Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Imani-Lara Lansiquot Masterclass: Half Marathon Guide Shakes For Days
Imani-Lara Lansiquot Masterclass: Half Marathon Guide Shakes For Days
GUIDE
GET READY TO RACE
IMANI-LARA LANSIQUOT
MASTERCLASS
SPRINT EXPERTISE FROM AN
+
OLYMPIC MEDALLIST
ALSO INCLUDED
LEAN MACHINE PLUS
BUILD & MAINTAIN BOXER VIDDAL RILEY, OLYMPIAN
LEAN MUSCLE LAUREN WILLIAMS & MORE
EDITORS’ LETTER
WELCOME TO
PACE EDITION
Joint Editors-in-Chief
CREDITS
CONTENT
Jennifer Blow, Editor-in-Chief:
jennifer.blow@thehutgroup.com
Kieron Curtis, Editor-in-Chief:
kieron.curtis@thehutgroup.com
Monica Green, Features Editor:
monica.green@thehutgroup.com
Lauren Dawes, Recipes Editor
Edward Dixon, Sub-Editor:
edward.dixon@thehutgroup.com
Emily Wilcock, Editorial Assistant:
emily.wilcock@thehutgroup.com
PARTNERSHIPS
Ryan Cummings, Head of Affiliates
& Commercial Partnerships:
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Inbar Michaelis, Senior
Partnerships Executive: inbar.
michaelis@thehutgroup.com
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james.boothby@thehutgroup.com
Josh Eckersley, Content
Partnerships Manager:
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CREATIVE
Mike Raven, Creative Director
Alexia May, Project Manager
Rob Dewhirst, Creative
Services Team Leader
Chris Cottam, Lead Creative
Artworker
Magdalena Marcinska, Illustrator
Sean Waring, Producer
Fran Hughes, Retouch
Bethany Partington, Photographer
Jay Chow, Photographer
AUTHORS
Liam Agnew, BSc Sports & Exercise Science
Chris Appleton, BA (Hons) Sports Coaching
Jenaed Gonçalves Brodell, Registered
Dietitian (HCPC)
Sean Butt, MYP/PT
Richie Kirwan, PhD Researcher and
MSc Nutrition & Metabolism
Claire Muszalski, MSc Clinical
Dietetics & Nutrition
Nerissa Shea, MYP/PT
Scott Whitney, MSc Strength & Conditioning
Jamie Wright, MSc Human Nutrition
IN THIS ISSUE
05 09 13
BROKEN DOWN THE HEALTHY SHRED IT’S LEG DAY
The latest research in terms you Things to consider when entering Next-level leg workouts to freshen
can understand. a ‘shred’. up your routine.
16 22
SHAKES FOR DAYS SAVAGE STATE OF MIND
Macro-packed shake recipes to We chat the highs and lows of functional
fuel your week. fitness with one of Ireland’s finest.
25 27
MEET LAUREN WILLIAMS 12, 3, 30 WORKOUT REVIEWED
Get to know the medal-winning MYP/PT reviews the trending workout
Team GB athlete.
29
ON THE COVER: SPRINT MASTERCLASS WITH IMANI-LARA LANSIQUOT
Elite advice to shave time off your sprints.
PLUS...
35 40
RISING TO THE CHALLENGE WITH TAYLOR JAMES MEAL PREP LIKE A PRO
How one man changed his Recipes from a medal-winning
relationship with food for the better. Olympian.
44 48 52
GET RACE SEASON READY FIGHTING FIRE WITH FIT FAKEAWAY
Training to get you across the In conversation with a trailblazing PT Foolproof ways to recreate your
finish line. takeaway faves.
57
PRO TRAINING: VIDDAL RILEY
The PRO boxer and YouTuber shares a routine
60 63 67
LEAN MACHINE TWENTY'S PLENTY GLOSSARY
Exercises to build and maintain lean An effective routine for those short Time to bust some fitness industry
muscle mass. on time. jargon.
BROKENDOWN
RichieKirwan:
RESEARCH IN TERMS
MSc & PhD Researcher
REFERENCES
big concerns about eggs. And what was
really interesting is those eating the eggs
h a d high e r dieta r y intakes of ch o lin e
and selenium, nutrients that are often low in 1. Zamir A, Ben-Zeev T, Hoffman JR
vegan and plant-based diets. (2021) Manipulation of Dietary Intake
on Changes in Circulating Testosterone
This is a really promising study because it Concentrations. Nutrients 13 (10):3375
shows people might be able to get the best
2. Kirwan R, Isanejad M, Davies IG, Mazidi
of both worlds with the health-promoting M (2021) Genetically Determined Serum
effects of plant-based diets as well as the 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Is Associated with
added nutrient density (and deliciousness) Total, Trunk, and Arm Fat-Free Mass:
A Mendelian Randomization Study.
of eggs. The journal of nutrition, health & aging.
doi:10.1007/s12603-021-1696-1
HONEST.
PRACTICAL.
EVIDENCE BASED.
AVAILABLE NOW ON
THE
Healthy
SHRED
By Jamie Wright,
Head Coach at Balance (BSc, MSc, ANutr)
“Shredding”; the art of dieting oneself down to a lower body the belief that you need to lose fat to be worthy in this world
fat percentage to show off those hard-earned gym gains. that’s actually negative.
