Coached Athlete, Tracey Gibsons - 2024 Season

 

We wanted to feature Tracey Gibson who has had a fantastic year of running and hopefully you all can be inspired by her progression from serious injury to national winning Master's athlete.

As we move into the new year I find it good to reflect on the last one to see what we’ve learned and achieved – sorry for the long read but it’s been a very full year for Tracey!

 

Back in February 2023 at the Blizard training camp in Portugal one of my goals was to stay uninjured for the  year, prior to moving up to the F60 age category in March 2024. Unfortunately my time in the F55 group was tempered with several sizeable (accidental) injuries so I felt I had missed out!

The plan went well with Dave’s guidance until the week before Christmas when I fell and broke my shoulder – but the legs still worked fine so a week off then back on it, including a few January races. February was Portugal training camp time where so much is achieved. Early March brought the Middlesbrough half marathon and I was shocked to run my 2nd fastest time in many years. I gave the marathon a bash after moving up to the new age group, not having done one for a few years – it didn’t go quite to plan after tripping up at 15 miles but despite run/walking the remainder I managed 3rd in my age group and a good for age time (maybe something for 2025). I continued to race frequently alongside attending as many group sessions as I could, whilst preparing for the World Masters Athletics Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden to be held in August. 4 races in 11 days was a bit of a challenge and the lapped 10k and HM courses were certainly very challenging but so pleased to take away a gold team medal in the half, after 5,000m, XC and 10k events completed. The biannual World Masters events are such a motivating competition, with some of the performances truly inspiring and I was so pleased to get back, seeing old friends and ticking off one of my 2024 goals.

Another highlight was being selected (albeit as a reserve) for the British & Irish cross country International being held in Belfast in November. The email arrived after I had entered the Northern Masters champs Preston 10 mile race on the next day but I’m sure Dave wasn’t surprised when I said I’d fly back and take part as my long run! A solid run in Belfast brought no expectations for the 10 mile but again surprised to run a better time than the last few years and the F60 win.

Looking back in my diary I was astounded to count 43 races – from very small club events upwards with 28 age categories. I was also honoured to receive my club’s achievement award for the year.

Undoubtedly I couldn’t have done any of this without Dave and Jenny’s help and I just wanted to show what is possible (even when you’re older!) with their expert guidance, some regular strength work and positivity. The other important factor that has helped me so much is the group training sessions – I cannot emphasise how much support the Blizard group gives to each other and well worth the travel time.

A huge Thank You to everyone who has contributed to my success in 2024 and wishing you all an incredible 2025!