morning of the Final arrived, and I went through my preparation. I finished in 8th place, but I had mixed feelings after the race. I was happy to have been in the Final, but at the same time I was annoyed as I know I could have done better and taken home a medal!
Tip of the month ‘make sure you always pack your favourtite healthy snacks in your suitcase like cereal, cereal bars , my personal fav- cashews. Just in case the food isn’t up to scratch you will need to keep up your strength!!
Talk to you soon!
Maz xx
Training went really well in Portugal, particularly in the last few sessions before arriving in Berlin. The nerves and anticipation were starting to build as to how the Champs would unfold. I do not think I could have waited any longer, I was eagerly waiting to get to Germany!
We were the in the first wave of athletes to arrive at the Estrel Hotel which was our home for the next 10 days! It was the biggest hotel I have ever seen, with 4 wings. Everything was really impressive, apart from the food! I think we were thoroughly spoilt at our five star resort in Portugal, so we had high expectations!
Not long after we arrived at the hotel the other nations did too so I was really starting to feel the championship vibes! I had a whole 3 days to prepare for my first round, so I really put my head down and concentrated on the competition.
I had some first round nerves, but it was a comfortable race so I went through to the Semi. I was originally expecting to be in the first Semi Final, but on the morning of competition my coach Ayo, told me that I was now in Semi 3. I had psyched myself up to be in the first semi, so I had to re-focus and prepare. I was really nervous about this one as I have never made a World Final! I knew that I had to finish in the top 2 in my race, or be one of the 2 fastest losers. The first lap was quite slow, but my coach told me to be patient, so I finished in 2nd place and made it through.
The morning of the Final arrived, and I went through my preparation. I finished in 8th place, but I had mixed feelings after the race. I was happy to have been in the Final, but at the same time I was annoyed as I know I could have done better and taken home a medal!
Tip of the month ‘make sure you always pack your favourtite healthy snacks in your suitcase like cereal, cereal bars , my personal fav- cashews. Just in case the food isn’t up to scratch you will need to keep up your strength!!
Talk to you soon!
Maz xx
Friday, 7 August 2009
Wow, the past month has flown by so quickly...
Hi everyone,
Wow, the past month has flown by so quickly...
It’s has been a crazy month for me with both highs and lows. I was struggling with a sore knee at times, which has meant I had to adjust my training slightly, but it is now on the mend so I am really looking forward to the weeks ahead.
The highlight of the month has to be the Paris meet. I love this meet, it is one of the big ones, and always attracts a good field. I had a good race, and set a season best with a time of 1.59.56. This really made me confident and I am now aiming to go even lower. Training is going really well, my Coach Ayo and I have been working hard particularly with the build up to Berlin.
A couple of weeks ago I also did some filming for The McCain Track & Field Show. I have been singing for years, and the team uncovered this and organised for me to sing at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London! I was so nervous in the lead up to it, but once I got there and up on the stage I had so much fun. It’s going to be on the show this Sunday 9th August, 8:25am on Channel 4, so don’t forget to watch!
I was at the McCain Track & Field Roadshow in London on the 22nd of July which was a really fun day. There was an electric atmosphere mainly due to the fact that the event was held a few days before the three year 2012 Olympics start date. I think this made people realise how special it will be when the London Games start, and there was a huge turnout.
Sally Gunnell, Perri Shakes-Drayton and Steph Twell were there too. It was nice chatting to everyone about athletics and how they could get involved, it was really special to be part of it. Rick Edwards of T4 fame was there too filming the new athletics programme which is on weekly on Channel 4, Sunday mornings at 8:25am. The film crew really added to the excitement of the day.
That weekend I was at the Aviva London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace, I always like this meet as it is in front of a home crowd. I get to compete in front of family and friends which makes it extra special as I don’t normally get the chance to do that because competitions are held all over the world. I was disappointed with my overall finish, but the crowd were spectacular and I really enjoyed all the support. Thank you to everyone!
I am writing this Blog from Portugal now, where I have been for the past few days at the GB Team holding camp for the World Championships. The weather has been fantastic! It is so good to finally get some sun and it will help us to acclimatise for when we get to Berlin, because the temperature there is hotter than the UK. We are staying in an amazing resort, and I have to keep reminding myself I am here to train - it really is a wonderful holiday location. The rest of the team arrive in 2 days, so once they get here we develop a strong team spirit which will hopefully take us on to success in Berlin!
That is all I have time for today, but I look forward to next month’s update when I’ll be able to give you the latest from the World Championships and much more.
Wow, the past month has flown by so quickly...
It’s has been a crazy month for me with both highs and lows. I was struggling with a sore knee at times, which has meant I had to adjust my training slightly, but it is now on the mend so I am really looking forward to the weeks ahead.
