London Athletes Q&A
Perri Shakes-Drayton
In London....
Where’s your favourite place to train: east London mile end.
Indoors: Lee Valley
Outdoors: East London Mile End (running outside)
What do you do to improve your:
Balance:
nothing!
Core:
I do ab crunches, plank, sit ups- abs are so important!
Tips for core/favourite core workout?
Oh, I don’t have a favourite. I keep it classic- nothing like pilates- I stick to basic sit-ups and crunches.
Strength:
I do weights, lots of 'em!
Tips/favourite workout for strength?
Running long distance builds my strength- this is my focus.
Cardio:
Again, running!
Tips for cardio/favourite cardio workout?
Train in groups, it helps you encourage each other and provides competition- and choose a route you like!
Flexibility:
Ooh, I do lots of stretching; it’s painful for me!
Where do you like to go to watch/participate in other sports?
I guess I sometimes go to football matches, couldn’t say where, just wherever they are on!
If you could train anywhere in London, restrictions removed, where would you go?
It would definitely be the motorway.
Where do you celebrate your victories?
Celebrate with friends- any club that’s playing funky house and garage! I lots of music, but right now, those would be my favourite- when that kind of music comes on I get down!
Where do you go to cut loose?
Again, any club, I love to dance!
Where do you go to get away from it all?
Get away? I don’t get away. I am always training, have no time to get away- only in the summer or end of season.
What do you do to relax?
Well I definitely don’t turn my phone off, it’s always on! I visit my family for a catch up-, as I’m always so busy, I hardly see anyone.
What do you do to treat yourself?
I LOVE SHOPPING. Clothes, shoes, bags. I buy anything I like. If I see it and I like it, and I’ve got the money, I buy it!
What songs on your iPod really get you inspired?
Nothing! I don’t listen to music when training- I like to take in my surroundings.
In general though, I listen to the program BBC1 extra- funky house!
What has been your career highlight so far?
This photo shoot maybe!
What do you see as being your ultimate victory?
Winning the world title, or Olympic title. I’d be very pleased if I got one of them!
What things count as everyday victories?
A good training session- or rather every session being good!
How did you get started in sports?
My primary school teacher told you to get involved, join local club.
I started as a long distance runner, then just tried hurdles, liked it, and the rest is history!
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Modelling.
Things you love outside of sport:
Fashion, travel, culture- I like travelling to places that have a bit of culture, too.
Any advice for others trying to get active?
Find an activity you enjoy, find local gym, and get involved.
