Here we go, blog number 2...

On my last blog there have been a few comments about university choices for young runners, so I thought I might as well write a bit about uni life. I think the main thing about choosing a uni is whether it is for you, not about whether or not it has an amazing reputation. Don't go to Birmingham just because they have people like Wilko, Pepper, Gundo and Lily, or St Mary's because they have an absolute dream team (it's true, they do). Go to these uni's because they suit you and make you feel comfortable. But likewise, don't go to a university just because you are a runner so you feel you have to go a uni with a good running reputation. There have been many athlete's who have gone to a uni which aren't big at running but are still successes, people like Phil Wickes and Dave Forrester.

If you still want to run while at uni, you should go somewhere where you can see yourself still being able to run regardless of the environment or the name of the uni. The main reason I went to Birmingham was because I had my coach there. I visited Birmingham and Loughborough on the open days and after both of them Birmingham was slightly ahead (but that may have been due to the charm of a certain Mr Buldaro), but I still wasn't convinced. After that Steve and Maria told me they were moving Birmingham way, and that sealed the deal for me. I would be going there with my coach and regular training partner already there, my running wasn't going to change at all plus I would be getting an alright degree, the only thing that was different was the city. Had Steve and Maria not moved and I did, I don't know if I would have run as well as I have this winter. It's a massive bonus having the rest of the squad there to train with and Bud for advice. And that is what I would say to any athlete looking to go uni. If you have a schedule that works for you at the moment why change it? Go to the uni which has a similar schedule to what you do at the moment, whether it's Loughborough or Thames Valley. Or if you have to, get your coach to send you a schedule, just go somewhere where you know your running will benefit.

If you do go to one of the Big 3, the key is to be careful and know when to say no. Birmingham is far from perfect by all means. The Monday night run is basically a race, its probably faster than a tempo run. Also, there are times where we have more athletes injured than we do running. To avoid things like that I do my runs with myself and an MP3 player. That way I know I will be going at my pace and not racing. I didn't increase my volume massively when I got there and made sure it stayed sensible. Just because Athlete X is doing 100 miles a week dosen't mean you have to. Take control of your athletics, and do what will help YOU. Birmingham works for me simply because I have a good schedule, a good coach, a good group and enjoyable routes to run on, try and find a place that does the same for you. Hope that helps someone!

Running wise... things are ok but not great, that week off has been difficult to come back from and as a result I had an average run at the Southern 12 stage, and training has been ok since then. Also, to the guy who asked if I have 1 slice or 2 slices of toast, it's 2. Along with three Weetabix and maybe a yoghurt or some fruit, plus jam on the toast.

Much love,

Goolab xxx