Louise Damen - an interview

Kinetic Health and Fitness caught up with last year's winner and course record holder Louise Damen

Louise runs for Winchester and District, and whilst being one of the country's top athletes also works full time as a PE teacher.

How long have you been running for?

Since I was 14. I got involved at secondary school and my PE teacher suggested that I joined the local athletics club.

What are your top three greatest achievement to date?

2003 European U23 10000m bronze, 2004 World University Cross Country Championships-individual silver & team gold, 2007 winning the Reading Half Marathon & breaking the course record

What are your goals for 2008?

To qualify for the World Cross Country Championships in Edinburgh, and to run sub 70 mins for the half marathon

What is your ultimate running ambition?

To run the marathon in front of a home crowd in London 2012

Do you always run with a particular race in mind?

I sit down with my coach every few months and we discuss and devise a race plan. I will then tailor my training specifically towards certain races. Right now I’m focusing on the European cross country championships.

How many miles do you run a week?

Typically 90-100

What is your favourite type of training session?

Reps over cross country terrain or road reps

What is your least favourite?

Track sessions

Do you have a favourite running route?

I love running off road, especially on forest trails.

Do you prefer training on your own or in a group and why?

I prefer training in a group as I enjoy the social side & I’ve got some fantastic friends in my training group in Winchester. I also find it easier to push myself during tough sessions if I have company. However sometimes I enjoy going for a steady run on my own as it gives me the opportunity to ‘escape’ from everyday life and to reflect on things.

Do you do any strength or core training to help with your running?

I spend around 90 mins in the gym each week lifting weights and doing conditioning work. I also do 60 mins of pilates each week and spend a further 90 mins on dynamic flexibility, drills & circuit training.

Do you ever use treadmills in your training or is it exclusively outside?

The only time I use a treadmill is if I have a slight injury that I need to protect. That way I can guarantee that the surface I’m running on is flat and good under foot. Otherwise all of my running is done outside.

Will your training change over the festive period?

Not massively. I will still enjoy going for a run on Christmas Day.! If anything I’ll be able to increase my training slightly as I won’t have to work over the festive period.

What is it that gets you out of bed in the morning to go for a run?

I just love the buzz I get from going for a run.

How do you cope with those days when you just don’t feel like running?

Sometimes the hardest step is getting out the door but I think about how good I’ll feel when I come home. I’m very lucky in that my boyfriend is a good runner (14.17 for 5k) so we often run together. I also run with my coach, who’s a great motivator.

Do you listen to music when you run?

Occasionally. Usually on my easier recovery runs.

Do you have any tips on keeping motivation high when the training gets tough?

Try to arrange to run with other people. If you know you’re meeting someone for a run it can provide that extra incentive. Set yourself realistic short term goals. Write them down and then stick them on the wall so that you can be reminded of what you’re striving to achieve when the going gets tough.

Do you follow a strict diet?

I just try to eat a good balanced diet with plenty of carbohydrate and not too much junk.

What are your food weaknesses?

Chocolate and pizza.

Do you have any tips or foods that you swear by for training?

Yogurt raisins are one of my favourites. They are really high in carbohydrate and are great for refuelling after a hard session.

Will you having a bit of a blow out around Christmas?

I will enjoy some treats but won’t go too mad. I find a lot of Xmas food too rich when I’m training hard and need to keep up the quality carbohydrates and proteins to provide me with energy and to maintain a good immune system.

Good luck in 2008's race Louise, and we're sure we will be seeing you on the winner's podium once again!