Stupidity prevailed. Regrettably, I decided to go against my own gut feeling and follow the advice of UK Athletics. I didn't want to cause any more stress or upset to the situation by continuing to argue my case and so I consented to another 8 weeks in the dreaded moon boot! I understand their concerns - they wanted to give my body one final chance to heal naturally. We agreed that after those eight weeks, another scan would be the decider to operate or not. I made a quick decision to jump on the next plane to Qatar (to visit my mum) but also to get out of Loughborough, which had become a very suffocating place to be. I thought the sunshine and rest would perhaps make a difference to my broken ankle but unbelievably, the scan result came back no better than it was two months ago!
Picture from 2011, Navicular fracture!
Even though I anticipated the bad news and deep down knew it wasn't healed - the doctors words still upset me and hit me hard. It's been seven months now. SEVEN months - since I first picked up the injury, out in South Africa and I now face a further 3 months after this surgery. Running pain free is a distant memory and I am reminded heavily of how long it took my foot to recover, from the first surgery (back in 2011) but it's inescapable. This is the only option now.
How I feel when people ask me how long i've spent wearing the 'Moon Boot'!!!
The surgery isn't a straightforward as I would like. The fracture is very obscure and deep into the bone which means other structures are in the way. A normal surface fracture like a navicular is fixed with a screw inserted between the bones (which I already have done!). This will be a little more complex but I'm hoping that once it's done, it's done. To be honest, a part of me is relieved. The turmoil of the last six months is over. I no longer have to keep voicing my opinions and concerns about it and can relax. It's out with my control. The whole incident has really given my health a knock. I don't feel like I am a particularly stressed person but perhaps I'm unaware. My heart palpitations have become more frequent again which is frustrating. I went through a month period of insomnia - something I've never experienced before! I literally couldn't sleep a wink for about three continuous weeks then on/off for a further two. I was operating like a zombie - such a surreal experience but I finally managed to curb it with some prescribed sleeping tablets. My Estrogen levels are also low which has led to my periods stopping - again something that has never happened before. It's obviously a slight concern, as it's unhealthy for an athlete to experience and doesn't help with my bone health going forward. At my heaviest weight ever - it is definitely not related to that. I'm hoping that this forced rest will do me some good and kick start my body to normal again.
My situation for the next 4 weeks!
I would like to take the time to thank Paula Radcliffe for all her help over the last few months. It has been above and beyond. She is not only an incredible athlete but an absolute credit to the sport. Her knowledge and experience is invaluable and I couldn't begin to repay her for the help she's given me. She's been a loud voice when mines hasn't been heard. My parents have also been a huge pillar of support - keeping me positive and focussing on the tough year ahead. My mums proved time and time again, after serious injuries, that she can go on to improve and so I hope to follow suit. My boyfriend, Michael - has just returned competing after eight months out with back surgery and so has given me a positive outlook on the whol situation. I couldn't be more proud of what he's been able to achieve after struggling for so long - fingers crossed, I can do the same.
The person who has to put up with my injury-fuelled rages - Michael
Daddy McColgan
Paula Radcliffe
Mother Goose
2015 is extinct alongside the dinosaurs. My mind is set to 2016. I will be doing everything I can to make that team. History seems to be repeating itself. It's eery how similar my situation will be leading up to another Olympics but it also resonates with me that things need to change. In 2011, I underwent naivicular surgery in the same foot but managed to rehab myself back in time to make the London Olympics. I'll be up against similar time scales for the Rio Olympics - so I know it's possible.
CWG Glasgow - Steeplechase
My body cannot cope with the impact of the steeplechase and so it's now, do or die. I need to forget about hurdling and just run. I want an injury free year so if that means attempting to qualify for the 5 or 10k - then so be it. I love running. It doesn't matter to me over which distance - but the steeplechase will always be in my sights. Serious changes need to be made and that begins with my current living situation.
My mini-me sister. Obsessed with Pugs which explains the hat and T-shirt!