Summertime will descend upon us before we realise If you’re making a health change it’s important to do it for the
and, with that, comes the annual shredding season (which right reasons. Not for anybody else. Not to look a certain way
typically starts in spring, making sure you’re ready to hit the because someone you saw on TikTok said so. There’s no need
ground running come summer). to shed love handles or thaw out a thigh gap with an extreme
While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to drop fat-burning workout and unrealistic diet plan.
some body fat to feel more confident in the warmer months, No. Change is for you and your health. Your happiness. Your
we’re often confronted with messaging (particularly from the richest, most fulfilled life. Achieving this may not even require
media and dieting industry) that we need to lose fat to be aesthetic goals.
considered attractive or worthy of attention. Motivation for your goals should come from within. The
These messages often come hand in hand with increasingly all-important why, especially in relation to your health. You
more extreme fad diet trends that do little else but boast about should never feel compelled to change just to meet someone
their capacity to facilitate rapid weight loss. Truthfully, weight else’s expectations, or to be accepted by a group based on
loss isn’t negative when it improves your overall health; it’s how you look.
FADS COME
AND GO.
LET THEM.
Fad diets and fitness trends are often no more than false claims,
a waste of time, energy and money. You need to find the right
diet and exercise for you, one that supports your goals while
maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The number one signal that a diet isn’t right for you is
if it starts to take away from other elements of your life. If
you aren’t enjoying it, try something else. Say no to fruitless
(sometimes literally) fads this year.
Fad diets also pose health risks, with dieters being at greater
risk of developing body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem and
eating disorders.1
Some signs of this are:
KEEP IT
SIMPLE
Now how to fuel your exercise If it’s longer than 60 minutes, refuel your
specifically. It’s easier than you’d think: energy levels with a carb gel, or more
Hydration: Generally speaking, urine dried fruit.4
should be straw yellow when you’re well Make the most of post: Post-workout
hydrated; aim for this and you should be nutrition is essential for optimising
in the clear. recovery. Aim for a high-quality protein
Energy for movement: Your body (a protein powder shake is practical,
needs fuel to function. If you’re plus it’s great for recovery) and consider
about to have a particularly intense partnering it with an equal serving of
exercise session, try having a banana carbs for even better recovery (a bagel,
beforehand or a handful of dried fruit. some fruit or even a bowl of cereal).4
FOOD FOR
THE SOUL
Food for the soul is just as important as
food for the body. Incorporating foods
you enjoy in a controlled and planned
manner leads to a higher chance of
sustained, healthy change while also
enjoying life.3
It’s OK to have cake on your birthday.
It’s OK to have cake any day, really. What’s
most important is that you’re happy and in
control of the situation. There’s no point
depriving yourself for the sake of it.
REFERENCES
1. Khawandanah, J. and Tewfik, I., 2016. Fad Diets: Lifestyle Promises Weight Loss Interventions on Neurobehavioral Factors
and Health Challenges. Journal of Food Research, 5(6), p.80. Related to Body Weight Control: the Gaps and Challenges.
Current Obesity Reports, 10(3), pp.385-395.
2. https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-
and-support/about-eating-disorders/types/osfed/ 4. Kerksick, C., Harvey, T., Stout, J., Campbell, B., Wilborn, C., Kreider, R.,
Kalman, D., Ziegenfuss, T., Lopez, H., Landis, J., Ivy, J. and Antonio, J.,
3. Iceta, S., Panahi, S., García-García, I. and Michaud, A., 2008. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: Nutrient
2021. The Impact of Restrictive and Non-restrictive Dietary timing. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 5(1).
CALCULATE
YOUR 1 RM
WEIGHT IN KG
×
36 / (37 – NO. OF REPS)
IT’S LEG DAY
“I don’t like leg day” is probably one of the most commonly overheard phrases in and
out of the gym, and for good reason, too. Training large muscles like those on your
legs can be physically taxing (especially Bulgarian split squats — if you know, you
know). Plus, for those at the start of their journey, learning how to do the big-hitter
moves like squats and deadlifts can be pretty intimidating.
Whether you’re learning from scratch, want to brush up on your form, or you just
want to fall in love with leg day again, we’ve enlisted Level 3 personal trainer Chris
Appleton to put together the absolute must-have moves in your routine, in an easy-
to-follow workout.
BARBELL BACK BULGARIAN ROMANIAN
SQUAT SPLIT SQUAT DEADLIFTS
1. Start with your feet shoulder-width 1. T
o start, stand slightly in front of 1. Stand with your feet
apart and take a firm grip of the bar a bench with your body facing shoulder-width apart
2. Rest the bar on your upper away from a bench and your 2. Hinge at the hips and take hold of
back, just below (but not on) feet shoulder-width apart the bar or dumbbells up as you
your neck. Keep your chest 2. Lift a barbell explosively over would in a conventional deadlift
puffed out and turn your feet out your head and then rest it on 3. Pin your shoulders back
slightly to around 40 degrees your shoulders. Alternatively, use and keep your spine straight
3. Take a deep breath, retract your dumbbells — overhand grip, arms with your core engaged
shoulder blades and brace your close to the body at the side 4. Press your hips forward to
core. Lower yourself down, 3. Move one foot backwards and come into a standing position
bending your knees until your rest the top of it on the bench, with the bar or dumbbells
hips are slightly below your and step the other in front of in front of your thighs
knees. Keep your heels flat you, around hip distance apart 5. P
ush your hips back as you slowly
to the ground throughout 4. Your back should remain straight, lower the bar toward your feet
4. Your quads do a lot of the head facing forwards throughout 6. R
epeat the movement
work towards the top end of 5. W hile inhaling, bend your front to desired reps/sets
the squat, so power up on the leg at the knee so it aligns or
ascent from your mid-foot tracks slightly over your toes.
