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She wowed the nation when she won the Gold medal at the European Championships in Berlin this summer at the age of 40; now Jo Pavey has impressed again and shown that this was no fluke by winning the Richmond Running Festival’s Kew Gardens 10K on Sunday. This event showed off the scenic London Borough, circled inside Kew Gardens and then went along Richmond Green and finally the river Thames to Teddington Lock, with sights of Marble Hill and Ham House on the way.
Jo was crowned ‘Queen Of Richmond’ on a throne in Old Deer Park. She completed the race in 32:47. Jo said afterwards: It’s always nice to be back in this area, it’s such a great place to train. I really enjoyed the race, I love how varied the route was and the atmosphere was fantastic along the way.’
Jo used to live in Teddington and was often spotted training in Bushy Park.
Of her Commonwealth Games win and her current exceptional form, Jo puts it down to experience and learning what works best for her body. ‘I think my age and experience have been a great advantage,’ she told Women’s Running magazine in a recent interview. ‘25 years ago I didn’t have the knowledge I do now. I know what targets I have to hit in training. I listen to my body. More than anything, I am very happy.’
In addition to knowing what works best for her, Jo is also keen to emphasise that recovery is key and it’s also a team effort. ‘Gavin (her husband) still does all my physio when the kids have gone to bed. Nutrition is vital for recovery, and I’ve always eaten very well!’
Read the full interview with Jo Pavey in the November cover-dated issue of Women’s Running magazine, on sale 25 September 2014.
