Keir Hansen arrived at Sixways last June to take up the vital role of Strength & Conditioning Co-ordinator and has instilled new ideas and fresh routines to training.
But the key member of the backroom staff has also been practicing what he preaches as he prepares to lace up his running shoes and take part in the Flora London Marathon on April 22 for charity.
Keir, who brought a wealth of experience to Worcester after spending five successful years with the New Zealand Warriors Rugby League team, will be pounding the streets of London to raise cash for the local branch of the NSPCC.
“I have always had it in the back of my mind as one of those things I wanted to do,” he said. “I wanted to run it for a worthwhile cause and I can’t wait to raise some money for the children of Worcester. The great aspect is that all the money that I raise will go back into the community in the city.
“I’ve been training since November and I’ve spoken to people at the club who have taken part before so I think I know what I’m in for. I have done a few half marathons in the past but never a full one.”
Keir and his assistant Stuart Pickering can always be seen putting the players through their paces to work on endurance, strength and power.
But now the New Zealander has been working up a real sweat of his own using many of the techniques he puts into practice at Sixways.
“The things that we do here like recovery strategies are now the type of things that I’m having to take into training,” he said. “When you’re doing really huge volume training, one big run followed by another big run, it’s crucial that you do the little things well. You have to look after yourself because that makes training easier.
“We always preach to the players to make sure they follow all the plans, it does make a difference – now I am following my own advice.
“Training is also always a lot easier when you’re working towards a goal, be that 80 minutes of Premiership rugby or a marathon – I certainly have one now!
All the players have been getting behind Keir’s fundraising plans and now he is asking Warriors supporters to dig deep to help his fundraising by CLICKING HERE
But as for his target time to complete the 26.2 mile circuit – Keir keeping that to himself!
“It’s my first one so I just want to make sure I finish,” he said. “As long as I don’t get beaten by somebody in fancy dress as a rhino I will be happy.
“All that really matters is raising as much money I can. It would be great if Warriors fans could help me raise some money for such a worthwhile cause.”