Update from Neil Gourley
We caught up with Neil at his base in Flagstaff, Arizona, to ask him how his preparations have been going for the forthcoming indoor season.
‘Training has been going well. It’s been hard graft, not made any easier by the 3 feet of snow that has recently fallen here – which is unusual even for Flagstaff! We’ve been able to work round that, though, and it’s been great to have the chance to consistently undertake the strength work that‘s going to be needed to run the times that are required to do well at championships in the 1500m right now’
Neil raced a couple of times before Christmas, first running an 18 second PB in an indoor 5,000m to improve the Scottish best time he already held. He then won a road mile (3.56) in the altogether sunnier climes of Hawaii where he enjoyed some warm weather training in amongst the sightseeing.
What about his schedule for the indoor season?
‘I’m really keen to get racing as it’s only then that you see where you really are. The races will now come thick and fast over the next few weeks. It’s quite a packed schedule with a race each weekend and hopefully two at the British Champs, where the aim is to qualify for the European Indoor Championships which are being held this year in Istanbul at the beginning of March.’
‘I’m looking forward to being at home for a few weeks, being spoiled by my mum and hopefully I’ll be able to get to one or two Giffnock North training sessions and I’ll be back racing in Giffnock colours at the British Champs.’
Neil’s planned schedule:
Saturday 4th February: New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, Boston – Tommy Leonard Memorial Mile 5.30 pm local time 10.30 pm UK time
Saturday 11th February: Millrose Games, New York – Wanamaker Mile 5.51 pm local time 10.51pm UK time
Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th February: British Championships, Birmingham
Saturday 25th February World Indoor Tour Final, Birmingham
The two American meets are being shown live on Viaplay in the UK, both part of the World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold Level which should be available free on Channel 553 on Virgin TV or Channel 422 on Sky.
The fields in both of the American races are really strong, in particular the famous Wanamaker Mile:
Good luck to Neil from all at Giffnock North AC