The highlight of the month has to be the Paris meet. I love this meet, it is one of the big ones, and always attracts a good field. I had a good race, and set a season best with a time of 1.59.56. This really made me confident and I am now aiming to go even lower. Training is going really well, my Coach Ayo and I have been working hard particularly with the build up to Berlin.
A couple of weeks ago I also did some filming for The McCain Track & Field Show. I have been singing for years, and the team uncovered this and organised for me to sing at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London! I was so nervous in the lead up to it, but once I got there and up on the stage I had so much fun. It’s going to be on the show this Sunday 9th August, 8:25am on Channel 4, so don’t forget to watch!
I was at the McCain Track & Field Roadshow in London on the 22nd of July which was a really fun day. There was an electric atmosphere mainly due to the fact that the event was held a few days before the three year 2012 Olympics start date. I think this made people realise how special it will be when the London Games start, and there was a huge turnout.
Sally Gunnell, Perri Shakes-Drayton and Steph Twell were there too. It was nice chatting to everyone about athletics and how they could get involved, it was really special to be part of it. Rick Edwards of T4 fame was there too filming the new athletics programme which is on weekly on Channel 4, Sunday mornings at 8:25am. The film crew really added to the excitement of the day.
That weekend I was at the Aviva London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace, I always like this meet as it is in front of a home crowd. I get to compete in front of family and friends which makes it extra special as I don’t normally get the chance to do that because competitions are held all over the world. I was disappointed with my overall finish, but the crowd were spectacular and I really enjoyed all the support. Thank you to everyone!
I am writing this Blog from Portugal now, where I have been for the past few days at the GB Team holding camp for the World Championships. The weather has been fantastic! It is so good to finally get some sun and it will help us to acclimatise for when we get to Berlin, because the temperature there is hotter than the UK. We are staying in an amazing resort, and I have to keep reminding myself I am here to train - it really is a wonderful holiday location. The rest of the team arrive in 2 days, so once they get here we develop a strong team spirit which will hopefully take us on to success in Berlin!
That is all I have time for today, but I look forward to next month’s update when I’ll be able to give you the latest from the World Championships and much more.
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
Hey everyone!
Can’t believe a month has flown by so quickly. When writing my last blog I had just begun my campaign for 2009… since then I have had a few more runs; including a great win over the 800m in the Golden Spike grand prix, Ostrava, I took some good scalps there. I have also managed to get in a couple of 400m races, the last of which I won in a seasons best time of 52.3…not bad for a half miler.
I moved house three weeks ago, which is probably not advisable in season and although I wasn’t too busy, it was still stressful! My new house is just perfect; spacious and light and with this I feel a whole new sense of organisation and order which is an essential part of the lifestyle of a professional athlete. Training full time for me has meant that I am always on the go so it has been important for me to get the work /life balance right as you should in any career. The only difference with Athletics is your work goes with you…everywhere and all the time!
What I do in my down time often makes or breaks a training session and consequently affects my competition. Since becoming full time I have learnt to incorporate naps into my days. I have been blessed with the ability to try my hand at two events the 400 and 800m. Whilst the 800m is my main discipline, I come at it from a 400m/speed background. Training for both you can imagine at times can be conflicting! I continue to adapt well and I have completed my biggest ever endurance volume and that hasn’t come at the detriment of my speed as we so often see. My coach Ayo Falola has structured my programmes in such a way as to peak when it matters and I have every confidence that come Berlin I will be more than ready to meet the challenge ahead of me!
So that’s it from me…as always it’s been a pleasure, thanks for taking the time. Look forward to meeting some of you at the next McCain roadshow!
Maz’s top tip for July: REST and RECOVERY are just as important as training! Listen to your body, it never lies!
Well it’s that time of year…
the atmosphere is buzzing around the track especially with the great weather lately, definitely given me a boost in training.
My season has gotten under way finally. I ran my first 800m in Hengelo and whilst racing a few girls with a race or two in hand I was still my competitive self and was rewarded with a pleasing 2.00.58mins opener! Definitely bodes well for the season ahead!
My excitement for the season began a couple weeks back however at the very first McCain roadshow in Nottingham. We had an awesome day of athletics. After my usual Sunday morning long run I headed off to join the action in Nottingham’s Market Square. The turn out was fantastic and the rain posed no deterrent for the budding young athletes and their equally competitive parents! Everyone was so keen to learn about the core skills behind track and field: power, strength, speed, endurance, nutrition… even I learned lots on the day! I was soooooo impressed with the giant pod, I’m wondering if I could get one in my garden? Probably not so I’ll just look forward to the pod visiting London in July!
So this is my first blog and I’m going to try my best to be as informative and give as much advice as I can so if anyone has any specific questions related to running please ask away and I will do my best to answer as many as I can each month!
Maz’s Top Tip for June: As the weather is hotting up it makes me think hydration! Make sure you’re drinking at least 500ml of a sports electrolyte based drink at least two hours prior to exercise.
Thanks for reading!
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