CEAS share their thoughts about training!

 An insight into athletics training.

Being part of the Chengelo Elite Athletics Squad doesn't just involve participating in competitions. The athletes work hard throughout the year, completing all kinds of training sessions. From Fartlek training at 5:30am to circuit training in the evening, the squad have experienced many ways of improving fitness, technique and condition. Much commitment and determination is required and the CEAS have learned that hard work in training leads to success in competition.

"What I’ve learned in my years of running is that no matter the training schedule, 

if you don’t push yourself, you won’t go anywhere. With my team, though we were 

separated in groups based on times, people exceeded far beyond expectations, 

regardless of their group positions. Some didn’t. Why? Because they were the 

ones who pushed themselves. We were doing similar workouts. It just takes an 

extra amount of determination and effort to make it on top."

Quote from "Soulrunner", an anonymous blogger.

Herbert Mithi, Maria Bangala and Johanna Bangala resting between sets.

Chigomezyo Kawonga out on the track during a Saturday morning session.

"As the Elite Athletics Squad the majority of our time is spent on the track or in the gym. Our training is orchestrated by our coach, Mr J Gibbons. We meet frequently during the week, topping a minimum of 5 hours a week. We have our training sessions in the cool of the morning, on some days and more often than not, we have the opportunity to train in the afternoon. Training sessions can be amicable and fun, but at the end of each session Mr Gibbons wants to see that we have done our best, for as his motto goes, “If you want to be the best, you have to train better than the rest”. Training is a time where we, on an individual level and a team level, get to focus on what we love doing, athletics. It’s a time we can share that joy and love with those who do it best."

Chigomezyo Kawonga     

Maria feeling the pain during Oregon circuit training.

"Training is not as hard when you put your mind to it and say "I'm going to do it!" We do different sessions, for example Circuit training. This involves doing different exercises for thirty seconds and resting in between. It's hard, but if you tell yourself that you're going to do it, you will. It just takes that extra effort, even if it is not a big effort, but as long as you have done something extra it can make the difference.

Training is about pushing yourself further. Even if you are tired, you know that you have done something for the day and that at the end of it all, you are fitter or stronger than you were before. We sometimes do Pyramid Training which is really, really hard. It involves running 200 metres, then 400 metres, then 600 metres, then 800 metres and back down to 600, 400 and 200. Tough right? But it is not something that is impossible to do. I won't lie, it is challenging. But that is good!"

Maria Bangala        

Kikwanza Sondashi trying to motivate himself for another run-out.

Kiki working on technique during a morning session.

"Training is hard. I think this is good because it helps you to become fitter. Pyramid training is an example of this. It is very effective because it makes you feel fitter and improves speed endurance. However, the more you train, the easier it becomes.
 
My favourite type of training is 50m run-outs because I can develop my sprinting technique and I can easily do it alone. It is also nice to train with other people because it helps to motivate me when I have someone I can try and beat.
 
In training, you have to be determined to be able to make good improvements. I always keep in my mind the fact that there are better athletes than me and my target is to become better than them.
 
When you've had a bad day and you come for training with a bad attitude, it affects your performance. Always try to have a positive attitude towards your training."

Kikwanza Sondashi    

   

Herbert Mithi during another set of squat thrusts.

Johanna taking a break during 'Caterpillar Walks'.

"Training is certainly a very important part of an athlete's life. It is supposed to be difficult (my coach always says) and requires self-motivation if improvements are to be made. My coach endlessly tells me "If you want to beat the best, you've gotta train better than the rest." This phrase is true, but even if you have the toughest training sessions with the most commanding and highly experienced coach, you won't achieve anything if you don't have the desire or ambition to make great improvements through effort and determination and by pushing your limits through every exercise.

Everything starts up there in your mind, which is supported by your heart's desire to be great. You have to want it and be mentally determined to push through the "pain barrier" so that you can be the best that you can possibly be.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Believe it and you'll achieve it!"

Johanna Bangala