to heel while exhaling Your back knee should not quite
5. Your spine should remain meet the floor as you lower
neutral throughout. At no point 6. E xhale, contract your quads and
should you bend your back return to the starting position
6. Re-rack or repeat to 7. Repeat until you complete the
the desired reps desired reps on each leg
SETS: 5 SETS: 4
REPS: 15-20 REPS: 12
WEIGHT: 60% 1RM WEIGHT: BODYWEIGHT
NUTRITIONAL INFO:
172kcal | 24.8g protein
18g carbs | 0.4g fat
Per serving
Savage
STATE OF MIND WRITTEN BY KIERON CURTIS
Nothing worth doing comes easy, and PD Savage knows this more than most. He’s one of Ireland’s leading lights in
functional fitness, and while the path of his career in recent years has seen highs and lows, the Northern Irishman’s
positive mindset is unwavering — he’s the kind of guy you want to spot you through the hardest of sets.
As I sat down with PD Savage to discuss into horse riding and things, I ended “I just got fed up of the typical
his career, we set one matter straight off up getting fed up of being slagged for bodybuilding-type stuff... It was in my
the bat. It’s always ‘PD’. wearing jodhpurs by all the lads playing master's year where I found functional
“Never Patrick Daniel, unless I’m at the football... it wasn’t really that, I just didn’t fitness. I saw a YouTube video and was
dentist or doctor. Just PD. I get called PD have enough time. like ‘I can do that’. I’d seen someone
by everyone, basically. “I played that [Gaelic football] up until doing wall balls on the video — wall balls
“My dad is called PD, his dad was a PD, uni, played up to a county level as well, are like squatting and throwing the ball
I’m actually the fifth person. It’s kind of but of under-21s and minors.” up against the wall — ‘I can definitely
tradition, so I’ll have to keep it up.” The relatable chaos of student life do that’, then I went to a class and was
The man from County Down embraced followed, and PD was glad to discover actually doing it. It was really hard. I was
tradition in his sporting career also. PD’s focus delivered by the weights room. addicted then; I like the process of it.”
formative sporting years were spent “I didn’t find functional fitness until I Coming from a background of
playing Gaelic games, hurl or ball in hand was 24, but before that I was getting into team sport, it’s understandable why
rather than barbell. more and more gym-based things. The bodybuilding alone may not have kept the
“Growing up I always played for the classic student story. You know, partying attention of someone who’d eventually be
local club, Liatroim Fontenoys. They were too much and going out all the time. I was crowned Ireland’s Fittest Man. There is a
named after the Battle of Fontenoy... I basically failing uni. I had to knuckle down solo aspect to bodybuilding; it’s perfectly
played Gaelic football and hurling from and get a degree. acceptable to enter the gym headphones
the age of eight or so. I played hurling “I took into the gym and that changed on and not make eye contact with
until I was 18, 19, then solely focused on the lifestyle of things, so I started doing another person, let alone speak to them.
Gaelic football because it became more more and more training.” Functional fitness isn’t quite the same
of a commitment. PD was back on track, but then came a with its class ethos.
“I actually had a brief spell of horse quiet peril of routine: apathy. The solution “The people and the class atmosphere,
riding around 10 or 12, my sister was was lurking on YouTube. there’s a vibe in the gym, which is
MY POTENTIAL.”
Approach every day with goals, pushing
to achieve your best, not settling for
adequate, but remaining kind enough
to yourself to accept reality. You’ll not
go wrong.
MEET...
LAUREN WILLIAMS
Olympic Taekwondo silver medallist -67kg
@laurenwilliamstkd
How I started... my plan, so these fit in perfectly and fill the gap regular
My martial arts journey started back in 2003 in South Wales. chocolate bars can’t.
I didn’t fit in particularly well throughout my school years
as I wasn’t quite like other girls. Kickboxing was an escape My cheat day meal choice...
for me. I fell in love with the passion, respect, discipline, Would be a Korean bibimbap, which is marinated beef
teamwork, and intensity you needed to win fights. It was “bulgogi” with sesame sautéed veg, sticky rice and a fried
a huge adrenaline buzz. egg. It’s topped off with gochujang sauce, which is a little fiery.
I love Asian fusion and Asian cuisine. It’s my absolute favourite.
My favourite training days...
Are volume days. I don’t train “legs” or “arms”, I train specifically My ambition is...
for my individual targets to make me explosive, strong, To become World Champion as a senior and Olympic Champion
fit for fighting and robust to reduce injuries. I need to be in -67kg. I got the silver at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020/1 and
clever about building strength without gaining too much made a mistake in the last 10 seconds that cost me the gold. I’m
muscle that’ll compromise weight making. I love the days we going to keep going until I get it. Then I’d like to move up a weight
have three sessions. They’re tough mentally and physically. category and become Olympic champion in two divisions!
12-3-30
WORKOUT
By Nerissa Shea
Sport & Exercise Psychology Consultant & MYP/PT
BY
1. Warm-up with a brisk walk for five
minutes
2. Adjust the gradient on the treadmill
STEP
to 12%
3. Set the speed to 3mph (4.8kmph)
4. Walk for 30 minutes
5. Cool down with five minutes walking
on the treadmill at 0% gradient
All you need is a treadmill and a decent set minutes at an incline. There’s not much
of trainers. A good playlist, podcast or show more to it. Did I sweat a bit? Sure. But as
is also highly recommended, but we’ll get I’ve already said, more sweat doesn’t always
to that. mean a better workout.
