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Becky Lyne

You recently got back from Font Romeu Altitude training, how did that go?

Yes, there were more people out there this time as UKA are trying to help more runners get together and help each other by training together. For me it doesn't really bother me if there is a massive group or just a few of us but there was a good social side to the camp this year.

Did you get some good training done out there?

It was a bit stop start out there for me, I had a little niggle in my calf the first week or so and then towards the end the snow was making it difficult to do any real sessions out there. That said it is a great place to train and I was running okay by the end. 

Are you back into full training now then?

I have actually just run in spikes for the first time today in ages and so far so good. I don't want to get carried away with things but I think I might be ok to really start training hard again soon.

 

Butler University USA 

I went out there for about 18months in total. It was a tough experience not only because of the very harsh winter but I also had a huge university work load, neither of which I was expecting. There were a few reasons I choose Butler like the fact there were a few British athletes already out there, my boyfriend at the time was at Butler and they were ok that I would keep my coach back in the UK (for planning sessions, racing etc,.) as normally you have to go with the University coach and go along with their plans.

It was a great experience and one I really enjoyed at the time. I would certainly recommend it to any athlete although it won't be for everyone it's something you should try and if you don't like it you can always come back. 

 

European U23 Championships  

I went into the race as the 3rd fastest on paper. I had competed in most of the major junior championships through the age groups but they had never really gone as I'd hoped: 4th , picking up little niggles or food poisoning. But this championships made up for all the disappointments as I ended up winning which was a great way to sign off from the u23's as it was my last race in that age group. I was then ready to move up to the seniors.

 

Senior AAA Championships 

My season had gone really well up until the championships and so it felt like there was quite a lot of pressure going into the race. I had to do a number of media things for it and I was trying to organise tickets for family and friends to come and watch. By the time the race came I was starting to feel it a bit and thinking after getting all my family and friends to watch I better win! To win was more of a relief feeling to be honest than real joy which looking back is a bit disappointing as I really should of enjoyed the moment a lot more.

European Championships- Bronze Medal 

This was my breakthrough year and at the start of the year it was definitely not expected with injuries and other problems. The media were asking if I was concerned about the Russians or the fact that it was my first senior major champs but I really went in to the Games with the attitude of I can get a medal here if I do my own thing and stay positive. When I qualified in the semi final I felt I had a lot more in the tank and was starting to fancy my chances a bit more.

In the final I remember the whole race, some people can't remember anything of their medal winning races but I can remember like it was yesterday. The first 400m I just wanted to stay in contention but was running a bit wide around the bends. As we all came around for the second lap we hit the back straight and saw a long jumper coming right at us doing his warm up strides!! Luckily he noticed us coming with moments to spare and we avoided a collision although I had to swerve a bit so did all the other girls so it is not an excuse just one of those random things in life!

I got a big shove coming in to the home straight from one of the Russians and nearly fell over but I stayed positive and pushed really hard for home and sneaked into 3rd place just behind two Russian girls. It was evident from my face after the race that there was an element of disappointment but that was mainly feeling annoyed about the shove, However, it soon passed and by the time I got to the podium to collect my medal my cheeks were hurting from smiling so much. It is probably my best moment to date. I couldn't really enjoy the after party as much as I'd have liked though as I was planning on running a few more track races like the world cup but I still had a few drinks and a bit of a dance!

 

Idols (Paula Radcliffe & Wilson Kipketer) 

I remember the first time I met Paula was at a New Years Eve Party in Loughborough and I was so star struck I just couldn't get my words out! Over the years going to more Championships and going to places like Font Romeu where Paula regularly trains I have got to know her a bit better and would like to class her as a friend now. The thing about Paula is that she is so down to earth that she puts you at ease when you meet her, not to mention how good she is as a mother and making time in her tough schedule.  

Do you know her well enough to randomly txt?

I probably wouldn't randomly text her about the latest goings on in 'Gossip Girl' but I'll get in touch if we are training in the same place

How did you meet your other idol Wilson Kipketer?

I am friends with IAAF member Frank Dick and he got in touch when the governing body was looking to set up a 'Training Centre' which Wilson Kipketer was involved with. They were still looking to recruit athletes and as I didn't have a coach at the time I was really keen to see what was on offer. I went to the centre for 5days but didn't expect Wilson to be able to dedicate much time to me, but I was the only athlete there and had his undivided attention! One thing that stood out in particular was his attention to conditioning. This is something I see more and more with top athletes and it's an area I now try to pay more attention to in my training. Wilson was a really nice man and it was also great to meet him, unfortunately for the project it didn't really get off the ground but it was a good experience for me at the time 

 

Training 

I am now being coached by George Gandy. There is a great training group here although I have not really had a chance to do any training with them as I've had to take quite a patient route back from my Achilles operation last August. I have had to supplement my schedule with a lot of cross training - particularly the Alter-G. Despite working predominantly by myself, I've followed the same template as the rest of the group. I am, however, looking forward to getting involved more in the future.

Normal Week 

Mon - Drills - Run - Weights

Tues - Track Session

Wed - Run - Circuits

Thur - Tempo - Drills

Fri - Rest

Sat - Session

Sun - Long Run  

Race week I would lose a lot of the intensity. I would probably drop the Thursday session and just do a warm up and strides. 

 

Sessions  

Hardest session I would do is something like 10x300m with 100m rolling jog, the lack of recovery gets you if you are working hard in the reps. Another typical session would be 3x600m: first rep fast, second rep 200 hard, 200 easy, 200 hard, third rep 300 at 1500 pace, 100 easy, 200 at 800 pace, all off long recoveries.

In the winter I would do the longer stuff along the lines of 5x1k and maybe more hill work. The hills can range from 45s - 3minute efforts; the gradient would also change. In the summer I find I benefit from hills as short as 20second bursts with a walk down recovery.


Road / XC Running

I do enjoy running on the roads and have done the relays in the past but over the last couple of years with injuries I just haven't done as much but with XC I just don't enjoy it and the fact that I feel like I'm hardly moving has put me off before....now I just cant do it for the risk of injury and is not worth doing it if it ends up putting me out for longer.

 

Running Sub 2minutes 800m

When I ran 1:58 it was almost a 2 second PB and as such quite a shock. To register 3rd on the all time UK lists (now 4th) was a great feeling - I finally felt like I'd made it as an athlete. It took quite a mental adjustment but I was really proud after years of feeling like I wasn't fulfilling my potential. 

So what is next up for you?

I might do some pace making work this week and then maybe do a race in the next couple of weeks. It is a bit too early to say and have only just started being able to do sessions so putting some good training blocks in is the first step.

Has your attitude to running changed after your injury problems?

Yeah, when I am running I really do enjoy it and don't take it for granted like maybe I would sometimes in the past.

Do you have to fit more stretching, massage into your weekly routines now?

I have always been flexible, but yes I do a lot of core work...drills...and get regular massage but I don't really do more stretching before a run but might do more after.

Is there a chance of a Major Games this year?

Never say never! I just want to focus on myself at the minute and then see where that takes me! 

 

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