- Posted December 22, 2019
Interview with Anna Kofoed-Gregory
In February 2018 you won the senior girls race at the Bucks Schools champs at Wing in a time of 16.18. You were then out for a year due to a knee injury. You’ve started this XC season off well, with good results at Shotover Hill, Oxford (11th in the senior women’s race),Teardrop Lake, Milton Keynes (18th) and Stopsley Common (15th). Tell us about your plans for this XC season.
After having a year out of athletics I have no expectations for this season; I’m just aiming to get my fitness back for track season. I’m not stressing about positioning in races, just running them how I feel.
What is your favourite race distance? Do you prefer track or cross-country?
I’ve always preferred 800m and generally track. I was never a fan of longer distances and hadn’t really competed much in cross when I first started running – however, I’ve started to really enjoy XC and now wouldn’t say I have a favourite out of the two.
Do you have any pre-race superstitions? What meal do you like to eat before a race? What do you do on the night before a race?
I am always extra-conscious of what I’m eating on the days before a race. I make sure I have a varied diet and drink plenty of water. In the morning before a race I always have porridge with a banana, but I’m not generally too strict. I also always aim to have at least 8 hours of sleep before a race day.
Which race has meant most to you, and why?
Probably my first race back in Oxford this year, after not racing for 16 months. I was very nervous and had no idea what to expect of myself – this was by far the longest time I’ve had in between races. Either that or the first time I subbed 2.20 on the track: this had been my training goal for the season so when I finally did it, it felt like a great victory.
You’re one of the original members of MK Distance Project. When did you start running? And how did you get started?
I started running in 2013, when I was 13, with my dad before school. He went running every day and I wanted to take up a new sport. I’d always done lots of sports and felt it was time for a new one. I then did the mile run at school (after walking it the previous year). My school then picked me for XC races and then in the summer for athletics tournaments, where I won my race. I was given a flyer for MMKAC and started training with Kyle.
You’ve just started university. How do you manage to fit in training around coursework?
I’ve always found training a good mental break from university – and just life generally – so have always made time for it. Fitting in a degree, work and training has been difficult but if I know I’ve got a busy day ahead I make sure I get up an hour earlier and try to stick to a routine.
Do you think it’s harder for girls to keep running as teenagers than it is for boys? Is there more pressure on girls to give up sports because doing a sport is not perceived as ‘cool’? Do you have any advice for younger girls who enjoy running?
Personally I’ve never experienced any sort of stigma about doing athletics or any pressure to give up sports: in fact, I’ve often found that putting so much time into something is admired. When I was younger, as well as loving the physical aspects of training I found the social side incredibly helpful. I made friends I would have never otherwise have met who have seen me in every state, from my best to my worst, and I have coaches I know I can always rely on.
Which women athletes do you look up to, and why?
I have never really looked up to any specific female athletes: however, I’m always inspired by women who, after childbirth and raising a family, are still able to compete internationally.
What’s the best piece of running advice you’ve ever been given?
Just go out and do it – because it’s always the ‘getting started’ part that’s hard. Coming back from injury, I really struggled to stay motivated as I’d lost so much strength and fitness, but you just have to put your shoes on and get out there.
What’s your training schedule like? Could you talk us through it?
Since coming back to athletics my training has been very up and down. I always make sure I run/swim/go to the gym at least 6 times a week. Monday: often an easier run with potentially some core; Tuesday: steady run and gym session; Wednesday: easy run; Thursday: training; Friday: either rest or very light gym session or swim; Saturday: longer run; Sunday: training. However, if I’m unwell or I know that doing exercise will make things worse, I will refrain from doing any.
What hobbies do you enjoy when you’re not at university or running?
With university, a job and training I don’t really have much time for hobbies, but I try to socialise as much as I can with my family and friends.
Thanks for taking the time out to talk to us, Anna. We wish you all the best for the 2019–20 season!
