“Strong women aren’t born, they’re built – one rep, one setback, one comeback at a time.”
So there something I failed to mention about last weekends set of 60m races. The prep for the first race didn’t quite go to plan. Picture this: the warm-up track, spikes on, focus dialled in… and then ?, another athlete barrels straight into me. She went flying, I stood there blinking in shock, still upright, still solid. If nothing else, it was a reminder that all those squats, deadlifts, and planks aren’t just for show – they’re armour. My body didn’t crumble; it held strong. And that, right there, is the takeaway.
Strength isn’t just about lifting heavy or chasing PBs. It’s about resilience – the kind that keeps you standing when life (or another athlete) knocks into you.
It’s funny how this theme has popped up lately. One of my clients recently got tangled up with her dogs – a proper comedy “who’s been framed moment” as one of her dogs came out of nowhere to knock her off her feet. Another misjudged a curb and took a tumble. Both came in the next week saying the same thing: “If I hadn’t been strength training, I am sure i’d have really hurt myself.” Their muscles, their strength, their stability – all that consistent effort – saved them from serious injury.
That’s the magic of strength training. It’s not just about looking toned in summer dresses (though that’s a nice bonus). It’s about building a body that supports you, catches you, and protects you. A strong core keeps balance in check. Strong legs absorb impact. Strong glutes and hips stabilise every step. It’s the difference between a bruise and a break, between a wobble and a wipeout.
As I look ahead to the British Championships next weekend, that’s my focus – to somehow believe that I am strong enough now to race hard in not one but 2-3 races in less than 24 hours. Having spent the last 5 days full of a head cold I am not convinced currently if I will make all the start lines next weekend, with my priority being the 60m the 200 m race, just 18 hours before the 60m heats and final concerns me.
After three years of the same pattern of rehab, rebuilding, rehab, rebuilding i am rediscovering what my body can do, what my nerve can really cope with and can I honestly get through the rounds a European Championships requires of me. The UK competition this year is fierce, and yes, I’m one of the eldest in my age group, but that just makes it more exciting. Every race is a test – of body, of mind, of patience – and a stepping stone toward those European Championships next month.
“Strong women aren’t born, they’re built – one rep, one setback, one comeback at a time.”
And that’s exactly what Elite Conditioning are all about.
Strong women.
Women who lift, laugh, fall, get back up, and keep moving.
Women who know that being strong isn’t about size or shape – it’s about standing tall when life tries to knock you over.
So here’s to every woman who’s ever tripped, stumbled, or been body-checked mid-warm-up – and stood strong anyway. Because strong is the new skinny, and it looks good on every single one of us.
Love
Karen x
Train smart. Live strong. Laugh often.
