Due to a hectic semester and a busy season of racing, I fell behind on the monthly training updates. I will do my best to keep the club updated with training/racing in America!
I am flying back to New Mexico for what could be my last semester in the NCAA. The winter break did not go to plan, after picking up a cold then a chest infection resulting in my training suffering. We tend not to do much speed work in New Mexico given the extra time needed to recover from hard sessions at altitude. Therefor I was looking forward to getting some speed work at sea level over Christmas to get me set for the indoors season. I had planned on running the indoor 3k on the 3rd and the Portobello Promathon on New Years Day. Unfortunately I had to withdraw from both but managed to get a race at Holyrood in the International Relay at the Great Edinburgh Cross Country. I ran the 2x1km relay with Laura Muir and managed to get 3rd, a good result against a strong field.
Once I get back to New Mexico I will ease into training for a few days to allow the last of the chest infection to clear up. Also since I stayed an extra week at home to run Holyrood I will be straight back into classes. My first indoor race is on the 31st of January and I hope the lack of track work won’t have had too much of an affect on my performance. After that I have 2 more races within a month to conclude a short indoor season, giving me 5-6 weeks to prepare for outdoors.
I will have to make a decision soon as to whether I want to stay an extra year in America. I have an extra year of eligibility due to not running for my University in Scotland, however I am excited at the chance to come home and begin my career in Edinburgh. If indoors and outdoors go well, I may be inclined to stay, however the recent success in Scottish Distance running proves that there is nothing stopping athletes succeeding in Scotland.
