New Year, New You!

Posted 20 January 2011 by Sally Gunnell

I'm glad we're in to January. I'm a bit of a one for the mince pies, mulled wine, turkey and trimmings. I get a little too comfy by the Christmas fire and you can guess the rest... The best way for me to get myself going in the New Year is to set a goal. When I was competing, I'd take a month off at the end of the season. I'd really let go, eat what I wanted and laze around the house. Afterwards, I'd sit with my coach and plan out the following season's targets.

Today, my goals are a bit more modest than they were, but they're just as important for getting me off the sofa. I find it hard to get started if I've got nothing to aim for.So, I'm preparing to complete a mountain biking event in early Summer. I've got a lot of work to do, but I've got time to train for a decent performance.

When I set goals, I have a few little rules to help me:
    •    Make it challenging but not impossible -worth striving for, but not too hard or too easy to achieve
    •    Find something new or different to vary things -I get less bored if I pop in a non-run related goal
    •    Rope in a mate or two - it's much harder to miss training if I'm going to let down my chums!

I've also learned some good tricks:
    •    Build up gradually - let the body adjust over a number of weeks to avoid injury
    •    Follow a proper programme - the structure brings clarity and discipline
    •    Cross train - swimming, cycling and yoga really help me to get fitter and stronger…plus, if I run less, I get less backache!

I don't diet, mainly because I like my food and drink too much to give them up! Instead, I cut out naughty treats on weekdays. A weekend glass of wine tastes better when I've earned it; the "new me" needs a little pampering, otherwise "old me" will be back in charge by February!

Sally Gunnell