September 2010 - October 2010

Over the last few months my busy schedule has continued, mainly with the progression of the rehabilitaion program for my knee injury. I have been attending sessions with the physiotherapist on a daily basis, working on the strength, growth, flexibility and development of my knee and surrounding muscles in my leg. This has been very hard work, physically and mentally. I have to balance my time with the physio with weights seesions and fitness sessions on the bike each day and this is both time consuming and wearing mentally. However, it  is important to keep focused and work harder than ever if I want to return to full fitness as quickly as possible and back playing hockey as much as possible before final selection for the 2012 Olympics in London.

Soon after my operation the rehabilitation exercies I was doing were basic and quickly became quite mundane, however necessary they were. More recently, as my knee is getting stronger it's been exciting to be out running and doing some basic exercises with the hockey stick and ball. I have also been supplementing this with hard fitness sessions on the stationery bike and can now finally see myself back playing hockey soon after 7 months out.

Being injured has however allow me to spend more time doing other things. I have been doing lots of coaching at Spider Hockey's various camps. Some of the young girls are very talented and have improved over the past weeks and months and have been a pleasure to teach - so keep training hasd and enjoy it girls! I have also been able to return to my old school Glasgow Academy and coach some of the girls in various years and I'm proud to see them keeping the tradition of the best hockey school in Glasgow going! I had the opportunity last month to visit Wellington School and talk to the children at assembly to try to give them an insight into my life and the level of commitment required to play at a high level.

The Scotland Women's team have now returned from Delhi and had time to reflect on their performance at the Commonwealth Games. I think all are in agreement that the squad performed extremely well at times but more consistancy throughout would have earned them a better overall finishing rank in the tournament. Speaking to the girls afterwards though they all commented that the facilities were no where near as bad as reported and the banter and experiences off the field were all very interesting and worthwhile. When away on Scotland and GB trips hockey comes first however the fun and friendships had off the field follow closely in second place.

Over the following months I will be returning to Marlow to continue my rehabilitation at Bisham Abbey and begin training with the GB squad again in preparation for the London 2012 Olympics. However I will be in Glasgow frequently and will be attending Spider Hockey Camps whenever the opportunity arises so I hope to see all the Spider Campers there!

Laura x

August 2010

So far 2010 has been hetic and the year has passed very quickly for me with the Great Britian Women's centralised hockey programme getting underway last January in preparation for the 2012 London Olympic Games. The centralised programme involves the 25 or so women selected in the training squad for London 2012, training together everyday at Bisham Abbey Sports Centre, in Marlow near London. The aim of the programme is to bond, gel and develop as a squad before the Olympics commences.

Personally, the centralised programme has been a large commitment that has involved me moving to Marlow to live.Taking part in the centralised training and moving to Marlow has been extremely worthwhile and rewarding. Training in a 'full time' environment has only improved my fitness, skills and general hockey ability but has also improved the squad overall - as shown in GB women's recent results in test and friendly matches. The training regime the squad undertakes involves various aspects including: strength and conditioning, in the form of running and weights sessions; robustness exercises, designed to prevent injury and improve body positioning whilst playing, with lots of hockey specific drills and training sessions amied at improving us as a squad. Training is hard work but is incredibly enjoyable!

2010 has also been exciting and sucessful year for Scotland's Women's squad thus far. In April, the team travelled to Chile to compete in the World Cup Qualifiers for 2010 World Cup this summer. After much speculation as to whether the squad would actually travel or not due to the disruption caused by the volcanic ash cloud, we eventually arrived in Chile ancious to get underway. Australia entered the competition as outright favourites and were expected to canter to an easy victory in the tournament. The Scotland team surprised everyone competing in the qualifiers, winning 3 out of their 4 games, losing narrowly 2-1 to Australia in their only defeat. This was a great achievement for our squad and it felt very rewarding to see all of our hard work, commitment and perseverance pay off.

More recently I have suffered a personal set back; rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in my knee during a game for GB. My injury required surgery which I recently had in late June. The surgery was sucessful but I still have to undertake an intensive rehabilitation programe before returning to full training and hockey games. The injury will keep me out for roughly 9-12 months and I understand that competing in a sport that requires intensive training and involves playing at an international level carries the risk of serious injury, however I am determined to return fitter and sharper than before.

My injury means that I will miss the opportunity to play for Scotland in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October; however I wish the Scottish Squad the best of luck! Following our recent sucess in Chile, I am confident that the squad will have a great tournament and produce excellent performance.

Hope to see you all at a Spider Camp Soon

Laura x