The beginning of a new season. This first year after the Olympic Games in Rio could be considered transitional – a change of coach, a change in my training programme, returning to Madrid to stay in CAR (Centro de Alto Rendimiento) and now almost completely recovered from my injury suffered during the summer holidays, we are ready to plan the 2017/2018 season.
This season’s main objective is the European Championships, to be held from 20th to 26th August in Berlin. Antonio (my coach) and I have set ourselves the most ambitious goal. After winning six medals in the last three European Championships – four silver and two bronze – this new season we are aiming to keep our place on the podium in Europe, despite the significant increase in the competitive level of my event.
In order to be in the best form possible for the European Championships, we have decided to extend the indoor track season to the max, in the first weeks focusing especially on strength and injury prevention, with a specific workout for each muscle group (paying particular attention to the lumbar area and legs, which is where I have had most problems with injuries). The aim of this is to get my body ready for the time when it requires maximum effort.
In the same way, after these first few weeks of adaptation, we will move on to speed preparation, working on shorter distances in the winter season and ultimately aiming to beat my own Spanish record in the 100 and 200 metres, which has been unbroken since the Paralympic Games in London 2012. Along with this, the objective is to lay the groundwork for achieving my maximum competitive level for the 400 metres.
If everything goes as planned throughout the year and I meet the relevant conditions, the winter season will end with my possible participation at some of the Grand Prix meetings of the International Paralympic Committee , such as those held in Paris, Notwill or Grossetto.
After finishing the first part of the season and looking at the results and how we feel about them, both my coach and I will decide on the path to follow in the final months before the European Championships.
Besides this, taking into account the trials that the European competition calendar allows us to take part in, we will participate in other races in 100, 200 and 400 metres.
A new season begins, filled with hope, wins, challenges and dreams. I´d love you to follow it with me.