Elite Diary - November

Friday, 1st December 2006

I started this training block with a squad training camp based out at Howarth, in the middle of the Pennines. The camp was aimed at cycling and running, with long hilly rides, and fell runs the main emphasis. I rode with a group of strong riders, and bagged a lot of really tough climbs on both days. The weather was pretty nasty, with a number of near disasters due to the gale force winds.

My next week was an easier week, culminating in my bike and run tests in the lab at the weekend. These consisted of VO2Max and sub-maximal tests on the SRM ergometer and treadmill on consecutive days. My results all showed improvement for all my thresholds etc. Considering the form I felt I was in I was pretty happy with this.

Two days later I flew to Ethiopia for my Great Ethiopian Run Experience. I had an amazing time, and witnessed some real life-changing moments. The run itself was a bit of a disaster for me, but the trip as a whole was a real eye-opener. I also got to spend time with some of the greatest athletes of all time; a once in a lifetime experience does not some it up!!.

I returned from Ethiopia with a slight stomach bug and was very tired, so I decided to go home and recover properly for a few days!! Home cooking seemed very appealing after my time away. I managed to resume normal training towards the end of the week, and decided I was fit enough to run a leg in the Leeds University Relays. I had a fairly solid run, particularly as I'm not a fan of running in heavy mud. The race was a good workout though, and after spending a week training at 3200metres it felt good to be able to breathe properly!!

That's it for now - I start December with a lovely camp in my hometown of Lancaster, and will have a couple more weeks in Leeds before going home for the festive season.

Thanks for reading - train hard.

Steve Worthington is well poised to achieve his ultimate professional ambition of representing his country at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. 2006 saw him represent Great Britain in the aquathlon at the World Championships and he was invited by Brendan Foster to race at the Great Ethiopian Run. He is currently under the experienced guidance of Jack Maitland at the BTA North of England Performance Centre.