As someone who absolutely destroyed If you enjoy walking, it’s an exercise
myself on the treadmill when I was younger, you could definitely consider as an extra
I was a bit apprehensive about trying a cardio workout between resistance training
workout that took me from my beloved sessions. The constant incline may lead to
weights section and back to the running more burned calories, but if you get bored
machines. easily this may not be ‘the one’.
I’m a professional Irish dancer whose idea Building and maintaining muscle isn’t just
of fitness up until the age of 25 was hours for bodybuilders — it’s important for people
of cardio and, misguidedly, as little food as I of all ages to consume adequate protein and
could survive on. incorporate some sort of resistance training
I’d force myself to run on the treadmill into their weekly schedules.
for 45 minutes every single day, and then Who’s this workout good for?
go off to football training, dance class, or Anyone. Or at least anyone who doesn’t get
whatever else I was up to. Then I discovered bored easily — any exercise that keeps you
weight training, which for me, and most of interested and moving is good for you.
my clients, is the most effective way to build 12-3-30 is accessible. It’s suitable for
muscle, and get stronger and leaner. people of all ages and fitness levels. It’s quite
If you’re completely new to training, it’s low impact and a lot easier on the joints. Even
recommended you start at a smaller gradient if someone couldn’t complete the 3mph at
and perhaps a slower pace, and work up to 12% gradient for 30 minutes straight away,
12% gradient at 3mph. You can also build they can build up to it.
your way up to the 30 minutes. But IMO, if you have time to get to the gym
What did I think of the workout? for 45 minutes three times a week, I suggest
It’s a good thing I had a podcast to catch going and lifting some weights. If this terrifies
up on, otherwise I would’ve been extremely the life out of you, go with a friend or invest
bored. You’re walking on a treadmill for 30 in a PT if it’s an affordable option.
If there’s someone who knows a thing or two about improving sprint times,
it’s Olympic bronze medallist Imani-Lara Lansiquot. The good news: she’s sharing
her advice to shave seconds off your times by making the perfect start.
IMANI’S HANDS
Hand placement is very important for sprint starts.
ADVICE FOR
• Set your hands hip-width apart, fingertips facing
away from your body at 90° to your wrists
• Push your weight forward, but distributed
evenly across your fingertips.
BACK
PERFECTING
Unlike with lifting, you don’t want your back
position to be too straight at the startline.
SPRINT
• Lift your knees off the floor
• You should feel tension in your legs with your
muscles ready to explode out the block
PROJECTION
STARTS:
Project, project, project to get momentum
moving the right direction down the track.
EXERCISE 1:
CRAWL TO SPRINT
While crawling, aim to move your arms and legs at the same
time whilst maintaining control at the core.
EXERCISE 2:
PUSH UP TO SPRINT
Exactly what it says on the tin, push up and then sprint.
This drill allows you to find your acceleration angle
naturally, while activating your upper body, too.
EXERCISE 4:
Wake your feet up and get them ready for sprinting. You
can’t go wrong with this classic reactivity drill.
BUNNY HOPS
1. Start with feet 3. The objective isn’t
hip-width apart, to jump high — it’s
standing up straight to bounce quickly,
2. Jump forward a getting feet off
short distance with the floor as fast
both feet off the as possible after
floor simultaneously, each landing
and keep going up
to around 6m, then
walk back to the
beginning to repeat
EXERCISE 5:
HIGH SKIPS
One of the best plyometric drills. And for the non-pro
sprinters in the room, it’s a drill that uses speed and force.
FOOD PLANNER
DAY BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SNACKS SHOPPING
MON
TUES
WED
THURS
FRI
SAT
SUN
Get ahead.
Set yourself up for success with a training plan you can stick to.
Planning ahead means you can make the most of every workout.
WORKOUT PLANNER
DAY EXERCISES SETS REPS ACHIEVED
MON
TUES
WED
THURS
FRI
SAT
SUN
RISING TO THE
CHALLENGE
WITH
TAYLOR JAMES
Wake up before 8am, read 10 pages of a book, head to the gym, drink two litres of
water, spend an hour on a new skill, and repeat every single day for 50 days. This is the
“Project 50” challenge that Taylor James, or @Tej.Fit, is undertaking on TikTok, where
his 29,000 followers watch and cheer him on every step of the way.
Fitness challenges are what have motivated Taylor to keep pushing during his
weight-loss journey, helping him to lose 12 stone in just over a year. And his followers
love it, too, joining Taylor on his journey and finding their own motivation from him.
We caught up with Taylor to find out how he managed to change his relationship
with food for the better, overcome his fear of the gym, and learn to love his mind
and body.
1 JUMBO OATS
“I have these thick, creamy oats
with a litre of water and electrolytes
about 90 minutes before my training
session, then a double espresso
20 minutes before I star t. I also
h ave v ita m in D, o m e ga - 3 , a n d
multivitamin supplements to set me
up for a strong day.”
INGREDIENTS:
Serves 1
• 50g jumbo rolled oats
• 150ml oat milk
• 1 tsp. honey
• 15g peanut butter
• 1 medium banana
(chopped)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Add the oats and milk to a pan and
heat over a medium heat while
stirring constantly until cooked
and of the desired consistency.
2. Stir in the honey and then
NUTRITIONAL INFO: pour into a bowl.
