Q Combined events – anyone can do them, right?
A Yes, because if you come down to an athletics track how do you know which event is best suited to you? I would say you should give all the events a go.
Q What kinds of personality makes for the best combined eventers?
A People who are willing to have a go. They must have a thick skin, too, because things can go badly in one event and they then have to get themselves up quickly and bounce back in the next event.
Q How do you become involved?
A Join a club. If you have the natural skills for an event you will want to show how well you can do it.
Q What's the hardest aspect of combined eventing?
A As I mentioned earlier, if it doesn’t go well in one event you have to be able to forget about it. It really is a test of your physical and mental skills.
Q How much would it cost to buy all the kit I’d need?
A You actually don’t need too much kit when you’re starting out: a decent pair of spikes, a pair of high jump spikes and a pair of flats. In terms of the equipment, you can pick up a second-hand pole vault for about £40 or £50.
Q What is the best way to pick an athletics club?
A Check out whether your local club has a specific combined events coach. If not, work with running, throwing and jumping coaches for the different events.
Q What training advice would you give?
A It depends on the individual, but the first thing you should learn to do is run properly. Again, it depends on the individual, but it is better to devote more time to your weaknesses.
Q Can you learn a lot from watching the top combined eventers?
A Yes, although not so much when you are younger and you are still learning the technical side.
Q What kind of diet should I be on?
A I would suggest eating sensibly. You obviously need to replace the fuels you burn during training. Keep your glycogen energies up and also regularly hydrate. During competition, to boost your energy, why not eat something like jelly beans?
Q Would you suggest any training away from the track?
A Run on grass to save the stress and impact on your legs. Also, the rowing machine at the gym offers a good cardiovascular workout without putting your legs under undue stress. Also, you would want to workout in the weights room.
Q What is the best piece of combined events advice?
A Believe in yourself, never doubt your ability and persevere.