The athletics season is over and Susanna Banjo updates us on how 2021 has gone on the observe for the 400m runner.
The 2021 athletics season has come to an finish and as I look again and analyse the 12 months, it’s simple to have a look at the issues that didn’t go nicely fairly than the fixed enhancements I’ve made and likewise the consistency of my performances.
My highlights of the 12 months have been, South of England Champion, England Champs Bronze Medallist, England Worldwide 4x400m Relay Champion, ran 6 of my high 10 all time performances within the 400m this 12 months, 400m PBs and likewise ran my quickest 200m occasions since 2013.
My proudest second this 12 months was undoubtedly successful a Bronze medal within the 400m on the England Championships, which passed off at Bedford Worldwide Athletics Stadium on the seventeenth and 18th of July.
Getting it accomplished within the warmth
There have been two rounds of the competitors, the Heats have been on a Saturday and the Closing was on a Sunday. It was in all probability one of many hottest days within the 12 months, however I actually take pleasure in operating when the climate is scorching and I’m use to coaching in these circumstances, being in South Africa early on within the 12 months.
I’ve competed on the England Championships many occasions earlier than from the 100m as much as the 400m and have by no means gained a medal, my greatest efficiency prior was 4th place within the 400m in 2017.
So was very completely satisfied to get a medal and execute a ‘good’ race.
I got down to truly win the race, however you by no means know what is going to occur on the day, all you are able to do is put your self in the absolute best place each bodily and mentally.
Executing nicely on race day
I are likely to do rather a lot a respiration workout routines main as much as a race to calm the thoughts and likewise a couple of days earlier than visualise how I wish to execute my race plan.
I really feel I executed the race plan nicely on the day however there have been a couple of issues I might of modified, however I assume as an athlete we’re at all times looking for extra.
I gained my 400m warmth on the Saturday and felt good entering into to the ultimate, operating the primary spherical a day earlier than has it’s benefits as you already really feel warmed up for the ultimate, if there are rounds, I are likely to run quicker the subsequent day.
Working again to again days of the 400m could be robust, so you need to take particular care and handle your physique one of the best ways you.
I attempted to sleep early, eat nicely, made my very own meals fairly than go to Nandos which I beloved to do once I was youthful, made positive I warmed down after my warmth and likewise entering into to the ultimate the subsequent day, conserving as a lot power as attainable from the journey to the stadium to my heat up.
Did I additionally point out I additionally ran a brand new private better of 53.23!
Being a powerful a part of the workforce
By successful a Bronze medal on the England Championships, I used to be chosen to compete for England in 4x400m relay at Manchester Worldwide on the 18th of August.
The occasion passed off at Manchester Regional Athletics Stadium which is true subsequent to Manchester Metropolis’s Etihad Stadium.
This was my second time competing for England within the 4x400m relay. The primary time was at Loughborough Worldwide and we gained the relay in 2019.
We additionally gained the relay in Manchester and I actually loved being a part of the England workforce once more, the England employees have been very supportive, which actually helped me to be calm and I wished to offer my greatest for the workforce.
I ran on the primary leg, which they are saying is the ‘hardest leg’, however I handled it just like how I’d run a traditional 400m and was decided to go the baton to my teammate first, which I did efficiently.
I’m pleased with how my season has gone total however not happy.
Photograph: Offered by athlete
Holding motivated all through the season
Watching the Olympics was nice, however it was a reminder that I had not reached my principal purpose of the 12 months, which was competing on the 2021 Olympic Video games in Tokyo.
Discovering the motivation to maintain going all through the season was troublesome, however was decided to complete the season wholesome and robust, so was grateful that there was an England Championships to goal for and likewise a possibility to be part of an England workforce.
As I look to winter coaching, with 4 Worldwide Competitions to goal for in 2022, the European Championships, World Indoors Championships, Commonwealth Video games and World Championships.
I’m excited in regards to the subsequent few years main as much as 2024 Olympic Video games in Paris and I’m wanting ahead to persevering with to study, develop and progress.
Thanks to everybody who has supported me this 12 months, particular because of Efficiency Plus Sport, a charity who has supported my athletics journey over the previous three years and has performed an enormous half within the athlete I’m in the present day.