The McColgan and Nuttall Clan
This week, was the most hectic yet. After receiving an email from UKA asking me to vacate the residence I currently live in, by the end of August, whilst finding out I had to undergo surgery - meant I needed to move all my belongings out the house that day! I knew I wouldn't be able to walk around and be mobile in order to move my things for a good few months. We have been told we can apply for new accommodation (endurance athletes) nearer the track but because I will be kicked off my funding this year due to injury - I don't see the point in going through the whole process to then be declined. I want to have something concrete set in place now instead of feeling uneasy and in limbo. My circumstances need to be concrete and my plan of action set for 2016. I also don't relish the idea of spending another year in Loughborough. I've found it very difficult being in such close quarters to UKA and don't agree with the way they operate. Funding is obviously a huge benefit and something that not many athletes can decline but to be honest, it's also been the biggest stress I've ever encountered. Ticking boxes than don't need to be ticked and having irrelevant meetings to fill their quota - is not at the benefit of the athletes and I don't believe our best interests are at heart sometimes. Being blackmailed and forced into making certain decisions is not the way to go about things, athletes should all be treated in the same manner. I used to have a brilliant set up back in Scotland, surrounded by amazing friends and family. I perhaps didn't appreciate it at the time but now I realise how much we were spoiled.
Sean McQueen, RIP
My friend Sean, ended his life a few months ago and it shocked me and the other people who had grown up around him. He was such a happy, outgoing guy with a huge personality but we lost contact over the last 2 years and he had been struggling. I feel a little guilty regarding how we have all lost contact within our circle of friends. People I would class as my best friends have new friends. People I used to speak to and see on a daily basis are now strangers. It's sad. Everyone becomes replaceable if they don't make the effort to keep in touch. It's not just me at fault but I've definitely not been as proactive as I should have been. I suppose you have to accept that everyone moves on and it's not the easiest to try and plan a catch up when everyone is spread across the UK, with families and real jobs!
My future plans are entirely up in the air. I would love to join a professional group in the US but finding someone willing to take on a heavily injured, Scottish athlete is a long shot. My secondary option would be to spend more time out in Qatar with my mum and split between training camps in Ethiopia and Kenya. All of this comes to a huge expense but I am willing to spend every penny I have in order to make next year happen. I have thought about getting a part time job or returning to university, in order to fund it all but Rio remains my aim and I need to give every minute of my time - to training and recovery. The African athletes have no other focus than their athletics and I need to live that lifestyle, as close as I possibly can. After Rio, if I'm still a hopeless, injures mess of a human then I'll start searching for work but for now - I have a dream to catch.
The first lovely women I met at my running club.
Some of the old Dundee Hawks Training Squad
Our training group on the annual Portugal Trip
The people who became like a family
The person i've known the longest - Craig
Travelling alone on my way to the hospital ward, is the first time I've felt a little scared and very alone. In 2011 when I underwent surgery, I was surrounded by my close family and a big bunch of my friends and training squad. It scares me a little, how much that has disintegrated but perhaps that is part of growing up and moving on. I continue to think about all the past memories and past fun I had with people that are no longer in my life - living in the past - rather than focussing on the present and future. It's a lot easier said than done but I finally feel like this chapter of my life is over. There have been a lot of stupid mistakes and bad decisions along the way but that's part of growing up. Learning from them is the crucial part and maintaining a strong focus on why you've made them is important.
The past four years have flown by at a pace, without me even realising. Moving house several times, my parents divorcing, family becoming bankrupt, mum (coach) moving to live in Qatar - there has been so much unrest and change over the last few years - it can be difficult to continue pretending that all is ok but it's important to appreciate, that it could be a lot worse too! This chapter is finally closed. 2016 brings a brighter future and a new challenge to get stuck into. There are times where you think you may have hit the bottom...but you'll know when you've finally hit it... and the only positive, is that there is only one way to go from there - up!
I am absolutely gutted to be missing the British Championships this year due to injury. My three year consecutive streak is now over :( but I will be doing everything I can to get myself back on track, for next summer!
All the best to the British Athletes clawing those qualifying times and automatic positions! Another World Championship I will have missed, due to a broken ankle but it reaffirms how important next year is.
Sometimes you have to stand back and look at the bigger picture which is extraordinarily difficult to do - as athletes live for the here and now.
With all the recent negativety within
athletics, I hope this blog shows the purer side to our sport!
Avoiding the obvious links to Qatar and the World Cup – I want to
keep this positive for once!
I had hoped to travel to Qatar and
surprise my mum for her birthday but unfortunately, I had to delay my
trip – by a week or so – due to the fact I am still currently
hobbling around, with a broken ankle! Things haven't been easy for
the McColgan clan over the last few years but I am extremely proud of
the way my family has coped with the huge changes. My mum is an
extremely strong woman, which many of you already know and has been a
huge influence to me over the years.
She now resides in Qatar with her
second husband, John. She moved out there with absolutely nothing but
within one year has built up - from scratch - a brilliant athletics
club for young kids living out in Doha. Sport and Qatar are two words
that are rarely intertwined, unless it involves the World Cup! But my
mum has truly given young girls (and boys) the chance to be a part of
something, a team. The Doha Athletics Club runs three days a week and
takes kids of all ages. She also runs a mini athletics group, for
kids under the age of 9, that are wanting to get started! It's lovely
to see how much the kids enjoy it. They love being part of a 'team'
and have a great social side – meeting up outside of the club
aswell as going along to see their friends each week. They all share
the same passion – running! Each week, they practice different
track sessions, drills, stretching and core work. It's an opportunity
that they would not have received otherwise. Hopefully, with a little
funding or support from companies or sponsors, the club can also open
doors to races (something many of the kids has never done before) and
potentially racing other schools abroad in Oman and Dubai.
The group mainly train indoors at this
time of the year, as outside temperatures are hitting that of which I
have only ever seen on an oven! The faciities at the Aspire Academy
are brilliant and my mum has managed to secure use of a two-laned
indoor 'track', hidden in the basement, underneath the main 200m
indoor track. It's not exactly the ritz of tracks but the squad make
the best of it and take it in their stride. The basement track is
completely enclosed and so it provides the kids with a completely
secure enviroment to train and also allows them to wear (within
reason) whatever sports clothes they want. On the track outdoors –
they have to be covered as much as possible, which can be extremely
difficult in heat, in excess of 42 degrees!
I took the chance to film the kids
taking part in their sessions and interviewed them with a few simple
questions – why do you like runnning? What do you like about the
club? Will you run in the future? The answers I received were
hilarious. Children provide such honesty and I was totally
overwhelmed with their responses. It was evident how much they all
loved running. From kids hoping to be the next batch of future
Olympians to others just wanting to keep fit and healthy – it
really was insipring. With all the negativity regarding athletics at
the moment, it was really nice to see athletics at it's purest –
kids, putting one foot in front of the other, pushing themselves, all
because they love the thrill of running.
The funniest answer I received all day
was from a young, eight year old girl. I asked her how running could
help her in the future – which for an eight year old was probably a
little bit demanding! But she was brillaint. Intelligent and
extremely articulate for her young years. She answered that, “running
could help her in the future because if there was ever a fire”,
that she could “run away fast”. Hilarious. It was also amazing to
see how much respect she had for my mum as her 'Coach Liz'. It was
heartwarming to see the impact that my mum is having on the group and
probably something I never truly appreciated in the past as a kid –
they all really look up to her.
They
have an immense respect for 'Coach Liz' and I believe athletics not
only helps with the basics of keeping healthy and fit but it also
instills discipline into the children. It was obvious to see how
highly the children regarded my mums advice and I loved the chance to
meet them all – they were a brilliant, engaging, friendly bunch.
In my first visit to Qatar last year, I
witnessed the first time EVER that a young female athlete was allowed
to complete in an indoor race alongside boys being in attendance.
Back home we would find this ludicrous! But Qatar is a deeply
religious country and so it is important to respect their morals. I
am glad to see a glimmer of change though with the World
Championships coming to Qatar in 2019 – with regards to women’s
sport – things need to change. I believe my mum is at the forefront
of that and really building dreams for kids that wouldn't have known
the importance of athletics – keeping fit, creating goals and
making life-long friends. I couldn't be any prouder.
Below is a video I filmed of my time
with the group – it's a little rushed and a few mistakes (but it
was done in my final hour before leaving Qatar!!).
It's been a good few weeks since I've had a proper conversation with another human being, other than over text message or Skype. Injuries can make a person go insane! But the other day, I popped along to the Physio room, for a quick 5minute catch up with the doctor. There was a good debate going on amongst the athletes and staff, which I was quickly dragged into. I thought it was a brilliant question.
If you had ONE enquiry, to find out if any athlete (past or present) was doping - who would it be?
My initial instinct was to go for the fastest man the world has ever seen, Usain Bolt. I would love to believe he is clean but it would definitely be my ear marked athlete to question - just to find out for definite how fast man really can go, naturally! The more I thought about it, the more other sportspeople came to the forefront of my mind. All of the athletes had different ones that they would enquire about and it was really interesting to listen to all the differing opinions. One thing is for sure though, drugs are ruining the sport we all love.
