Lisa Dobriskey Interview

Lisa Dobriskey has already booked her seat on the plane for the world championships in Daegu, - she won a silver medal in the 1,500m in Berlin two years ago.

I caught up with her to talk about how her preparation is going ahead of the world’s and well as looking ahead to the 2012 Olympics.

- We saw you in action at the weekend at the trials for the world championships so how would you assess the race?

It's always great to win so there was a tiny bit of disappointment in finishing second but I felt I raced well and felt much better than I have done all season so am looking at that positively.

- The world championships are now just a few weeks away so what kind of shape are you in at the moment and what do you feel needs to be done between now and then?

I've put in an awful amount of work over the past few months and I don't feel my performances are yet reflecting the kind of shape I'm in so I hope a few more sessions I'll be just where I need to be.

- We saw you battling with Hannah England in Birmingham so how difficult so you find that - with you being such good friends off the track?

I've competed against my friends since I was at school so it just comes naturally.

It's hard when you share the same dream but you can't let it define you as a person so you have to have a balance between being an athlete and just being you.

- It was a silver medal two years ago in Berlin so what are you hoping to achieve this time around?　

Of course I'd love to medal and I have to go into the championships believing that I can otherwise I may as well stay at home!　

- Will you be competing at the weekend at the London Diamond League? What are you hoping to get out of the race so close to a major champs?

Yes, it'll be my final race before the World Champs so I'm looking to sharpen up my racing skills.

- Going into the 1500m event in Daegu who will be your big competition?

The women's 1500m has been quiet this year so I think a lot of athletes will be looking to really peak in Dageu. I think Jamal and some of the Ethiopian athletes will be dangerous.

- As well as training diet is also a huge part of preparing from a major champs so what kind of dietary regime do you put yourself on to get into top shape?

I try to keep a balanced diet all year round and then really tighten things up about a month before a major championships.

I work closely with a nutritionist to help reduce my fat but maintain my energy levels. I keep things simple and eat "clean foods" raw and pure so not really any sauces or anything exciting like that!

Also I take Spatone daily to top up my iron levels and ensure I have the required energy levels to maintain my level of training.

- Can you talk me through a standard week's training?

I have my big track session on a Saturday, a long run on a Sunday, 2 runs, drills and conditioning on a Monday, a run and big track session on Tuesday, two runs and circuits on Wednesday, two runs and drills on Thursday and rest on Friday.

- And I was reading that Spatone funded a training trip to South Africa earlier this year so how was that?

Amazing. I was so grateful to Spatone for their support. It allowed me to help fund some of my training partners and bring my physio out with me. It was a great camp and I trained well.

- How do you relax away from the track?

I love meeting my friends for coffee, spending time with my family as I don't get to see them as much as I'd like.

My husband and I part-own a chocolate shop in Loughborough so I enjoy helping out there when I can.

- The Olympic Games are now just a year away so how excited are you at the prospect of a home games?

Gosh, I can't even put into words how much it means. It's a dream come true for any athlete to go to an Olympics but to have one on your door step is amazing.

- How much of your preparation and training is geared towards next summer - or are you still very much working for the here and now?

I always tend to take each day as it comes. Otherwise the future can just consume you and you're never focussed on the present.

- With the Olympics just around the corner there is a push to get kids into sport so for anyone who wants to take up middle distance running like yourself what advice would you give.

Persevere! Middle distance running can take time to get the hang of, the more your train the better you get so keep at it but most importantly enjoy it!

- Finally what's coming up for you after the world champs until the end of the year?

I have a few more races on the circuit. I'm　 also very excited to be　 taking part in the Adidas Women' 5km in Hyde park

I'm running for fun with some of the youth ambassadors so it'll be a great event to get involved in!

- Many thanks for taking the time out to answer my questions　

You are more than welcome! :-)

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw