Joslyn's Blog Spot - An afternoon with the GB 2012 hopefuls...

Last Wednesday afternoon, I got the opportunity to meet some of the GB 2012 hopefuls and have a chat with them about their training, nutrition and their advice on how to stay motivated.

I met sprinters, hurdlers and pole vaulters, all incredibly lean, and all incredibly focused. My first, chat was with Joey Duck (200m). I think what Joey had to say stuck in my mind the most of all of the girls. With incredible focus on making it to 2012, Joey has no problem keeping herself motivated, however when I asked her what she would say to somebody who struggles to keep themselves fit, she replied "Don't do it to change the way you look...do it because you love it." It makes sense. If you love something, you have no problem doing it, and the aesthetics come as a given.



(No, I'm not jealous that not only is she an amazing athlete, but tall, pretty, and really nice to boot...truly...not jealous)

Next there was Perri Shakes-Drayton (Hurdles) who seems to take everything in her stride. Her advice to stay motivated is just to never forget what it feels like when you hit victory. She said, once you have that feeling, everything is worth it.



(Again, tall, pretty, talented...I'm over it!!)

All of the girls have a fantastic balance of training: circuits; sports specific drills; and plyometrics. I was most jealous of Kate Dennison (Pole Vault) who gets to do acrobatics and gymnastics as part of her training programme! Similarly, food is their fuel, and rest is a necessity.

I think what struck me the most about the girls was the sheer intensity of their drive complemented with an unbelieveably calm exterior. They know where the want to get to, so they do what they have to do to get there, it's as simple and as complicated as that.