400m hurdler specialist Paul Bennett had a few busy weeks - and he shares his activities with us today.
Just a quick update from this week. Firstly the Welsh Senior Champs. I managed to win in a time of 53.27s, being my second fastest ever time. I left it late as I always do and came home strong to just pip Darren Lewis. It was a cracking race!
I was supposed to compete at BIG (Bedford International Games) but decided to pull out as I had too many races and bigger races coming up such as U23’s and the Olympic Trials.
On the weekend of it I have to admit I was a bit gutted as the weather sounded perfect for 400m hurdles but you can’t have it all! Instead, I had a great session on the Sunday setting me up nicely for the weekend ahead.
Another great session on the Tuesday really gave me confidence going into the British U23’s. I was in a heat with Matt Sumner, who came 3rd in BUCS, and Mike Baker whose time was quicker. I was in lane 6 which was outside lane and came 2nd, easing over the line in 54.41s. This put me in lane 8 for the final which I didn’t mind too much!
Final day came and I have to say I wasn’t nervous or anything - I was rather looking forward to it! I felt really good in warm up and it showed in the race. I came 3rd with a new PB of 52.40s; I smashed hurdle 6 (AGAIN!!!) and hurdle 10 but to PB and come 3rd I was over the moon!
This just suggests there is much more to come! Olympic Trials this weekend and I am so looking forward to it!