Training sets star on track

By mpanter

NATHAN Woodward will step up preparations for his European and Commonwealth bids by flying out to South Africa next month.

The Coleshill 400m hurdles runner will join a host of top British stars for two weeks of warm weather training in Stellenbosch near Cape Town.

Great Britain star Woodward, a member of Tamworth Athletics Club, will join UK stars including Martyn Rooney, Rhys Williams, David Greene, David Gillick and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey at the training camp.

Woodward hopes to put a frustrating 2009 in which he was hampered by injuries behind him.

He said: "My aim is to give it my best shot during the summer and I'm already looking forward to it. It's a big year with the European Championships in Barcelona and the Commonwealth Games in India, so there's plenty of targets to set.

"Hopefully, my trip to South Africa will help my development. I'm looking forward to learning a lot and improving as an athlete."

Woodward enjoyed a fine start to his summer in 2009, claiming a first place and a personal best of 50.41secs in the men's 400m hurdles at the UCLA RJ/JJK Invitational in Los Angeles back in May.

He also competed in the 4x400m relays at the Mount SAC (San Antonio Colleges) Invitational Relays where he clocked 51.22secs for another first place finish.

But Woodward then picked up a hamstring problem, causing him to miss the World Trials and European under-23 Championships.

"The outdoor season was a difficult one for me," said Woodward. "I started the year really well and I honestly felt that I could even challenge for a place in the Great Britain squad for the World Championships in Berlin. I was in really good shape until the injury.

"It's not easy to recover from setbacks but I think I will actually be stronger as a result. You have to bounce back from disappointment.

"I'm looking forward to a new year now and the challenges that will bring."

Woodward is studying at Loughborough and believes his time at the university, which is renowned for its sporting prowess, will aid his development.

He added: "I am in world class company with the people who are in my training group. That means every training session offers a new challenge

"It's been a real, eye opener at times but working alongside some top runners can only help your development.

"I still keep in touch with my coach at Tamworth too, Matt Hargreaves.

"He is someone who has done an awful lot for me and knows me well. He's an excellent coach and someone who I can always get advice from."