How does an athlete spend Christmas? Is it a well earned break and some overindulgence or is training as normal?

Jonny Mellor had a breakthrough at the Berlin Marathon this year with a massive 2:12:57 to take nearly four minutes of his personal best. The Team New Balance Manchester athlete was the fastest English marathoner in 2017. So how will Mellor spend Christmas?

Will you train on Christmas day?
Yes I always train on Christmas Day, two years ago I was injured and was gutted not to get out for my nomral Christmas run.

What about Boxing Day?
Same with Boxing Day! This year is a session with Boxing Day falling on a Tuesday.

What is the best running related present you ever received?
Would have to be a pair of Beats headphones from New Balance. I’ve been very fortunate to have been a sponsored athlete for a number of years so haven’t needed to get anymore running kit, thankfully!

Who are you spending Christmas 2017 with?
Spending time with family over the Christmas period, which is what it’s all about!

Do you worry about over-eating on Christmas day?
Not at all, that’s one of the reasons I maintain normal training over Christmas so I can eat as much as I want!

What is your favourite food at Christmas?
I have a bit of a sweet tooth so would have to be the endless supply of Quality Street, Celebrations, biscuit tins and any other chocolate or sweets I can get my hands on!

Will you be cooking?
No chance!

What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas is just a great time of the year to spend time with family and a good excuse to get home and train on the paradise peninsula!