Sport can be cruel. After riding the rollercoaster of emotions over the last 17 weeks and believing I was well in the road to recovery - I was clobbered with another road block. The ankle has consistently been sore to run on, throughout my rehab - albeit, at a low level around a 3/10 pain. I had been informed that some soreness was to be expected so I blocked out the discomfort. Over the last two weeks, the pain had been becoming increasingly unpleasant and inflamed the more I increased the impact. I attempted my first track session last week but the soreness was too much and so I retired the session after a total of two miles. I was clearly dispirited that the ankle had reacted in such a poor way - it cemented in my head that the World Championships were unquestionably, no longer an option. I set my sights on being able to return jogging again, pain free, with the possibility of racing some flat races towards the end of the season. Running pain free is beyond doubt, something people take for granted. I've grown into an angry old man. Driving past members of the general public out jogging, I get an overwhelming feeling of jealousy towards them - people I don't even know! Yet, I just want to knock them out and steal their ankles to replace my own!
Initially, I was lead to believe this injury would take near 4 weeks. It then quickly turned out to be a little more serious than we originally thought and the time doubled. 8 weeks slowly transpired into 15 weeks. Mentally, it's exhausting to feel you are at the end, to then be told differently. You begin your journey trudging on the upwards slope and just as you're about to reach the summit - you are quickly plummeted back down again. This has happened several times over the past three months but last week sucker punched me a final blow.
Two days before I was scheduled to travel to Park City, Utah - the UKA medical team arranged another MRI, as the ankle had flared up once more. I had been getting a lot of pain around the joint of my ankle, shooting into my Achilles and plantar-fascia. I knew it was bad news after being called in early the following morning. The Physio and one of the endurance coaches quickly flittered out the room when I appeared - it was apparent that this meeting was going to end in tears. The doctor told me the disastrous news, that the fracture in my ankle was now fully extended and in a much worse position than the initial scan. I still can't quite get my hear around it. After spending seven weeks in a boot and only beginning to impact at week 9 onwards - I found it very tough to accept. Who manages to break their ankle MORE, with no impact? Me, supposedly! I also feel like my body is approximately 80% milk, after living off a high calcium diet over the last few months and dosing up on calcium tablets - I swear I'm going to start urinating milk soon!
I have now been advised to return to the dreaded moon boot for a further 8-10 weeks, making it a stable fashion item in my wardrobe. They have recommended rest (as in.. Sit on the sofa) for three months. As you can imagine - that sentence went into one ear, did some somersaults around my head and exited very quickly out the other. It's crystal clear that the World Championships are no longer a realistic aim but I would prefer to continue cross training or at least Aqua jogging, in order to maintain my sanity and perhaps even allow me to race a few late season, flat races. The steeplechase will not be an option for a long time.
The UKA doctor stated that I 'was very difficult to work with', which upsets me a little. I am certainly no diva and never demand anything from them. I am very introvert and like to do things on my own when problems arise with injuries - doing all my hard work behind the scenes, rather than floating around the HiPac Performance Centre. I admit, I ask a lot of questions and query their advice meticulously but it's only because ultimately, it is my career on the line. They remain within their jobs, regardless of what happens to me and the conveyor belt of athletes continues moving, regardless of where I've fallen off. Although I am no doctor, I feel I am of a high enough intelligence to request each and every detail in-depth, rather than be shown a picture of an ankle and told to rest. I am genuinely interested in the details, not only with my own injuries but with other athletes - it fascinates me. I would like to thank UKA for helping me arrange my medical scans over the last few months and realise it's a frustrating job looking after a broken athlete, who only wants definite answers. Sometimes there isn't an answer to give but it's definitely taught me a lesson, regarding the protocols I will personally take the next time an injury stops me in my tracks.
Discovering that things are a little more serious than the previous assumption - is tremendously discouraging. It's the first time I've felt really deflated and actually questioned my time in the sport. Not that I once intended to quit, but it really made me think about my future, after athletics. For the first week, I was very upset and completely alone in Loughborough to deal with the situation. I told my dad that I was considering going back to university or finding a job but continuing with my athletics as a hobby - no pressures or expectations - run for fun. But after the initial upset, my determination kicked in. I was straight back into the pool with my moon boot in tow. I'm a determined little bugger and not prepared to put anything in front of my athletics just yet. I really want to give this a serious go, with Rio 2016 on the horizon. I have looked for some external advice and depending on the results of my scans - I may need surgery in order to heal the bone. After 17 weeks, the bone undeniably should have healed rather than regress but unfortunately, that particular area is notoriously problematic to recover. I will find out my fate next week. The specialist I have been speaking to, stated that I need to be certain that I don't find myself in the same situation, another 17 weeks down the line. He ended the conversation on something that really resonated with me;
It's not often you get invited to an event, taking place in an underground car park but last week, I attended the launch of the Nike Milers. The location was fantastic - in a super-car only, car park - hidden away underneath Hyde Park, in central London. They had mapped out a mile long course, weaving around the cars; boosted by bright, coloured lights and loud, booming music. The whole evening was hosted by none other than, Steve Cram and Paula Radcliffe - so as you can imagine - it was a running geek's heaven! The guests were specifically invited from all different commodities but with the one passion, bringing everyone together - running!
