Nice to Meat - Leon Reid (Sprinter)

I’m blessed that I love what I do. Training is hard day in day out, especially around work, but it’s a challenge and that’s what I thrive on. I’m competitive and that keeps me going too.

After a successful 2017, where he finished 3rd in the 200m British Championships with a PB of 20.38 secs, Sprinter Leon Reid is gearing up for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games where he will represent Northern Ireland.

A National, European and Commonwealth Youth Medalist, this lean, mean, power machine took time out of his busy training schedule to tell us what fuels his sprinting ambition.

What is a typical day for you?

On a typical day I’m up and out sharp after breakfast, normally something easy like porridge or muesli, but that depends on what kind of training day I have ahead of me so it’s all pre-planned. I’m usually down to the track by 9.30am and warm ups take about an hour to an hour and a half and then we’ll get into some acceleration drills or plyometric jumps – all to help me launch out of the blocks quick, that part is more about strength than endurance.

After lunch I work in a primary school, before I head home for some food, which always has to be something very meaty. I love meat, it feels like I’m getting good protein in my body, something I definitely need to be able to train and get my body to where I need it to be. The meat has to be good quality and lean, no processed foods, no additives, just the real deal. My absolute favourite is jerk chicken with rice and peas – you just can’t beat it! Thankfully my favourite is also high in carbs and protein so it’s good for my training.

I also work a second job in a nightclub so I try and squeeze in some rest and sleep after dinner to ensure I'm fully recharged.

Is what you eat essential to your training and recovery?

Essential is exactly the word. Training is only 20 per cent of the gains, the rest if what we put into our bodies. I’ve had more chicken, rice and veg meals than I could count, because I know they are high carb and high protein. Plenty of water is also really important to keep me hydrated through the day. I’m currently training in Tenerife so it’s even more intense with the heat so water is crucial, although Lucozade is a good kicker for when I’m a little tired.

How do you stay motivated?

I’m blessed that I love what I do. Training is hard day in day out, especially around work, but it’s a challenge and that’s what I thrive on. I’m competitive and that keeps me going too.

I like to enjoy myself, I travel the world and meet so many nice people, it’s really humbling

I’m in great shape and that’s something I’ve worked hard for – training for years and keeping to the best possible foods that feed my body what it needs to get stronger. I am in no mood to lose that, I feel great.

How do you like to relax?

I’m a bit of a gamer, so I like to spend time online beating people (I did say I’m competitive!). Either Xbox or PlayStation – both let me have some down time.

What is your next big goal?

I'm off to represent Northern Ireland at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games this year, and reaching a final is my first aim, but if I do achieve that I'd want a podium finish and a medal