Cockroft describes “absolute killer” 800m training regime

British Paralympic and world champion is enjoying the challenge of tackling a new distance. 23 Jan 2015
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Hannah Cockroft of Great Britain

Hannah Cockroft of Great Britain wins the Women's 100m T34 during the Diamond League at Alexander Stadium on August 24, 2014 in Birmingham, England

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By IPC

“I’m learning everyday something new. I do mess up on some things so I have to learn it. It’s made the sport exciting again for me.”

Great Britain’s Hannah Cockroft, who is aiming for three world titles at October’s IPC Athletics World Championships in Doha, Qatar, has described training for her new event, the 800m, as an “absolute killer”.

The T34 wheelchair racer has dominated her class since breaking onto the international scene in 2011, breaking multiple world records and winning Paralympic, world and European titles.

But in 2014, Cockroft faced a new challenge as the 800m was introduced as a medal event for her T34 class at major events. It is a move that has been welcomed by the Yorkshire born athlete.

“I think it’s not only good for me to have that challenge but it’s good for our event,” said the 22-year-old who won gold over the distance at last year’s European Championships in Swansea, Great Britain.

“People come to watch a race but when they see me in a sprint they see me in a time trial and they see a race behind me.

“But in the 800m because there are two or three girls close to my time any of us could take the race. It’s all about who is tactically ready on the day, who is the fittest on the day and who is just ready for it.”

Cockroft admits she is little scared about the 800m but believes the nerves are having a positive effect on her. The bad news for her rivals though is that it is making her train even harder than before.

“I’m feeling fitter than ever right now and who knows how I will feel in October because it’s so far away. It adds a whole new excitement level to it,” she said.

“We’re doing a lot more distance right now. When I was just training for the sprints I was just doing about 10km in every session, which is about six miles. Now a short session for me is 10 miles long. That can be 10 miles of sprints, 10 miles of continuous pushing or 10 miles on my hand bike. That’s the shortest session we do.

“It’s an absolute killer. I still struggle with it.

“But because it’s a challenge, it’s what makes it more appealing to me. I go out there and I want to make 10 miles easy so I can step up to the next level and that means I’m getting stronger.

“I’m lifting a lot more weight in the gym and I’m spending more time there.”

In order to win 800m gold in Doha, Cockroft realises she also needs to improve tactically and they key for her between now and October is learning.

“It’s a massive learning curve. There is a lot that I still need to learn.

“I’m learning everyday something new. I do mess up on some things so I have to learn it. It’s made the sport exciting again for me.”

The 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships in Doha, Qatar, will take place between 22-31 October.