The mile is such an significant distance, yet not everyone knows what time they are capable of clocking, so it was a unique experience, to allow all the guests to record their first ever personal best. Even for me, as a longer distance athlete, the mile is pivotal. I log miles, plenty of them... But in my diary, I note down every mile split as a gauge to make sure I'm not going either too fast or too slow - giving me an indication of pace and speed. It's a huge reference marker in my training diary to compare, week on week.
The night involved a quick Q&A with myself, sandwiched between two athletics legends - which was slightly daunting but I enjoyed the experience nonetheless. Unfortunately due to my injury, I couldn't take part in the mile but was lead cheerleader for the evening. The elite athletes all completed their mile around the car park course, in order to give an insight to what speed really looks like (although they jogged around at tempo pace, as they are currently in peak training for the forthcoming summer track season!!). It was then the guests turn to see how fast they could go!
The whole initiative is a brilliant idea. People love running but when they hear the word 'track' - a look of horror fills their face. The general public are more than happy to take part in their local park run or local 5k road race but I would struggle to find a participant, willing to take part in a track race! The athletics track is seen to be elite - for people who take running seriously - but it shouldn't be. The track should be open and welcoming to people, of all ages and abilities and so I hope this Nike Milers Club, really embraces that and encourages people to the world of track! Obviously, not all miles have to be clocked on the track - that's the beauty of running but it would be nice to see more people enthused by those wonderful 8 lanes!
Back in Dundee at my local club, we had two marathon, fun runners who were constantly out training on the roads and feared they would be 'too slow for track sessions with a group' but eventually, they took the plunge and joined us. Even though they were 'bringing up the rear of the group' (their words, not mine!!' - they absolutely loved it. It was something different and they enjoyed the varying distances, speeds and recoveries. The track made them feel quick and they were becoming faster each week. Amazingly, they managed to knock minutes off their marathon PBs and were thrilled! It makes a huge difference being part of a team or group - everyone wants the same outcome, to run faster than they've ever done before!
Track is important. The mile is crucial... But being part of something is bigger than anything.
The wait for the new, Elite Nike Race uniform is always an exciting one. I always hear snip bits of what colour scheme people think may be used for the 2015 season and this year; Nike have got it bang on! I loved last years pink print but 2015 will definitely make the athletes stand out - bright orange, leopard print! 🔥
Elite Kit 2015
The Mamba's have been my favourite spike to run in. Although, they have now improved them slightly to have a sock-like feel around the ankle! Unfortunately, I most likely won't get the oppurtunity to be wearing the racing kit this summer but if this isn't motivation to get back ASAP - then I don't know what is! 😍
Last Sunday was the return of the famous London Marathon. It's always such a significant date on the calendar for everyone - from elite athletes to charity runners. It brings the world of elite sport to the masses which is why it's so exhilarating. I love watching it each year and it never ceases to amaze me, the magnitude of people getting on their trainers, to run 26.2miles... Not just a 10minute jog or a trip to the gym.. 26 bloody miles! It's an unbelievable feat - not forgetting how much money is raised between these individuals for charity.
This time around there was an added buzz. It was the legendary Paula Radcliffe's last 'fairly competitive' marathon and a farewell, to end things on her own terms. It was quite emotional watching her cross the line - albeit in such a phenomenal time for someone who's been struggling with injury! It shows the real grit of Paula as an athlete and the phenomenal talent she possess. I've followed Paula's career for as long as I can remember and as a strong female athlete - she's been a brilliant role model for me. Her stance against drugs has always resonated with me and I admire the way she voices her opinions on the matter, instead of shying away from the issues.
I've been extremely fortunate to have been surrounded by strong women - more significantly, my own mother and coach. It still blows my mind to think that she won the London Marathon back in 1996. Her winning time was a good 6 minutes faster than our current British ladies. I always wonder why our distance athletes haven't progressed over the last 10 years - especially when back in my mums day, she didn't have the same privileges we have access to today. Perhaps that's the issue - things are too easy for athletes nowadays and processes are over complicated.
