Interview #9: Training in Lockdown with Alice Leake (Airienteers)

How have the current restrictions impacted on your training?
Alice: “I’m lucky that, other than the inability to go orienteering and having to do my club interval sessions alone, my training isn’t too different from how it was before the lockdown.

I was originally supposed to be attending several sprint training weekends in the UK and a World Orienteering Championships training camp in Denmark, however these were obviously cancelled in light of the current restrictions.

Instead I’ve been enjoying the flexibility of being able to train in the daytime as I’m working from home now, and just trying to maintain my current good running form with a training programme similar to what I was doing throughout the winter. I plan to keep on with this until we know more about when any orienteering races might take place.”

What advice have you got for other athletes or members in a similar position?
Alice: “Obviously do what works for you and your individual circumstances, but I’ve found exercise to be really good for my mental health and for keeping a sense of normality at the moment.

This could be a good opportunity to work on your overall fitness – for example I’ve been trying to do some more core work and stretching as I know this is an area I don’t always make time for when life is busy.

However I think there’s nothing wrong with just exercising for enjoyment at the moment and doing whatever brings you happiness right now – whether that be going for a run, taking part in lockdown orienteering, looking at old courses online, or just checking in with a clubmate.”

What is your number one Lockdown training session?
Alice: “I’ve really been enjoying getting out for a long run each week. Normally it feels like a bit of a chore trying to fit them in, but with more free time I’ve really been appreciating exploring new footpaths in my local area and taking the time to notice new things.”

Have you still been able to access support from your coach or orienteering athlete friends, and if so how?
Alice: “Yes. We’ve been having regular catch up calls and WhatsApp groups to keep each other motivated, and my running coach has been sending me two sessions to complete each week. It’s helped me to feel less worried about the uncertainty of the situation as it’s given some structure to my weeks, and I trust that my fitness will still be there when the races do return. I like knowing that, even if we’re not physically together, we’re all still suffering through the intervals and accountable to each other!”

What box sets have you been able to catch up on during Lockdown?
Alice: “Series 1 and 2 of Race Across the World – getting my travel fix without leaving the sofa!”

Have you been doing any DIY tasks – anything you want to tell us about?
Alice: “I don’t think DIY is my strong point! I’ve been learning to cook some new dishes instead.”

Thanks Alice. Wishing you all the very best with your on-going training.

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As a sport, we must work together to resume orienteering responsibly as and when the relevant government determines it is safe to do so.

The Board of Directors at British Orienteering have committed to following the respective advice of each government, and therefore there are likely to be periods when types of orienteering activities permitted, vary between different parts of the UK, depending on the government guidelines and regulations.

The latest statement from British Orienteering can be found here.
Resumption of Orienteering