Running in the sun makes the legs move faster.

Sun really does make training that bit more enjoyable, especially when its building up to outdoor track season and the training each day is intense and quick. Of course I secretly love it. With Easter later than usual this year the weather in Portugal was almost perfect. There was the odd rain shower but in warm conditions it was nice to cool off. Portugal went well training wise and sessions were completed. I'm also at university so sadly there wasn't much chance of lying in the sun trying to get a tan as there was revision to do for end of year exams. Honestly I don't really tan anyway but its always worth a try!

Indoor season seemed to end as quickly as it started but running a PB 2:03:58 was the highlight. Although completely shocked at this I couldn't be happier and know that it bodes well for outdoors. I also ran the Sainsbury's British Athletics Championships and finishing third in my first senior championship outing was a big confidence boost and gave me a platform to build on.

This will hopefully be a big year for me, as it is for many other athletes with hopes and aspirations to run in The Commonwealth Games which is pretty much a home competition for us Northern Ireland athletes. My qualifying time to make the Northern Irish team is 2:03:50 for the 800m, which i am only 0.08 of a second off.

My outdoor season started in Greystones, Ireland. A nice wee 800m race in the worst conditions possible. Gale force winds and lashing rain made this a tough race and one I can write off as brushing out the cobwebs. In my training group we call the first race of the season the ‘rustbuster’ basically meaning it never goes well but you have to get it out of your system and get the legs moving again. I ran a respectable 2:05:02 which in conditions was better than expected and was actually an outdoor PB for me. This week I head to Watford to race in a BMC, my only wish is for better conditions than the previous race. The start lists are up and with a lot of top class athletes signed up it should be a good quality race and i cant wait to get in the middle of the pack and mix it with the other athletes. 

I will try to get another post up next week after my race this weekend to let you all know how it goes and what my plans are for going on in the weeks to come. With all the training and racing I have to say thank you to New Balance @NBRunning @NewBalanceUK @newbalance for the continued support, what you provide me with is essential and I am extremely thankful. 

Until next time

Katie x