Paula's 2.15 marathon is by far the hardest world record to date. It's an unbelievable achievement and something I'll always remember watching on the TV. Unfortunately, another strong memory that identifies with me, is her Athens Olympics. Paula was a set favourite and yet, sadly, it ended in tears at the road side. It verifies to me, that even if you are doing everything right and one of the best athletes in the world - sometimes it is still isn't enough. Luck really does have to be on your side!
My mum has always been very low-key about her achievements. Her medals have always been hidden away and I had never been shown them, until that Olympic Marathon. Watching Paula in tears at the side of the road - really made my mum truly appreciate how great her achievement of an Olympic silver medal was. In the past, she had concealed it away - upset because her eyes were set on gold and she felt like silver was a sub-par performance... Which is ridiculous! I'm glad she finally came to her senses because in athletics - nothing should be taken for granted!
It was poignant moment watching Paula cross the line on her terms and with a smile on her face.
I'm very blessed to have received some advice from Paula, over the last few years and especially with this most recent injury. Her knowledge is invaluable and it's immensely helpful to discover how she built up from injury, with use of the alter G and other methods of cross training - to go on to superior performances.
Congratulations to all the runners who made it to the start line - a life-long achievement and memory.
Choice. To willingly select an outcome.
A yes or no. Everyone has to make them. Children, teenagers, adults.
From a young age the word 'Drugs' didn't mean much to me – other
than – 'say no.' - perhaps a little naïve on my behalf but the
situation never occurred all throughout my teenage years. However,
the word has manifested it's way into my life in a way I had never
dreamed of. As an athlete competing at Olympic level, I regularly
have to give drug tests in order to pave the way for clean sport. The
often televised Diamond League athletics meetings are plagued by
athletes returning from bans due to failed tests. Some athletes not
only making the wrong choice once... but twice! During these meets,
social media is rife with the words 'cheat', 'drugs' and 'ban'.
Certain athletes are trending for negative reasons rather than the
superb performances. I remember as a kid watching Paula Radcliffe
parade around the track with banners protesting for stronger bans
against drug cheats. I never really fully acknowledged it at the time
but now it resonates in the back of my mind. She was extremely
outspoken all throughout her career and a true role model for younger
athletes taking up the sport. Cheating should never be an option.
All sports contain cheats. People want
to bypass their way to success and unfortunately drugs are the
quickest way to do so. I am under no misconception that these
athletes don't also work hard – they have to – but they are
unquestionably gaining a major advantage. Currently, there is no
deterrent for athletes not to cheat other than their own moral fibre.
Almost an 'Lance Armstrong Syndrome' – some athletes believe all
their competitors are dirty and so perhaps lightens the blow in their
own minds. They return to the sport having served their ban whilst
the other athletes and race meet organisers don’t bat an eyelid -
throwing themselves straight into the limelight again with several
running faster than ever. This is by no means an attack on certain
athletes – i'm sure they're are many an athlete whom aren't as
squeaky clean as they are portrayed. I'm sure many of them are polite
and kind individuals – convicted, cheating or not. I am also under
no illusion that every single person makes mistakes. Human error is
always going to creep in under certain circumstances, particularly
with the added extras of money and championship titles – egos
possibly take over.
When I started competing at a slightly
higher level in athletics, I met Dwain Chambers at my first ever
international. We were team mates and he was one of the biggest names
on our team. I had so many questions that I wanted to ask – but I
had never met him before and he had no clue who I was. After about 5
minutes of questions buzzing around my head – I blurted a few out.
He was chatting about how he found it difficult being away from his
young children. I asked if he thought his young boy would become an
athlete and he replied that he would love him to take up the sport. I
then asked how he would go around explaining to his little boy that
he cheated. It was perhaps a bit of a strong and forward question to
ask but I genuinely wanted to know. Dwain was extremely down to earth
and open which I didn't really expect. I had grown up thinking drug
cheats were villains and horrible people – again a very naïve
statement to think. Dwain couldn't of been any friendlier and truly
made me feel part of the team. He admitted that he felt it would be
the toughest thing that he's ever gone through. To tell his young
boy, who idolises him and looks up to him so much – that he cheated
- he took the easy route. For me, this is another huge contributing
factor against cheating and it confuses me how people can lie and
deceive in order to gain the benefits. Lying to their own family and
loved ones – instead of admitting that they weren't good enough to
make it to the very top. Dwain genuinely did come across as a nice
guy and I enjoyed being able to ask him questions on all sorts. Drug
cheats aren't murderers. They get distracted easily by the bright
shining lights of success and the affluent thought that they will
never get caught. I can see how it's easy for certain personalities
to be swayed but for me, it's a mistake I wouldn't be willing to
make. Drug cheats should be banned for life, examples made, purely to
try and stop other people from making the same mistake. Reduced sentences should only be offered after receiving enough substantial on how they got it, how they took it, the circle of people whom knew - every single detail of their scheme publicised.
