ON THE COUNTDOWN TO RACE DAY

ONLY ONE WEEK TO GO… until the start of the F1 2019 Season and the Melbourne Grand Prix, and the Reading Half Marathon.

My personal training plan for Reading is coming to its conclusion, and the reality is starting to sink in. I have been tapering over the last couple of weeks, having conquered a 19k distance, with the focus now on speed training and remaining active. Unable to get out much over the last 2 weeks, I’ve been trying to play 'training catch up'- a risky strategy I won’t know will pay off until Race Day.

Today was my final ‘longer run’- down to 40 mins, but I felt that I needed to make every second count, with 20 minutes ‘easy’ run, 10 mins ‘race pace’ and 10 mins ‘fast’. Despite it being a gorgeous morning, and having a beautiful backdrop for my run, I really struggled both physically and mentally, but I got out there and I did it, and I know it is all part of the plan to get me there.

Post-run refuel complete (a high protein breakfast of poached eggs and a milkshake, and lots of water), I was reviewing my performance stats and found myself drawing parallels with Formula 1.

Like the teams, I set my success criteria, based on previous performance, and have been working towards these goals. I want to achieve my personal best and get over that finish line in a faster time (whilst still enjoying the event and not picking up an injury).

In order to do so, I have had to prepare- I spent a considerable amount of time researching training plans, finding tips and using others’ experiences, to build out my own training regime. I have tested out my kit in different weather conditions, experimented with training supplements, aids and nutrition, playing with timings for ‘topping up the tank’ during a run- learning and adapting as I go.

Other than my own precious time, my largest investment has been on my GPRS watch- this has provided me with a tool to know, at a glance, my current state of play- monitoring my speed, pace, run duration, gradient, heart-rate etc. empowering me to make informed choices about how could tweak and adapt if required. Post session, this simple piece of kit has provided me with basic, yet useful statistics to analyse (to say they really do not compare to the data the F1 teams collate would be a mammoth understatement!). My interpretations have led to a better understanding of what I need to change; and ultimately how to complete the distance faster.

To supplement the raw data collected, I provide the context. In the same way as certain factors, such as weather conditions, can affect a driver’s lap time, I also apply my context to my performance. For example, I can explain why my pace dropped suddenly on a flat thanks to a tractor blocking my route (oh the perils of taking a country lane route). From an internal perspective, there were a number of factors that resulted in me struggling today; Due to a busy family life, the only time I could squeeze in a run was first thing, so I was (literally) running on empty- under fuelled. I was also tired from a busy and stressful week, and definitely hadn’t had enough sleep. My body was also stiff and achy after a Pilates class on Thursday night. My nutrition hasn’t been great, and I certainly have not consumed enough water over the last seven days. I’d also been trying to sort out a tricky situation before leaving the house, and I knew I would have to resolve it once I got back.

This context allowed me to understand the pitfalls of my training and highlight what I need to do/ avoid doing for my race day performance.

Behind every great F1 driver is a superb, mind-blowing piece of precision engineering, and a hugely talented, dedicated and supportive team, and a cheering public.

Whilst in the running world my run is my own personal race, I have a supporting ‘team’ getting me over that line. My training buddies have kept me moving during long, slow, bitingly cold and bitter sessions, helped me tweak my plans, decipher my stats and reduce my often-irrational concerns. The dog walkers, friendly neighbours and strangers I pass; whose smile, nod or kindly words has broken up the monotony of training solo. The work of my nominated charity @DKMS_uk (who aim to matching donors for blood cancer patients in need of a life-saving blood stem cells https://www.dkms.org.uk/en/register-now), keeps my mind in the game and motivated to keep pushing. My family and friends who enquire how I’m doing, send me messages of support and (will hopefully) stand at the side of the road cheering me on. All those supporters who come out to line the streets on race day. Plus, all those who make event day possible, and safe for me to gain my victory.

Good luck to the teams in their last week of finessing ahead of Melbourne, and to all those preparing for Reading Half. The excitement is building, and I cannot wait to experience it!