How do you juggle working full-time in order to train to become the 1,500m indoor champion?

25-Year-old Holly Archer, who is a Global Marketing Associate at Cycle Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge, recently won 1,500m GOLD at the SPAR British Athletics Indoor Championships.

Following achieving her first national accolade, I was intrigued to know how Holly, a fellow Cambridge & Coleridge Athletic Club athlete, manages to juggle work alongside her running career. Holly kindly agreed to have a chat with me:

Congratulations on winning the British indoor 1500m title!  How do you think that working flexibly and remotely has helped your running career?

“Thank you very much! I don’t think I would be the 1500m champion without doing so. Altitude training helped step up my training, but also let me focus on getting the training done, first. I then had all afternoon and evening to work ok my job and focus on recovery!”

Were your company, Cycle Pharmaceuticals keen to support you from the outset, or did you have to have many discussions to establish which would be the best way forward?

“In September 2019, I came 4th at the outdoor championships. With 2020 being an Olympic and European championship year, I knew I had to get on the same playing field if I wanted a chance. I discussed this with Cycle Pharmaceuticals, and it was a joint effect to come up with a solution of working remotely in the months I needed to be at altitude, meaning I could continue my career and pursue my dreams.”

What changes have your company put in place to help with your training and running schedule?

“My roles and responsibilities have stayed the same, but we have incorporated Zoom (online meetings) to update with progress and jobs at hand. They also have financially supported my flights and accommodation via a company sponsorship, without which, wouldn’t be financially possible.”

How many hours a week are you working?

“I would say still 30 - 40 hours. I just don’t do them in the mornings; I tend to work through to the evenings as well as Saturday and Sundays. As an athlete you are recovering in your downtime which means I don’t go out and explore, as you will be on your feet for too long. You need to get rested up ready for the next day!”

How many hours a week do you spend training and racing?

“Training, including physically running, gym and core is 2+ hours a day (around 20 hours a week). However, I have rehab, stretching, massages and yoga, also, to keep my body healthy! I would say I do 1+ hour of that a day (around 7 hours a week)."

How long do you think your current pattern of working can be sustained?

“I can’t train in the same way at altitude when I’m back at work in the office. My runs are not as good at the end of a busy working day as I’m usually already tired, before I start. The commute means I lose extra sleep and time! When not working remotely, I run less, and have to cut out the gym and recovery areas and don’t get massages or do double runs!”

Do you think it is possible for you to progress your career whilst achieving your running goals?

“Yes, I do!! I’m still learning.  I’m still working and I’m still getting my job done! I don’t think this would be a good way to develop up the career ladder, but that’s not what I’m trying to do right now. My line manager, Paula says “I know you will do this for someone else one day”. 

Where’s your favourite place to work remotely?

“So far, I have only done this in January of 2020, which was in Colorado.  I usually like to find a small coffee shop and work around others for the company.”

Do you find it easy to focus on your work when you are preparing for a big race?

“I let Paula, my line manager know when I have a big race and I usually use holiday in the days leading up to it. This way I can make sure I switch off entirely, so I eat, sleep and rest without distractions. If you project manage yourself and tell your boss what you plan on getting done that week and when they can expect it, it will eliminate any stresses from both sides. We talk every Monday about what needs to be done that week when I’m away and when I’m not.”

What are your running targets for 2020?

“2020 - the sky is the limit! I’m going to target getting my time down! I can then look at what I’m capable of reaching, in terms of making championship teams. Both Europeans and the Olympics have qualifying times, so that’s the first step; Get the time!”

Holly, thank you very much for talking to me and I look forward to following your athletics journey!