September 2004 - by Ken Norris

Training on your own is not easy.

Try to meet up with a friend at least once a week or once a fortnight, so that you can suffer together. We know it's difficult but it is worth making the effort. If you are a runner, don't set out to run your companion into the ground, rather, take it in turns to lead, particularly if it is interval running of some kind. In my opinion, just to go out and run as fast as you can over a distance is both boring and does not build up strength and speed, and if the weather is bad, it's very depressing. Run hard with the wind to your back and not into the teeth of a gale all the time. If you are a field events performer, watch your training partner's technique to see if there is anything you can suggest which will improve it.

Try Something Different.

Winter looms and there is no longer the pressure of a competition next week. That being the case, why not occasionally try a different event. You may have the hidden talent to be a jumper or thrower or the speed to be a 400 metre runner. It also breaks the monotony.

It's Winter so I'm not racing till next summer.

It seems like a great idea.....but it is very difficult to maintain your enthusiasm throughout the winter. There has to be a reason why YOU should go out and train TODAY ! A cross country race or two or an impromptu throwing or jumping competition between a group of friends will help to motivate you and also tell you whether or not that change to your action has made a difference. Don't go 3 months without any form of competition. Remember also, that whatever event you are doing, it is always necessary to be FAST and that includes being fast across the circle and in the run up. 50 years ago, I remember an international sprinter picking up a discus for the first (and only) time in his life and throwing 45 metres because he was FAST

Take a Rest

It might seem like a great idea to train seven days a week, rain or shine, but your body needs a break sometimes. You have to give the body time to recover, then you will gain more strength for the hard days. Vary your training so that it is not EYEBALLS-OUT every day. Vary your week with speed, strength and technique.