Drugs are something that have
personally never entered my radar. I have been competing since I was
12. I've been to the Olympics, World Championships and Commonwealth
Games but they are something I've never come across. Maybe I am not a
good enough standard to have ever been offered or know the right
people. I find it difficult to get my head around why people make the
wrong choice. Sport is difficult. Being successful at it – is never
going to be easy. When money becomes involved people become more
monstrous. For example, a drug cheat who is back competing can walk
away with $10,000 for every Diamond League victory, an undisclosed
appearance fee and a $40,000 jackpot win for the series. Meaning
other clean athletes perhaps further down the field receive jack all.
It tallies up to quite an impressive amount of money. This also
doesn’t include private corporate sponsors. Yet when an athlete get
caught doping they don’t have to give back any of their prize money
directly to competitors. Yes, they loose medals and perhaps give back
a percentage of winnings but it is never anywhere near what they have
actually made. They can continue training through the duration of
their ban wether it be a few months, 18 months or 2 years and pop up
again for the next major championships alongside all the benefits
they have previously gained from being on the juice.
Would I love to be an Olympic Champion?
Of course I bloody would. But would I cheat my way to the top? Not a
chance in hell. With my mother being a former athlete, she has always
brought us up firmly against drugs in sport. She missed many a medal
and perhaps thousands of missing prize money due to athletes who had
an air of suspicion concerning them. Ultimately though, they were
never caught and so were 'clean'.
The current anti-doping system is good
but not great. The blood passport has definitely been a huge step
forward in possibly scaring some athletes but unfortunately the
doctors and the scientists are always one step ahead. UK Anti-doping
have been extremely regimental in testing me since I got added to the
whereabouts system last October – being tested every month. But
regrettably, other countries aren’t quite as strict. For those who
don't know, the whereabouts system is where an athlete is permitted
to give a one hour slot (time and location) of where they are going
to be each day – along with an overnight address. If the testers
turn up to the hour slot you have allocated and the athlete is not
there – it's a failed test. Three failed tests results in a ban.
These tests are known as in-hour tests. A tester can turn up at your
door unannounced – an out-of-hours test – however, if you are not
there, it doesn't matter. If you are there,you take the test. It
sounds relatively straight forward but it's actually quite a
difficult thing to get used to. Initially, I used to set my time slot
at 10pm (because I knew I would be awake and hear the knock on the
door) but various times I have been close to forgetting about my slot
as i've nipped out to Tesco or gone to the cinema – something so
small but ultimately being forgetful can get you into a lot of
trouble! I find it much easier allocating 6 or 7am as I know I will
definitely be in my house and most probably still in bed!
Out in Kenya, all funded GB athletes
were tested by anti-doping whom had sent out testers all the way to
Kenya but alas the same treatment wasn’t granted to other athletes
from different nations. An Olympic Champion and Olympic Silver
medallist were both in the camp and yet neither were tested (as far
as we are aware) – this completely baffles me. The athletes in
question were of a much higher standard than myself and yet they
aren't tested. Similarly, in the first quarter of this year - I was
tested every single month with a few extra tests after my races.
Justin Gatlin (convicted twice for drugs) has been tested three times
whilst Tyson Gay (convicted for drugs) has only been tested ONCE!
This confuses me to no end. Surely these people should be targeted
and tested on a weekly basis just to keep them on their toes, perhaps
slightly scaremonger them into thinking differently and from
committing the same error again! I have absolutely no qualms about
being tested day in day out, I am all for clean sport but I believe
all athletes should be treated equally. Something needs to be done in
order to make sure every nation is singing from the same hymn sheet.
Vo2
testing is not something I have focussed on much as an athlete. The
only time I have ever participated in the testings are for
pre-altitude camps with British Athletics – although the
information does fascinate me. My first ever test was in December
2012 followed up in March 2013 after spending a few weeks at altitude
– the difference was quite substantial.
Naturally
my body is very good with dealing with lactic and I hardly produce
any - which co-insides with a marathon runners profile (supposedly!)
- horrible to learn that the marathon is most suited to my
physiology. Awful news to my ears.
