by Nadia Sinclair

Being labelled one of the fastest women in British history, our sprint champion has graced the track in both the 100m and 200m sprints. Her trophy case shines with a bronze from the 4 x100m relay at the celebrated Rio Games of 2016, and also a silver in the 4 x 100m relay from the 2017 World Athletics Championships.

Track Training Insights

Our sprint queen keeps a gruelling schedule, hitting the track five to six days every week. And we’re not talking about brief workouts – her grinding regimen involves four to six hours of intense training. Last winter, our champion put her focus on developing a strong cardio foundation. As winter cedes place to warmer months, the lengths of her runs reduce. She prepares for her 100m dash by covering 150m and 200m, while she practices 250m and 300m runs for the 200m event. Keeping things diverse and fresh, her weekly routine includes tempo runs – designed to maintain precise technique – explosive speed sessions, and plyometric drills, where leaping over hurdles takes centre stage.

Strength Equals Speed

Strength doesn’t just imply the power to lift heavy weights. It also involves harnessing that strength, coupling it with speed for an explosive performance. Our champion does 3 weekly sessions of strength training, each lasting an hour and a half. The goal is to manage the explosive power needed to dart out of the start blocks and sprint to the finish line. This is achieved by rubber-banding heavy lifting with fast, dynamic exercises like hang cleans, Olympic snatches, and fast-paced squats.

Meal Plans and Rest

Our darling sprinter is keen on acknowledging the integral role of nutrition in athletic performance. Eating right is as important as training right. High protein, low carb diets rich in fruits and vegetables are her weaponry of choice in the fight for optimal fitness. Of course, occasional cravings and sweet treats do sneak in, but moderation is key. She also ensures that she gets enough sleep to reset and reenergize her body. Nightly doses of chelated magnesium tablets have been a staple in her routine since 2016, helping soothe her nervous system for a restful, restorative night of sleep.

Saluting Mental Strength

Our champion doesn’t shy away from declaring her struggles and seeking help. She countenances the courage and strength it takes to seek professional assistance, fostering a positive mental space. She stays dutifully organized, abiding by a strict regime for taking vitamins and nutrients, contributing to her overall wellbeing and energy.

Let’s take a leaf out of our champion’s fitness and health journal and help ourselves live better and perform optimally. Whether you’re a full-time athlete, a weekend warrior, or an occasional jogger, there’s wisdom to glean from her training and rituals.

female athletes, sprint training, strength training for sprinters, nutrition for athletes, recovery and sleep, stress management, women’s health, health and fitness, athletics