Fast Running

Fast 10: Alexandra Bell

Photo: Andy Peat

Meet 800m specialist and cross country runner Alexandra Bell who will share her journey throughout 2019.

Alexandra Bell’s running highlights to date include finishing fifth in the 800m final at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and running sub two minutes for the first time at the Watford BMC Grand Prix.

For the year ahead, Bell has set her sights on winning the British 800m title and competing for Great Britain at the World Championships in Doha.

Profile

Name: Alexandra Bell
Age (Jan 2019): 26
Hometown: Leeds
Club: Pudsey & Bramley AC
Main discipline: 800m
Other disciplines: Cross country and cross country relays
Full-time athlete/work/studying: Athlete and part-time work

Goals or targets for 2019

1) To become the British 800m champion
2) Compete at the World Championships in Doha
3) Improve my 800m PB
4) Improve my 1500m PB
5) Another healthy and injury free season

Running highlights

1) Finishing fifth at the 2018 Commonwealth Games
2) Running 1:59 front run at Watford BMC Grand Prix
3) Cross country mixed relay gold, Edinburgh 2018
4) Fourth place at the British Championships

Personal bests

800m: 1:59.93 (2018)
1500m: 4:12.62 (2017)
400m: 54.7 (2016)

Interesting or fun facts

To get started, I am a Hartlepool United supporter. I was also in the West Yorkshire Police for two years and I own a mad cocker spaniel called “Ted”.

I also competed to a high level in ballet and tap dancing. Lastly, I love to travel and wish I could have a six month holiday twice a year!

I run because…

I love to keep fit and active. For me running is the perfect escape and the “me” time which we all need to find and invest in.

The targets we set ourselves as runners can be endless and limitless. I love the idea of always trying to progress further or aiming to improve yourself in some way.

Favourite training session

In the winter, I love a good tempo. 10 minutes (two minutes recovery) five minutes (5.10-5.15 pace).

I live right on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and the routes that are on my doorstep make the longer runs and tempos a pleasure to do.

In the summer months, anything short and fast. Six to eight 150m with walk back recovery.

Least favourite training session

Anything with a ‘jog’ or a ‘float’ as recovery.

I’m not a big lover of hills but I know how important they are. The strength you gain from this session is what gets me through.

Favourite pre-race food

Pasta and salmon.

Favourite post-race food

A curry or a Chinese.

Favourite runner or runners

Anyone who just gets out there for sheer enjoyment.

Brands or organisations that support me

SportsShoes Ambassador, but no sports contract or brand representation.

Alexandra Bell features in the ‘Fast 10: class of 2019’ and over the course of the year will share her running journey. You can follow Alexandra on Twitter and on Instagram.

Further information about the ‘class of 2019’ can be found here.

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