Turning up the heat as Championship kicks into gear

Towards the end of last year, I realised that if I was to have any chance of continuing to perform at the highest level, then things would have to change.

Firstly, I needed to get a handle on my time management, something I now know I suffered from last year. With a wedding and honeymoon taking up December and January, I forfeited my close season for a heavy training regime, to the point where I was probably in better shape walking up the aisle on Christmas week than I was out in Omagh last summer! Adjusting my lifestyle habits to allow me to meet my professional and personal commitments whilst continuing to train and perform at the highest level was my first priority. Early rises, balanced breakfasts, a fruit and vegetable-packed diet and lunchtime gym sessions became the norm. Earlier bed times and no late night trash TV were also part of the new regime. Never underestimate the importance of sleep; it’s keys to recovery. If you’re not getting seven hours a night, you will pay the price.

Championship preparation is always fraught with danger, with the period between the end of the league and first round the most intense. In recent weeks, an assault course of heavy field training, club fixtures and inter-county challenges has been negotiated.