Kevin Penny talks athletics

Free-scoring Warrington Wolves winger Kevin Penny is among the quickest players in Super League. The 21-year-old rugby league player, who has recently signed a one-month loan deal with Widnes Vikings, revealed to spikesmag.com the killer running session that helps him prepare for the rigours of the 13-a-side game.

How much emphasis do you put on running as part of your fitness training for rugby league?
KP: For me it’s a big part because it (running) is my main asset. The main reason I was signed by Warrington was because of my speed. Whenever I do speed sessions or any running condition sessions I have to pay a lot more attention than in other areas. I try and break down the mechanics of running, looking at my technique and how I can improve and get quicker.

Have you got a good sprinting technique?
KP: The conditioner, who has just come on board, has said I could do with using my arms a lot more so that’s something I’ve been concentrating on.

Can you explain what your weekly running regime would consist?
KP: We would do most of our running during pre-season training. We have one session, which lasts 52 minutes, and it involves quite a lot of long distance running and some short sprints. We did that once a week on a Wednesday and I did dread it because 52 minutes is a long time. It includes 6x100m sprints, 3x120m, 2x300m, 4x400m followed by ten 40m, where you lie on your front and then on the whistle sprint 40m before going down on your front. To finish we would then do some rugby tackle drill. We carry out the session at Liverpool football academy on an indoor artificial pitch.

Are you one of the fittest boys in the Warrington team?
KP: There are different types of fitness. If I was to play in the middle with the big fellows I’d do quite a lot of wrestling drills, which is a different kind of fitness. In terms of the running and sprinting I’m one of the quicker ones.

What would be a typical running session during the season?
KP: We maybe run twice a week. Obviously, a speed session will be in there and we do stuff with the harnesses as well – resistance work and sprint five or ten metres.

What kind of pace you can run at?
KP: Good question. The 400m I would be able to do anywhere between 53 and 60 seconds.

Did you compete much when you were younger?
KP: Yes, I did at school but I was more one for the long distance running. The shortest I’ve ever really raced over was 800m at school. I never did 100m at school. Yes, I did win the races at school.

What do you think you could run for the 100m?
KP: I couldn’t say. Because I’ve only just got back to training I’ve not hit top speed yet. I try and pace myself so when the ground starts firming I aim to reach top speed then. If I hit top speed too early I can burn myself out. I don’t know what I could run over 100m because I’ve never been timed over it.

Are you the quickest guy at the club?
KP: Yes, well my coach tells me I am anyway. Alex Hurst, a young kid who’s just come up from the academy is quite quick. Chris Riley, the other winger, is electric off the mark, and more of a short distance runner.

What do you think your best event will be in track and field?
KP: I’d fancy myself over the long distances. I’m not that good off the mark from the 100m and, from what I’ve seen of it, if you are going to win that race you need a good start.