Your Stories
BECKY BRIGGS
Becky Briggs is a future star of British Athletics and is the youngest female athlete to ever win the Bath Half Marathon breaking her own U20 British Record doing so. She talked to us about training in lockdown, the feeling of winning her first big race, future aspirations and training & motivational advice for runners.
“I crossed the line with a PB and broke my own U20 British Half Marathon Record, I was in floods of tears, it was such a relief to know that all the hard work had paid off”
How has training been in lockdown?
As I have had to move home from University (St Mary’s University, Twickenham) back to Yorkshire, I am really missing the beautiful Royal Parks, Bushy and Richmond, to train in. Currently I am covering around 90 miles a week all on road with very limited routes, but although it is very monotonous, I feel extremely lucky to have been able to continue to do something I love during such a strange time and have been working harder than ever.
How are you keeping yourself motivated? Do you have any advice for our runners who might be a bit low on motivation at the moment?
“In the middle of every difficulty, lies opportunity”. For me, my long-term goals are marathon running, as I am only 20, this may not be for a couple more years, so I am using this time to build up my mileage while also maintaining speed. Some people may feel that their only motivations are races and results, there may not be any races in the immediate future, but there will be more start lines eventually – so I would say to seize the opportunity of a huge training block, without race pressure, so that when you do stand on that start line again you can really show the world what you’re made of.
Do you have any tips for beginner runners who are just getting started with their running?
I would say to focus on every bit of growth and progress in your journey, no competitive runner was born being able to race a 5k/10k/half marathon etc, it takes hard work and dedication, but equally if everyone has started somewhere to get to where they are now, then you can too, enjoy the journey of becoming.
What advice would you give to someone who is either injured or just coming back to training from injury?
You only get one body, so treat it well – investigate why you got injured, whether it was a muscle weakness, or to do with your running style, so that you know how to avoid a reoccurring injury; pay attention to nutrition and mental well-being. Strength and conditioning are essential, it plays a huge role in my training, especially core work, and really helps to avoid injury. Make sure you have all the pieces of the puzzle in place, be kind to yourself, and also allow yourself to be reminded of why you run.
What would you say to younger runners who want to take their running to the next level?
Believe. Under the correct guidance, train smart; this doesn’t necessarily mean always going faster or further, it is about building a base to be a strong and successful athlete. But most importantly, you have to believe you can, and that you will, make it, if you’re prepared to really work for your dreams.
What is your favourite meal to eat pre-race day & in training?
Some people have exact “pre-race meals” but personally I just like to have something that is not too adventurous with plenty of carbs to keep me fuelled on race day! Ultimately, you need to ensure you have enough energy inside you before a race, but one magical pre-race meal is not going to make or break your performance. Proper nutrition is often overlooked, but it is a key part of being an athlete, no matter what level, and something that should be incorporated into your training plan with equal thought as your runs/sessions.
Who do you look up to in the elite sporting world?
Charlotte Purdue, with a marathon pb of 2:25 and numerous medals at international cross country and track, she studied at St Mary’s (where I am now) and was previously coached by my current coach, Mick Woods. When I see her training round Bushy Park, I have to admit I have a huge fan girl moment!
What is your long-term aspiration?
To compete at elite level in the World Major marathons, and maybe, one day, the Olympics- they say your dreams aren’t big enough if they don’t scare you, and that is something I stand by.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Hobbies, Pets, Qualifications etc.
I absolutely love baking; I study Sport and Exercise Nutrition and really enjoy trying to make delicious food while focusing on incorporating in specific nutrients. I often share this on my Instagram: becky_athleat where I share my training and positivity. One day I hope to be a qualified nutritionist focusing on how to fuel properly as an athlete by helping others, especially those struggling with Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome, something I have previously struggled with, an issue common in the athletic world.
PAUL POLLOCK
Paul Pollock is a well-established and extremely experienced long-distance runner who has competed on the highest stage in sport, the 2016 Rio Olympics. The 33-year-old balances his running career with his other life as an emergency medicine doctor in the NHS. We spoke to Paul about his training in lockdown, as well as injury & motivational advice for runners.
