Feeling the full-time benefits

By Isabel Newstead
British Paralympic shooter

Although I am still waiting for the green light for Athens, I am focusing my training schedule as if I will be competing - it's the only way to do it.

I am training six days a week with an all-important rest day, but the biggest change to my training regime since Sydney four years ago has been my decision to become a full-time athlete.

I applied to become full-time after the World Championships in 2002 and was accepted early last year, and it has made a huge difference to me.

Isabel is hoping for more success in Athens

When I was working full-time, it was often hard to find the motivation and the energy to fit my training in at the end of a day's work.

I was sometimes content just to get ready for training and go through the motions to get it over and done with and, perhaps on some occasions, I was not doing my best.

However, I honestly did not believe that going full-time would benefit me as much as it has done and I am still getting excited about training.

It means I can tailor my training and try some different things out which I would not have had the flexibility to do before.

Even when I do make the odd mistake here and there, I have plenty of time to rectify the problems and learn more efficiently.

As well as shooting, my training routine involves exercising on a variety of equipment as well as swimming, all of which help my fitness.

Isabel is preparing for another Paralympics

I am happy with the way it is going and more importantly, John, my husband and coach, is pleased with my progress so far.

My next competition is the British Championships in Bisley at the end of February, where I will be competing against both disabled and able-bodied opponents and am hoping to put in a good display there.

In my first competition of the year, also in Bisley, I twice shot above the world record which was a good start to 2004 and although it was nice to get a high score, there is plenty of time for improvements.

However, I am also keeping busy outside training and competition preparations.

I am a member of the Eastern regional board for Sport England, which is a great chance for me to give something back to sport in general.

It is a big responsibility and means I can meet up with representatives from other sports, and with the London Olympic and Paralympic bid for 2012 in the pipeline it is an exciting time.