For
those who aren't familiar with what a sub maximal Vo2 test consists
of – you are running on a treadmill over 6-8 different stages. I
began at 7 minute miles which should be relatively easy for 3 minutes
of running. This is then repeated at increasing speeds down to around
4.50 minute miles. A mask is covering your face to measure
the volume of air expired along with the percentages of oxygen and
carbon dioxide in the expired air. It's a little uncomfortable to run
with but necessary for the testing. A heart rate monitor is also used
to keep an eye on heart rate zones. After every 3minute run, the
lactic in your blood is tested using a prick to your ear lobe.
The
Vo2 Max test – takes the athlete to near their maximal limit. In
the past, I have done it with increasing speed due to breaking my
foot but this time around I did it on elevation – which I found
much more difficult. The max tests continues you running on the
treadmill at a quick enough speed but every minute the elevation
increases by a percent.
My
Vo2 capacity was pretty average for an athlete but my running economy was
pretty good. (Find some explanations below!) The most unique quality is perhaps that I couldn't
increase my lactic level to above 4 throughout the entire sub-max
test until the final stage.
Perhaps
the most interesting part and helpful piece of information for me are
my heart rate zones. The tests give guidelines of what your heart
rates should be on easy recovery runs, tempo runs and in sessions. I
perhaps run my easy runs a little too slow – averaging 7 minutes or
slower but my heart rate is quite low at 143 average – for the time
being though – i'll stick to what i'm doing as I find the recovery
keeps me fresh for sessions. I have been running my tempo's a little
too slow so that is something I will definitely be aiming to improve
on over the next few months.
This
time around, I repeated the same test from 2012/13 to see what shape
I was in coming into these winter months off such an awful summer
season. I have been feeling much better since my break with no
illnesses or viruses to report which is the first time i've been
healthy in around 16 months! My tests came back better than ever –
even though I haven't been exposed to altitude all year and have had
to miss the first Kenyan Camp due to a heart complaint. So all is
looking good for the upcoming indoor season – hopefully I can
return to some sort of form and finally break some PB's!
For people wanting a little bit more in-depth stats. Here is the information we are given as athletes:
Lactate Threshold (LT): This is the first
increase in blood [La] above baseline
values. The speed at the LT is a strong
predictor of the average speed that
can be sustained in the marathon.
The speed and heart rate at the LT are
also useful in defining the transition
between “easy” and “steady” running
(see section 5 below).
Lactate Turnpoint (LTP): The LTP is
the running speed at which there is a
distinct “sudden and sustained”
breakpoint in blood [La]. Typically,
this occurs at 2.0-4.0 mM. The LTP
tends to occur at ~ 1-2 km/h above
the LT (the difference is smaller in
longer distance specialists and larger
in middle-distance runners). The LTP
can also be used to define the
transition between “steady” and
“threshold” running (see section 5
below).
Running economy: This is the VO2
required to run at sub-maximal
speeds. Running economy tends to be
better in elite runners (i.e. their VO2 is
lower at a given speed) and it is
associated with improved
performance. A common method for
assessing an athlete’s running
economy is to look at the VO2 in
ml/kg/min at 16.0 km/h and 1 % grade
(i.e. 6:00 min/mile pace). The average
in well trained runners at this speed is
52 ml/kg/min. Running economy can
also be expressed in units of mL
O2/kg/km. Irrespective of running
speed, the average economy is 200 mL
O2/kg/km.
On 3 dates. Oct'14, Mar'13, Dec'12
VO2max: This remains an important
measure of performance capability in
middle and long distance running.
While factors such as economy and
LT/LTP can partially compensate for a
relatively poor max in elite groups,
entry to those elite groups is still
limited by VO2max (i.e. the highest
rate at which ATP can be
resynthesised aerobically). It should be
noted that VO2max tends to be
highest in athletes who specialise in
events that are run close to VO2max
(that is, 3000 m and 5000 m). Other
factors may be more important at
shorter and longer distances.
The speed at VO2max (vVO2max): The
vVO2max can be useful in predicting
performance over 3000 m (and also
1500 and 5000 m). vVO2max is simply
calculated by multiplying the VO2max
(in mL/kg/min) by 60 and divided by
the mean running economy
determined during the first 4-5 stages
of the treadmill test (in mL O2/kg/km).
Training zones: The speed and HR
training zones given below are based
around physiological landmarks (see
explanation to the left) - the precise
boundaries are defined according to
the thresholds we’ve established
today.
When @Sea level: Speed is the
preferred option to monitor the
correct intensity of your session.
When @Altitude: It is important to
realise that speed zones wont reflect
the actual intensity zone so you will
need to use the heart rate zones in
this circumstance. Remember - it takes
a good few minutes (3 to 5 min) for HR
to come up to the level required.