425kcal | 10g protein 3. Top with chopped banana and
60g carbs | 14g fat then add a dollop of peanut butter.
Per serving You can also add some chopped
nuts and fruit, but bear in mind this
will affect the nutritional content.
→
NUTRITIONAL INFO:
575kcal | 49g protein
43g carbs | 22g fat
Per serving
NUTRITIONAL INFO:
511kcal | 52g protein
32g carbs | 18g fat
Per serving
GET
RACE
SEASON
READY WRITTEN BY SCOTT WHITNEY
MSc Strength & Conditioning and
BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy
The half marathon is a popular distance among recreational runners. It presents an obvious challenge, but
running 13.1 miles is an achievement possible for most runners. If you can do 10km, then a half marathon
(21km) is more achievable than you might expect. So, whether you’re looking to build up to your very first
half marathon, or simply looking to break your PB, we’ve got training plans to get you over the finish line.
HALF MARATHON BEGINNER PROGRAMME
This eight-week beginner programme is the ideal training Strides are included on some days and offer an opportunity
plan to follow after completing a successful 10km training to work on speed and form. After you’ve finished your
programme. Be smart about your training and listen to your main run, complete four separate strides for 15 seconds
body — you want to avoid overtraining (or under-recovery) at 90% of your max speed, taking a short rest period
and injuries as much as possible. between each.
The programme focuses more on endurance to prepare you Bouts of interval training are also included in this programme,
for the distance. It’s a guide made to suit many people, so you as having a mix of skills in training is one of the best ways to
can tailor it to suit your needs and fit around your daily life. improve your cardiovascular fitness.
The key to half marathon training is to develop and maintain Interval training involves alternating periods of high-intensity
your aerobic fitness levels and improve your endurance. This and low-intensity effort, and it has many health benefits in
plan includes easy running as well as a weekly long slow run, addition to improving your ability to run faster for longer. These
which comes with the challenge of running at a steady pace for efforts should be run at a pace faster than an easy run pace,
the entire duration of the run. but not an all-out sprint.
• 5-min warmup
• 6 x 2-min higher intensity
4 runs with alternating 2-min
2-mile easy
recovery run
• 3-mile steady run
• 4 x 15-sec strides
3-mile
easy run
8-mile
run
brisk walk recovery
• 5-min cooldown
WEEK
• 1-mile warmup
• 6 x 90-sec hill runs
5 2-mile easy • 4-mile steady run 4-mile 9-mile
with alternating jog
recovery run • 4 x 15-sec strides easy run run
back recovery
• 1-mile cooldown
• 1-mile warmup
• 8 x 2-min higher intensity 3-mile easy • 5-mile steady run 4-mile 9-mile
6 runs with alternating 2-min
brisk walk recovery
recovery run • 4 x 15-sec strides easy run run
• 1-mile cooldown
• 1-mile warmup
• 5-min warmup
• 8 x 1-min higher intensity
8 runs with alternating Rest 2-mile easy run
HALF MARATHON
(13.1-mile run)
2-mile easy
recovery run
2-min brisk walk recovery
• 5-min cooldown
HALF MARATHON INTERMEDIATE PROGRAMME
This plan includes easy steady-state running as well as These efforts should be faster than an easy run pace, but not
a weekly long run. This is a slow-paced run where the a maximal effort sprint.
challenge is to maintain a steady pace for the duration of the Strides are also included in the plan. After your main run,
session. The plan follows a periodised approach, ensuring complete four separate strides for 15 seconds at 90% of your
you reach peak fitness close to the time of the race while max speed, with a short rest between each.
also building aerobic endurance gradually. The intermediate plan also includes progression runs. Start
Hill runs are scheduled in week 1 and are performed to off slow in progression runs, almost at an easy run pace, and
improve lower limb power and develop your V02 max — the gradually build the pace in blocks of 10 minutes of increasing
amount of oxygen you can take in during exercise — while also distance. Each section should be progressively quicker until you
improving form and technique. Hills should be run at an easy are running close to your 10km pace.
pace for a warmup, followed by a few gentle dynamic stretches Progression runs are the perfect building block towards
and then a hard run up the hill, with a gentle jog back down tempo running later in the programme. Tempo running
to the start to allow you to recover before starting again. For is key for training improvements and should be done at
optimal effectiveness, run hills as a continuous effort (but feel a pace that’s comfortably challenging, faster than an easy
free to take a break or walk if you’re struggling). run pace but not as fast as your interval work.
Interval training becomes the dominant training method Both training methods should help you to improve your
later in the plan. It involves alternating periods of high-intensity anaerobic threshold — the fastest pace you’re able to
effort with periods of low-intensity effort, known as recovery. sustain for the duration of the session.
TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
1 4-mile
easy run
3-mile
easy run
• 4-mile steady run
• 4 x 15-sec strides
5-mile
progression run
8-mile
run
• 1-mile warmup
• 1-mile warmup
3 • 5 × 3 hill runs with 6-mile easy • 5-mile steady run 7-mile 10-mile
alternating jog back recovery recovery run • 4 x 15-sec strides progression run run
• 1-mile cooldown
• 1-mile warmup
• 1-mile warmup
4 • 5 x 3-min hill runs with
alternating jog back recovery
6-mile easy
recovery run
• 5-mile steady run
• 4 x 15-sec strides
• 3-mile tempo
• 1-mile cooldown
10-mile
run
• 1-mile cooldown
• 1-mile warmup
• 1-mile warmup • 5 x 1-min higher
• 8 × 2-min higher
WEEK
• 1-mile warmup
• 8 x 3-min higher intensity • 1-mile warmup
6 with alternating 90-sec
jog back recovery
6-mile easy
recovery run
• 6-mile steady run
• 4 x 15-sec strides
• 4-mile tempo
• 1-mile cooldown
13-mile
run
• 1-mile cooldown
• 1-mile warmup
• 12 x 1-min higher
8 intensity with alternating
1-min jog back recovery
4-mile easy
recovery run
2-mile
easy run
HALF MARATHON
(13.1-mile run)
2-mile easy
recovery run
• 1-mile cooldown
FIGHTING FIRE
WITH FIT WRITTEN BY MONICA GREEN
Four days a week, firefighter Chantelle Koutsou spends her time removing people from crashed cars, rescuing
people trapped in their homes, putting out literal fires and, occasionally, cats do indeed get stuck in trees. Away
from duty, 25-year-old Chantelle works as a PT, having graduated from Myprotein’s PT scheme in summer 2021.
Between balancing two careers, Chantelle has also been
working to heal her relationship with exercise and food.
She’s one of the most inspiring and motivating PTs to have
passed the scheme, so I was keen to catch up with her to
find out how she does it all.
NOBODY BELIEVED IN ME
Do you remember what you wanted to be as a child?
Astronaut, popstar, film star? Well, Chantelle wanted to be a
firefighter. So, she went ahead and did just that. Anxiety and a
fear of heights were no match for her determination. Chantelle
not only achieved her dream — she got in on her first try.
“My story is mega cliché. I wanted to be a firefighter when
I was literally three years old, and I used to go to the park
and slide down those poles and think, ‘I wanna do that’. And
being a firefighter was a massive challenge for me because I
was scared of heights, I was scared of small spaces. I suffer
really bad with anxiety and my whole family were like ‘there’s
no way’.
“Nobody believed in me other than my boyfriend. Everyone
was like ‘not a chance’. I applied for it and I got in first time,
which is really rare — a lot of the time it takes people between
five and seven years to get in as a firefighter.”
It became clear to Chantelle that firefighting is far more than
a physical challenge. It’s mental too.
“It’s such a challenge. Not just physically, but it can be so
mentally draining... We see some awful things and then the
next day, or even hours after, we have to carry on and do
what we do.
“And it’s not just fires. We go to car crashes, we go to water
rescues, we go to people stuck in their houses, there are a
lot of responsibilities that firefighters take on now from other
services. Especially the NHS because obviously they’re
struggling so bad at the moment, so we do a lot of first aid
work as well.”
TO MYSELF
the gym, too. Not only can she explain for herself to help others foster a positive
things clearly to clients, but the level of relationship with exercise, one where it
empathy she has developed after seeing can be used as a way to feel better, not
The gym has always been a place of some shocking things helps her relate as a punishment.
solace for Chantelle, somewhere to and understand them better as people. “Fitness was always my outlet; it was
blow off steam. Then came lockdown — “ We have to be really good at my self-care. And going through that
it completely disrupted her routine and communicating to the public and transition of body dysmorphia. Going
she started having negative thoughts because unfortunately we do see some from not liking myself at all to actually
about herself. So, as she’d done before, horrifying things, it’s like when you go to quite liking myself was such a big thing,
she turned to fitness to feel better. But the hairdresser and you tell them your and just changing my outlook on fitness
she became too focused on exercise. life story and they’ve heard it so much and [away] from fitness, it’s given me my
“Lockdown hit, and I think mentally, that they almost already know it. And I love for myself back. And I think knowing
being stuck in the house, not being think it’s a bit like with us — as a PT I have that fitness can be such a big thing for
able to do our day-to-day things. And some clients who do struggle, and I don’t mental health, I realised: ‘right, I love
I think for me I just wanted to get fitter tell them the ins and outs of what I’ve fitness, I want to help people, I already
and feel better in myself. And I know that seen, but I can relate because I’ve seen help people in the job, but I want to
everyone has flaws in themselves, but some things like that. mentally help people, too’. So that was
I just got to the point where I was just “I would say they’re actually two of the the push that made me want to go
really uncomfortable in my own skin. And best jobs to go hand in hand because into PT-ing.”
LOOK, LET ME SHOW
YOU HOW TO DO IT
Unlike Chantelle, many people struggle to
pass the tests to get into the fire service
— usually it’s the fitness requirements
that hold them back. Chantelle wants to
change that. Her aspiration is to one day
have her own space where she can train
clients, and potentially run firefighting
training classes to help people get
fighting fit.
“Right now, we have a lot of people
trying to get into the fire service and
unfortunately, they don’t — usually
because of fitness. I would love to be able
to (I can’t because of GDPR!) but I’d love
to be able to pick those people and go,
‘look, let me show you how to do it’, and
train those people so that they can get
into the fire service.
“So right now, the goal is not to get rid
of one [fire service or PT-ing] because I
love them both. So, for as long as I can,
I will continue to do both. And one day, if
money comes my way, have my own gym
space where I can train people, but right
now they’re very much running alongside
each other.”
SHE’S A TRUE
TRAILBLAZER
Well, I’m convinced. Firefighting and
personal training do go hand in hand.
Talking to Chantelle was eye opening
to the mental and physical burdens on
firefighters. To balance that with a career
as a PT, to confront her own demons and
begin recovery, is beyond inspiring —
she’s a true trailblazer.
