We love hearing about success stories from our brilliant Team Blizard athletes, and Daz Downie is one of the best examples going of how an average runner has turned their performances into top club-standard times by following the lactate threshold training rules.

Daz came to see Dave at Blizard Physiotherapy for his first lactate threshold test last December, and soon after came onto the Tune Gold package coaching programme, which offers an elite service for all runners wishing to fulfil their potential with the expert guidance of a former GB professional athlete.

The 36-year-old explains why he thought Dave could help him improve.

He said: "I went to see Dave eight months ago, having just recovered from a stress fracture, so I was eager not to make the same mistakes again. "I also wanted his expertise to make me a better runner, and to train more efficiently without injuring myself again."

The Sheffield-based runner is over the moon with how far he has come in such a short space of time. He enthused:

"Since I started heart rate training, I haven’t had any injuries, but I’ve been able to double my running mileage! This has been made possible by simply training more efficiently. Before I saw Dave, I was running three times a week at most. Now I train tired sometimes, and admittedly I do find it hard, as the threshold runs take it out of you. However, going out with the other runners drags me through what can be a gruelling run. I know what rewards are in it, as I've seen my times tumble massively over the eight months. NO PAIN NO GAIN!"

So what advances has Daz made in less than a year under Dave's tutelage?

"Before I came to Blizard Physiotherapy, I was a 45 minute 10k runner, but in just a few months I've knocked that down to 37 minutes, and I've also run 17:44 for 5k! Training has been going great and I enjoy it so much more, knowing that I'm doing things right, with Dave keeping a close eye on my running, and telling me when to ease off if needs be."

Daz was also keen to point out how he has taken an holistic approach to his training, paying more attention to his nutrition and hydration, which has paid great dividends to his PB's!

"Keeping an eye on my diet - and being accountable to someone - in this case Dave - makes so much difference. I’ve been tee-total for four and a half months, and have been eating cleaner, and, as a result, I have been seeing massive gains across the board! I'm the fittest I've ever been, and, although training has taken a hit recently with life getting in the way, I know that as soon as I can I’ll be throwing myself back into training hard again to push for a sub-35 minute 10k next year!"

As we hinted earlier in the introduction, Daz is now targeting the first event in our new Blizard racing series, and is brimming with confidence.

"I entered the Super Mile for something a bit different to aim for. There aren’t many mile races knocking about to my knowledge, and it’s also good to support local events.
I’m hoping for somewhere close to the 5 minute mark, all being well!"

We are so happy that you have been making such great leaps towards fulfilling your potential Daz! Keep up the lactate threshold runs, as you know by now that lactate trainingpays off !

If you would like to know more about Dave Tune's lactate threshold testing service, or to learn more about his three tiered coaching programmes, contact the clinic on 01302 511755.