Asda Athletes

As my last blog was 8 months ago I thought it was about time for an update!!

So the 2010 season ended in September, I had a month off training to reflect upon the season and to spend time with my family and friends. I also enjoyed watching the Commonwealth Games, the opening ceremony alone made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and made me itch to get back to the track! At that point I made a promise to myself that I will not be sat on my sofa watching the opening ceremony of London’s 2012 Olympics!

I was fairly pleased with my achievements in 2010; I retained my Under 23 National Triple Jump title which was my main aim for the season. However I was not satisfied with the distance I jumped (12.69m) as I know I have the potential to jump 13m+. After reflecting upon the season with my coach, we decided that many factors affected my performances last year. Firstly, since graduating from university I had a change in lifestyle to cope with. I needed to balance working part time with training part time in order to have the funds to continue living in West London and training with my coach Keith. Secondly, in preparation for the 2010 season I experienced a lack of confidence when completing my plyometrics training. Plyometrics is a fundamental part of training for the triple jump as it trains the body to convert speed in to power and therefore provides ‘explosiveness’. So after numerous bad plyometrics session I found I spent most of the season feeling flat and not my usual ‘springy’ self. Thirdly, we noted that although there were physical aspects holding me back, my mental approach to training and competition needed to change in order for me to fulfil my potential.

So after spending a few days in Devon relaxing with my family I returned to training in October with a more positive attitude and a desire to break the 13m barrier. Meanwhile Keith had been working on a training plan to help me physically and mentally in the pursuit of my goals for 2011.

The difference in the quality of my training this year has been remarkable, and that has made a dramatic impact on my happiness and my confidence. I continue to work part time but feel that I am able to organise my time more efficiently this year.

The indoor season commenced shortly after Christmas and I began by jumping off a shorter approach to allow me to focus on some technical aspects I’d been working on with Keith. This weekend (6th Feb) I am competing at the Birmingham Games and then next weekend I will be travelling to Sheffield to compete in the biggest event of my indoor season – The Aviva Indoor Trial & UK Championships – in which I hope to medal!

So…as always I’d like to thank Asda for their continued support. Also thank you to my family, my coach and my friends for their support and their unrelenting belief in me and my ability to reach my goals.

Much love,

Claire xx

After my last blog entry I was full of optimism and excitement for the coming season, but as athletes we all have our highs and lows – and April was a testing time for me.

I have a huge desire to be a successful sportswoman and such high aspirations for myself that when training was going ‘OK’ I wasn’t satisfied – I’d want it to be excellent all of the time. Some may think that striving for excellence is a great attribute for an athlete to posses but I was starting to doubt my ability and I had a huge dent in my confidence. My coach could see that I was putting unnecessary pressure on myself and noticed that I’d stopped chatting to him about what was on my mind. We both knew it was time for a good chat!! So I tried explaining to Keith how I was feeling and at that point I even laughed at how silly the words coming out of my mouth sounded!! Keith gave me the good shake up I needed. He helped rebuild my confidence by reminding me how much hard work I had put into my preparation for the outdoor season and how much talent I have.

As May (and some sunshine!) approached, I felt much happier and more relaxed and training was going well =) I opened up my season with a jump of 11.98m off a short run up (12 strides). It was so nice to get back on the track in a competitive environment! Two weeks later I competed at the Devon County Championships at my home track in Braunton. My mum, dad, sister, brother, brother-in-law and nephew were all watching and I wanted to make them proud! I won the competition, jumping 12.32 from a 14 stride run up.

So… things are definitely heading in the right direction =) And I have regained that optimism and excitement for the season. My targets haven’t changed. I am in great physical shape to achieve my goals and I am working with Keith to develop my mental strength.

I guess I’m still learning what it takes to be a successful sportswoman and in some way the bad days have made the good days seem better.

Again I want to thank my coach – Keith Fleming, my parents – Rob and Lorraine Linskill, my family, flatmates and closest friends for providing their support and encouragement over the past few weeks.

The way I see it… If I want the rainbow, I’ve got to put up with the rain from time to time!

Much love,

Claire xx

After always wanting to write my own blog – the chance has arisen and I feel a little lost for words! Which if you ask my friends and family they’d say “rarely happens”!!

So a little bit about myself…I grew up in Devon but moved to London in 2006 to study Sports Science at Brunel University. It was a big move and change in lifestyle but a decision I don’t regret. The only regret I do have is not meeting my coach – Keith Fleming – sooner!

Although I was enjoying university and life in the City, I had no coach and I was training alone. Subsequently my 2007 and 2008 seasons were very disappointing. I lost my passion for athletics, coming away from every competition in tears was not fun =( It was June 2008 when Keith approached me and expressed that he believed I had a lot of potential as a triple jumper but I needed the correct guidance. He wanted to help me back to the top of my sport.

So in September 2008 I began training under Keith’s guidance. Although the training was tough, I loved the group environment – training alongside some of the country’s finest triple/long jumpers. Keith helped me re-discover my love for athletics and for that I am extremely grateful. The hard work paid off with a very successful 2009 season – I was British Universities Champion, U23 National Champion, Senior South of England silver medalist and I won my first senior national medal (bronze). To top it all off, I fulfilled my childhood dream of representing Great Britain.

So…I am currently preparing for the 2010 season, training 6 days a week and working part time so I can continue to live in London. My aims for the coming season are to retain my U23 national title and to qualify for the Commonwealth Games by jumping 13.20m.

I’ll be updating my blog regularly so you’ll get to hear more about days in the life of me =) Please take a look at my gallery and feel free to leave comments on this page.

Finally I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Asda and SportsAid – I am extremely grateful for their support. I’d also like the say that without the financial and emotional support from my parents, family and closest friends none of this would have been possible.

Love you all xx