Dear Happy (Formula 1 - Daniel Ricciardo)

EIGHT

Just a few days later and I was stepping off the tube in Putney, a light drizzle hitting my cheeks as I followed the crowd of passengers towards the exit. In less than a week's time I would be flying out to Australia ahead of the Australian GP, and I couldn't wait to be back in the Aussie sunshine. But for now, I'd have to make do with rainy London.

After a short walk from the station and entering the gym, I could tell this feeling was very much shared by the two Aussies I found waiting for me. Although I'd only been expecting to see the one, and so it was a slight surprise to see Daniel leaning against the counter beside Michael.

"Hey Neen," Daniel grinned, Michael also turning to smile at me as he was alerted to my arrival.

"Dan's flying out when I do tomorrow now, so I thought he could train with us," Michael explained, obviously noting the confused look I was wearing. Daniel was supposed to be in Monaco, Michael flying out to meet him before they both headed down to Australia a few days earlier than the rest of the F1 circus. I guessed that he'd probably flown into the UK for a few days ahead to spend time at the factory. I didn't mind that Daniel was now going to be joining our session, but that did make me wonder how on earth this was going to work. We'd never trained together with either of our drivers before, so I already felt as if instead of our usual collaborative session, I would be letting Michael take more of a lead.

"Yeah that's cool," I smiled, signing in at the desk and finding myself a cubby hole for my backpack. I switched my shoes quickly, stripping off a couple of layers and taking only a water bottle into the main area of the gym. It was the middle of a weekday, so there were very few people inside. Any morning classes had long finished and there would be no more until the evening, leaving an open gym for us to enjoy.

"What do you feel like doing today Nina?" Michael asked as I joined him and Daniel in the furthest corner of the gym.

I shrugged, sitting on the floor and started to stretch off my legs. "I'm easy, I can just fit in with the session you want Dan doing?" I'd run a 10k the day before, but I was more than certain Michael wouldn't want to train Daniel too hard so close to the start of the season.

"We'll do something to fit with his taper if that's ok, but otherwise nothing is planned. Pick an exercise Dan," Michael nodded. I breathed a sigh of relief that I'd been correct and it probably wouldn't be too heavy a session. However this relief was pretty shortlived.

"Box jumps," Dan grinned. And that would be my legs dying.

"Nina?" Michael turned to me next.

"Dumbbell snatch," I countered, it was a good all over movement that was a little bit more effort for the arms than legs.

Michael then proceeded to build a workout around the two movements.

3 minutes on and one minute off, as many rounds as possible 10 reps of each. I could already feel my legs screaming.

*

An hour later and I was laying on the floor of the gym trying my best to stretch off in the sweaty pool I'd decorated the floor with.

"Thanks for that Mike," I breathed out.

"Glad to be of service," he replied, "I'm staying to do some weights if you wanted to join in."

"I'm ok thanks," I grimaced, my legs definitely deserving of some rest after that session and the run the day before. "I'll walk that off on the way home."

"I might join you if you don't mind," Daniel sighed, a tired smile across his lips. He definitely shouldn't be doing any weights after that session, and so close to the start of season.