Physiotherapist competes for England

A physiotherapist at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust has been chosen to run for England for a second time in the International Attnanger Road Mile.

Mike Wilsmore is set to travel to Austria and compete in the race, taking place this Saturday 30th April. He will be joined by one other, chosen by England Athletics, to compete in the race alongside him.

Mike said: “Since my last international race at the end of January in Bratislava, my focus moved to the British 1500m indoor championships and then back to a period of time focusing on winter training to prepare for the outdoor season. This weekly training involves 10 runs per week, varying in intensity and length, with the addition of daily core workouts and a weights session once a week. My mileage is normally in the region of 60 miles plus, per week, for this time of year, which is done around my working day in Physiotherapy Outpatients.

“As part of my preparation for the race, I have completed the national 12-stage relays in Birmingham, where our team came away with a Bronze medal, and then the next day ran the Plymouth Half Marathon for the Physiotherapy Department in 1.18.03.

“I feel well prepared and though training intensity is still high and training is focused towards targets later in the year, I feel that I can open my season with a solid performance over the mile and look at getting close to the four minute mile barrier. As with any middle distance running, tactics and the route will play a big part in the time, but I plan to go there and be competitive amongst the other international athletes that will be competing.”

Throughout the remainder of the season, Mike will also be taking part in the South of England Championships, the British Championships and the Olympic Trials.

Nicki Martin, Director of Therapy Services, said: “I am proud and delighted that Mike has been chosen to once again run for his country for a second time.

“I would like to wish Mike all the best for the race on behalf of all of his colleagues in Physiotherapy and hope that he will once again be victorious in his race!”