Chantelle wants to encourage more
women to consider joining the fire
service, so if you’d like to learn more
about joining, check out the brigade on
their website.
And if you think you might be struggling
with disordered eating or negative body
image, please seek advice. Follow the
QR code for a list of helplines set up to
assist those struggling with these kinds
of thoughts.
FAKEAWAY Edited by Lauren Dawes | Food Editor
• ½ tsp. cumin 2. While onions are frying, add the cubes of halloumi to a large
bowl and coat with cumin, turmeric, coriander, and mild chilli
• ½ tsp. turmeric powder from the halloumi part of the ingredient list, then
• ½ tsp. coriander set aside.
• ½ tsp. mild chilli powder 3. When onions are cooked, add the garlic and ginger, and fry
• 1 tsp. 100% Coconut Oil for 2 minutes, tossing occasionally.
4. Add the cardamom pods, cumin, turmeric, chilli powder,
For the curry: and coriander. Stir well before adding chopped tomatoes
• 1 tsp. 100% Coconut Oil and a splash of water.
• 1 onion (finely chopped) 5. Simmer for 10 mins until tomatoes have broken down,
creating a gravy.
• 3 garlic cloves (crushed)
6. Remove from heat and leave to cool for 5 minutes before
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (peeled and grated)
transferring to a blender. Blitz until smooth.
• 1 tin chopped tomatoes
7. Transfer blended sauce back to pan and add the coconut
• 3 green cardamom pods milk, salt, and garam masala. Stir well and leave to simmer
• 1 tsp. cumin for 15-20 minutes to thicken.
• 1 tsp. turmeric 8. Meanwhile, heat the other teaspoon of coconut oil in a
• 1 tsp. coriander separate non-stick pan and add the spiced halloumi. Fry
for 5-10 minutes until crispy, ensuring all sides are cooked,
• 1 tin light coconut milk then transfer to curry sauce. Stir well and serve with some
• 1 tsp. garam masala basmati or jasmine rice.
• ½ tsp. salt
Per serving
Per serving
KETTLEBELLS
HIP FLEXORS QUADRICEPS
HAMSTRINGS CORE
PECTORALS DELTOIDS
TRICEPS CORE
Another staple exercise for me — basic but essential 1. Your feet should be slightly 3. Keep your elbows close to your
when done correctly. Your stomach should be held parted to spread your weight torso as you push. At the top of
in with the glutes engaged as you push away from across your lower abs. Clench the press-up, your arms should
the ground. As a boxer, I need to have explosive your glutes. Your hands be straight. At the bottom, when
power, and this exercise really packs a punch. should be a little more than your elbows are bent, your chest
shoulder-width apart. should just about touch the floor.
You may think of press-ups as requiring only
your arms to put in a shift, but you will need to 2. Keep focused on a spot directly 4. Use a mirror and place a
engage your core muscles to perform a plank. in front of you and keep your fist-sized object between
Remember to keep your back and legs straight. spine neutral and in line with the floor and your chest so
your neck. you don’t cut corners or
rush through the motion.
EXERCISE 3: KETTLEBELL
Muscle groups targeted:
SWINGS
HIP FLEXORS QUADRICEPS
HAMSTRINGS DELTOIDS
WEIGHT: 24KG You can see a pattern forming at the heart of my routine.
Core. It’s essential to be in total control of your body weight
and to create explosivity. Kettlebell swings are the definition
of building power from the base and transferring it to the
upper. This is boxing.
To build lean muscle, it’s all about nailing the right exercises. But fear not, it can be
done. Utilising compound movements that target multiple muscles in one move is the
way to get strong without packing on the pounds. Correctly performing each exercise
with the preferred sets and reps will give you a good pump and burn off calories in
the process.
If you’re completing the suggested reps on this full-body workout easily, your
weight isn’t high enough. But if you’re unable to lift the last few reps, your weight
may be too heavy. You should find it challenging but not impossible to lift your last
few reps.
BEGINNER
KETTLEBELL WEIGHTED SETS: 3 REPS: 8 EACH LEG
SWINGS WALKING LUNGES
There are few exercises that combine We want to hit the legs, but we can
building strength and muscle while take away the added weight and stress
also increasing your heart rate, so this of perfecting squats as a beginner.
is a crucial exercise. Lunges will isolate each leg and hit the
same muscles.
1. S
tart with your feet slightly wider
than hip-distance apart and 1. Take a firm grip of the bar. It should
point your toes out slightly. rest on your upper back, midway
2. Grab a single kettlebell in both down your traps and you should
hands so that it hangs between maintain firm grip throughout.
your legs with your arms extended. 2. Take a big step forward with your
3. Keeping your knees soft, start left or right leg and slowly drop your
the movement by pushing your back knee towards the ground.
hips back in a hinge movement. 3. Make sure your toes are pointing
4. Keep your arms slightly loose, forwards, hips are tucked
and as you hinge at the hip, under, and your front knee does
drive the kettlebell backwards not move past your ankle.
through your legs. At the top of 4. As you drop to the ground, stop
this movement, drive your hips when your leading knee reaches
forwards and allow the kettlebell slightly below 90° and your front
to swing forwards and up. thigh is parallel to the floor.
5. K
eeping your arms straight until 5. Don’t let your back knee touch
the kettlebell is at eye level, and the ground — this ensures
then follow momentum to drop your muscles are fully activated
and swing back between your legs. throughout the movement.
Repeat this for the desired reps.