How has training been in lockdown?
After crossing this year’s Bath half marathon finish line in first position, I was filled with hope and confidence. Having run the Olympic marathon qualifying time (2.10.25) in December 2019, I was feeling fitter and faster than I had ever been in the past. Training was building progressively towards what I hoped would be a peak in Tokyo in August 2020. And then the lockdown began and along with it came the realisation that all races were to be cancelled or postponed, including the Olympics.
Training reverted to a steady base building block, without the need for ‘going to the well’ sessions or pushing the limit. With facilities closed, track sessions have been put on hold and gym work has become improvised exercises in the living room. Running has been more about mental relief and enjoyment, whilst maintaining a decent level of fitness. Having moved my base to Yorkshire a few weeks before the lockdown started, I have been fortunate to have new places and trails to explore from my doorstep.
How are you keeping yourself motivated? Do you have any tips for our runners who might be a bit low on motivation at the moment?
One of the good things to come out of lockdown is the number of people who have taken up some form of exercise, whether it be running or cycling or simply getting out for a walk. Exercise is a fantastic way to reset the mind and relieve, at least for a short while, some of the stresses that lockdown has caused. I try to remind myself of the happy, enjoyable moments that running and racing has brought me in the past, and that always makes it that little bit easier to lace up the trainers and get out the door.
Do you have any tips for beginner runners who are just getting started with their running?
My biggest, number one tip for anyone trying to get into running is to enjoy it. It is that simple. Enjoy the feeling of going out for a run. Yes, you can get bogged down with paces and distances but talk to any regular runner anywhere in the world and they will tell you why they do it. It is because they enjoy it. The first few days or even weeks will be tough, they always are, whether you are starting afresh or returning from an injury. But once you get over that initial bump, there is so much enjoyment to be had from the simple art of going for a run.
What advice would you give to someone who is either injured or just coming back to training from injury?
Don’t rush. When you think you are ready to return, give it another day. Or maybe even two. I am just as guilty of this as the next person. There always feels to be a big need to rush back to running and back to the point of fitness of where you were. Don’t, otherwise you will just find yourself back at square one again. Take the time required , if things are pain free, then excellent. But definitely give yourself more time than what you think. Slow and sensible is the key.
What would you say to younger runners who want to take their running to the next level?
I would say two things. Firstly, like I said above, enjoy it. When you are younger especially, if you aren’t enjoying the training then you won’t stick with the sport of running. It is very easy for younger runners to become preoccupied with the small details and wanting to run fast every single session. But that is impossible, and when a bad run comes along, which it inevitably will do, the stress levels increase and a downward spiral of training begins. Training should be enjoyable. Tough at times yes, but always enjoyable.
The second thing I would say is find yourself a coach, which is easy to say but sometimes much harder to do in practice. A relationship with a coach can take years to form but from the outset there should be a mutual trust. I would say don’t be afraid to ask around and try to find a coach that you think will fit for you.
What is your favourite meal to eat pre-race day & in training?
Like the majority of runners, I eat massive quantities of pasta. When you are in the midst of a hard training block running upwards of 15 miles a day, replenishing the muscles is vital to avoid injury. One of my favourite meals is sitting down after a hard session with a big bowl of pasta with various chopped up vegetables, bacon and some pesto sauce. Simple but tasty.
What is your long term aspiration?
I have always had two goals in running – to run a sub 4 minute mile and to compete at the Olympic Games. In August 2016, I was fortunate enough to achieve one of those goals in Rio. While I may be getting older, I still hope to achieve the other before I hang up my spikes for good!
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Work, hobbies etc.
I balance my running career with my other life as an emergency medicine doctor in the NHS. Having worked full time for a number of years, in recent times I decided to shift my focus and concentrate on my running and therefore currently work as a part-time locum doctor. While getting out for a long run after a hard shift standing on my feet all day is not always particularly pleasant, I find that the two careers balance themselves out reasonably well and each provides a good outlet for the other.
