What’s up guys, I’m Jake Wightman and for those who don’t know me, I’m a British 1500m runner (and occasional 800m dabbler). I wanted to start sharing some stuff on here, and to begin with I’m going to give you a look at my 3 weeks of training in the build-up to running a 3:29 1500m in Monaco last Summer. This was a big PB for me and put me number 2 on the British all-time list for the event and helped me achieve a career goal of going under the 3:30 barrier. Hopefully the training data will speak for itself, but I’ll give you a bit of context around some of the stuff.
Indoor middle-distance records and all-time lists are under assault, you may have noticed.
Not just under assault, actually; more getting smashed – particularly the all-time lists. Pleasingly, Australians have also been involved.
Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay set a world record 3:53.09 in France on 9 February. Then last weekend, came an Australian...
One night back in the late-1970s, the announcer at Melbourne’s Olympic Park finally gave vent to his exasperation at the cat-and-mouse battle between two of Australia’s leading distance athletes on the track below for the Victorian men’s 5000 metres title.
“Doesn’t anyone want to win this race,” he cried.
I couldn’t...
In our sport, recovery is very important as we put so much pressure on our body and we demand so much from it day after day. To be able to get what we want from our body, it’s important to care for ourselves, especially after doing a hard race or session that can leave the body feeling stiff and sore. Below are 5 recovery tips, as well as some convenient alternatives to have you feeling more ready for your next race or session.
In this extensive Runner’s Tribe series the world’s best ultra and trail runners share their training. Every few days we will be posting a new athletes’ weekly program during a peak training period. Next up we have record-breaking ultramarathoner who's represented Great Britain, Damian Hall.
Profile
Home Town: Nailsworth
Favourite...
Are you chasing that elusive sub 3hr marathon? Not sure exactly how to do it? Benita Willis (Oceania marathon record holder - 2hr22) has listed 12 key things to think about:
Be realistic – is it attainable for you this year? Sometimes you are better off taking smaller chunks...
When Jessica Hull ran 8:36.03 to set a new Australian women’s record for 3000 metres last September, it was widely – and correctly – reported that she had broken Benita Willis’s previous mark set over 17 years earlier in 2003.
Willis, in turn, had run 8:38.06 to finally better the...
From day one, Melbourne Track Club has been the home of some of Australia’s, and the world’s, best athletes. Founded by Nic Bideau, his group has grown bigger and better over the decades and been a successful passion project from day one. Many distance greats have gone before us and paved the way for all the current members today, and with our group being more inclusive than ever before, many athletes have had the opportunity to rub shoulders with Australia’s best. I have been a part of MTC since late 2013 when I decided to move from college in Florida back to Australia. I have been lucky enough to have trained with many of the amazing athletes that have come and gone over the years. Today I thoroughly enjoy training, traveling and competing with a such strong group of athletes and personalities that make this group a fun and supportive environment to be amongst.
Quick question. Is Nick Willis one of the best 1500/mile runners of his generation because he has now broken four minutes for the mile for 19 consecutive years? Or has he broken four minutes for the mile for 19 consecutive years because he is one of the best 1500/mile...
There are many different ways to approach race tactics. No two races are the same, and depending on the type of runner you are, there will be a certain style of race execution that is best suited to you. They key is to try a range of different tactics and work out what feels right. There are front runners who like to lead the whole way or be close to the front, kickers who like to be at the back and finish hard late, runners who like to sit mid pack, and versatile athletes who who can do it all. Working out what is best for you is the key.