6. Push off your front foot and drive
the back leg forwards to step
straight into another forward
lunge. Keep your torso upright
SETS: 4 REPS: 15-20 and core activated as you move.
7. Returning to standing position
between each step can provide
a small rest and help you keep
your form on each rep.
PLENTY
ground in front of you
3. S
traight away, return your feet
to the squatting position
20-MINUTE
4. Jump up as high and explosively
as possible from the squat
position, hands in the air
HIIT
CRUNCHES
1. Lie flat on your back with your knees
bent and feet flat on the floor
3. C
ontract your abs by pulling your
belly button in towards your spine,
and slide your rib cage towards
40 SECS ON
your hips, ensuring your lower back
remains pushed against the floor
20 SECS OFF
as you move
X2 ROUNDS
slightly off the floor
PRESS-UPS
1. Your feet should be slightly
parted to spread your weight
across your lower abs. Engage
your glutes. Hands a little more
than shoulder-width apart
4. Slowly bring them back down 3. C ontinue to lower yourself until your
and repeat thighs are almost parallel to the floor.
Your feet should remain flat on the
GLUTE BRIDGES
ground, and knees slightly over your toes
PLANK
knees pass your toes or not — this
will be down to ankle mobility)
1. G et yourself into the press-up 3. A s you lower your body, the knee of
position, lowering yourself down so your back leg should come close but
your forearms are flat on the floor not touch the floor. You should feel a
stretch in the quads of your back leg.
2. Your hands should be clenched Both knees should be bent at around
and elbows under your shoulders 90 degrees in the bottom position
at a 90-degree angle
4. Push through the heel of your
3. Pull your lats back and down front foot, stepping back to the
start position. You should feel the
4. Engage your core by pulling your load in your glutes and quads
belly button to your spine and brace
Chocolate
REFERENCES
1. Hannah Ritchie and Max Roser Understanding the relationship between Disease: Importance of Solutions Focused
(2020) - “Environmental impacts of coronary artery disease and stenosis on the Globalized Food System: A Report
food production”. Published online at flow reserve. Textbook of Angiology. From the Workshop Convened by the World
OurWorldInData.org. Retrieved from: John C. Chang Editor, Springer-Verlag, Heart Federation. Journal of the American
‘https://ourworldindata.org/environmental- New York, NY. 1999. pp. 381-387. College of Cardiology, 66(14), 1590–1614.
impacts-of-food’ [Online Resource] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2015.07.050
4. Anand, S. S., Hawkes, C., de Souza, R. J.,
2. Konstantas, A., Jeswani, H. K., Stamford, L., & Mente, A., Dehghan, M., Nugent, R., Zulyniak, 5. Fleming RM. Chapter 29. Atherosclerosis:
Azapagic, A. (2018). Environmental impacts of M. A., Weis, T., Bernstein, A. M., Krauss, R. M., Understanding the relationship between
chocolate production and consumption in the Kromhout, D., Jenkins, D., Malik, V., Martinez- coronary artery disease and stenosis
UK. Food research international, 106, 1012-1025. Gonzalez, M. A., Mozaffarian, D., Yusuf, S., flow reserve. Textbook of Angiology.
Willett, W. C., & Popkin, B. M. (2015). Food John C. Chang Editor, Springer-Verlag,
3. Fleming RM. Chapter 29. Atherosclerosis: Consumption and its Impact on Cardiovascular New York, NY. 1999. pp. 381-387.
AMINO ACID FORTIFIED
GLOSSARY
PROFILE Adding vitamins or other
supplements to increase the
As the building blocks of nutritional value of something.
proteins, amino acids play a For example, you can fortify
vital role in muscle building, and your breakfast smoothie by
hormone and neurotransmitter adding a scoop of protein.
production. An amino acid
MACRONUTRIENT
profile is the view of all the
amino acids present in a
protein. You should make sure
The chemical compounds
you’re getting all nine essential
that humans consume
amino acids (they can’t be
i n l a rg e q u a nt i t i e s t h at
made in your body) from
provide bulk energ y. The
your diet.
three macronutrients are
c a r b o hy d r ate s , p rote i n s ,
MOVEMENTS MICRONUTRIENT
Dynamic exercises that target Essential vitamins and minerals
m u l t i p l e m u s c l e g ro u p s that are needed in varying
and joints at the same time. quantities for a range of bodily
The opposite of isolation functions and to maintain
movements, which focus on a health. Some examples are
single muscle group. iron, zinc and copper.
ELECTROLYTES MIND-MUSCLE
Salts and minerals — such CONNECTION
as sodium, potassium, chlo- A conscious and deliberate
ride, and bicarbonate — that muscle contraction. It’s the
are found in the blood. They ability to focus the tension
conduct nerve impulses in the you create during exercise on
body to make sure you stay a specific muscle or region of
hydrated and your pH level is muscles in the body, and the
balanced. They’re lost through difference between passively
sweat, so it’s important to and actively moving the weight.
replenish them after a workout.
RESISTANCE
ENDOTHELIAL EXERCISE
FUNCTION During a resistance training
The endothelium is a layer workout, you move your limbs
of cells that line your blood against resistance provided
and lymphatic vessels. When by your own body weight,
functioning well, they control gravity, bands, weighted bars,
blood flow and the flow of dumbbells, or any weight for
electroly tes b et ween the that matter, to target certain
blood and tissues, among muscle groups. Some exercise
other important substances. machines can also be used for
When functioning poorly, resistance training exercises.
blood flow is less effective,
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