A TimeHop Blog

So TimeHop has got me thinking…. What have I been doing that has got me to today? It’s a great way to remember and reflect on where you were and what you did before the current day and seeing as I have made some big changes the past year or so I thought I’d take a look back…

This time last year

The thing that sticks out is the 2013 Scottish Senior Championships which I spectated at. Despite my coach wanting me to compete in the long jump I did not enter because I didn’t feel in myself that I was ready having only started training again in May. My training partner; Sarah now one of my best friends won her first Scottish title and jumped a second Commonwealth Games qualification standard. It really made me want to be competitive again; I decided I would not be sat spectating the following year. True to my word I competed last weekend in the 2014 Scottish Senior Championships; but not in the long jump. Injury troubles and lack of specific training again meant I wasn’t mentally or physically prepared for jumping – so I did the 200/400m double! No mean feat as I found out but 2 400m PB’s certainly helped! Sarah won the long jump again – undisputed Scottish no.1 this year and whilst it was weird not going into call with her I think that I made the right decision to race not jump.

This time last month

One day until the start of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games! I was working in the Scottish Athletics preparation camp at Kilmarnock and the general chat revolves around the outfit/ceremony for the Opening ceremony which is the following day. I am there to provide physiology support to the athletes; mainly recovery. Sounds technical – actually means ice baths which means a wheelie bin! The job is so glamorous. On the plus side I am getting to enjoy the sunshine that has come from nowhere; Kilmarnock feels like Portugal! I am also able to spend some time with my best friend Jayne who is a Scottish high jumper but lives in Loughborough. Sarah is there too and we do a short sprints session; her last before she competes in Glasgow having been pre-selected after her Scottish title in 2013. July was a big learning experience; the preparation camps, the village, the games. It is important for me to reflect and learn from them so that the next time I get the opportunity I can bring these experiences with me. I think what I learnt from the preparation camps is to be flexible and appreciate that governing body staff, athletes and coaches are under immense pressure and stress (even if they don’t think they are). You go to do a job for the athletes; the thanks come later.

This time last week

I was in the lab, doing a VO2 max and Hbmass test with an athlete. Some pre-season baseline measures which we will retest several times throughout the coming year to assess progress. Pretty routine but I still get a ‘testing high’ after a good test which this one was. I have been in my current job for almost 9 months now; and am just getting to grips with it! It has been 18 months since I moved to Scotland to work as an exercise physiologist and it is nothing that I thought it would be – but so much more and I learn everyday. Later on I find out that I am through to the fourth and final phase of Power2Podium a British Bobskeleton talent ID search! Cue a lot of jumping (still a long jumper at heart clearly) around the house by myself as no one was in! My coach Anne brings me back down to earth, texting ‘go to sleep you have a 400m to run tomorrow!!’ She is right, the 2014 Scottish Senior Championships are taking place over the next two days. A midnight bedtime but earlier than the previous night so I take it!

This time yesterday

I was super excited because I had tickets for Hot Dub Time Machine – billed as the Best. Party. Ever. and a sell-out Edinburgh Fringe show in 2013!! I went at Christmas and that review is no exaggeration! First though the Edinburgh Dungeons and some ice skating to be done because I am an Edinburgh tourist with my Dad and two youngest brothers; Luke and Bradley who are visiting me this week. The Dungeons are scary – even for a 25 year old! I was holding onto Bradley’s hand for dear life and jumped out of my skin several times! Having family visiting is great; I can get so far removed from their lives when they are far away and I miss out on a lot of what’s happening. With my brothers being young (11 and 15) I am literally missing them growing up as I have been away now for 7 years. I also want to inspire them and be a good role model showing them that they can go after their dreams (when they work out what they are). I think it is so important that they see beyond the Isle of Wight where there is no University and not too much ambition (?!? Sorry - not trying to offend!). They have loved the Fringe and Edinburgh so I guess it’ll be my fault if one day they look at Edinburgh University or a job up here! At least they have the Murray name – helps you fit in!

Today

Firstly, no hangover! Result! But I think what looking back over the past year shows is that I fit a lot in! I love having a busy and varied life – my friends, family, sport and job are very important to me and all add so much value. As much as I miss my family I am doing the right thing being away and luckily already have a great support network up here – I truly believe you should always go after what you want. I also know I am very determined to not give up on sport! I may not have gotten back to that 6m mark in the long jump but I am so pleased to have had a competitive 2014; credit to my coaches, training group and friends who believe in me when I do not. Bring on 2015 – I get to represent my Island – the Isle of Wight at the Island Games which are being held in Jersey! In which events is another matter…

(I'm the one on the right). 

Never be satisfied.