After a successful track season where she competed at her first World Athletics Championships in Tokyo and won a 3000m/5000m double at the Tampere 2025 European Athletics U20 Championships, British distance runner Innes FitzGerald is now looking towards the cross country season.
She is in line for a potentially historic third successive women’s U20 title at the Lagoa 2025 SPAR European Cross Country Championships on 14 December and started the season with victory at Cardiff on Saturday (8), as she balances her life as an international athlete with her studies.
She brings us fully up to speed as part of her regular and exclusive European Athletics column.
Humbling sessions back
“It felt great to be back racing again in Cardiff — my first race of the year and the start of another cross country season. The Cardiff Cross Challenge has always been a good one to open with - a forgiving course, not too muddy, and a good test to see where I am after a break.
“To come away with the win was a confidence boost, but more than that, it just felt nice to pin on a number again and remember what it’s all about.
“After the track season, I took about three weeks off - two weeks completely off, and then one of very gentle running. I really needed that time physically and mentally, but I’ll be honest, the first few sessions back were humbling!
“It’s amazing how quickly the legs forget, and those first runs definitely felt like taking five steps back. But I’ve learned to trust the process - the fitness does come back, just not overnight. Each week I’ve felt a little stronger and a little more like myself again.
Looking to Liverpool and Lagoa
“Now the focus turns to the European Cross Country Trials in Liverpool on 22 November. It’s always a key race, and of course I’d love to qualify for Lagoa in December for what would be my third U20 title.
“There’s a bit of pressure that comes with that, especially knowing it’ll be my last year in the U20s before stepping up to seniors next season. But mostly, I’m just trying to enjoy the experience - go out there, race hard, and see what happens.
Student life and resetting after exams
“Back at the University of Exeter, I’ve been settling into my second year of my Sport and Exercise Science degree. It’s been really interesting this term because we’ve had more freedom to choose optional modules.
“I picked Motor Control and Nutrition Science, which I’ve loved — they both connect so well with athletics. Sometimes I’ll be learning about training adaptation or performance psychology and realise, 'Oh, that’s why we do that in training!' It helps me appreciate the science behind what we put our bodies through.
“Student life has been good, too - busy, but in a nice way. I live with a group of girls, and we often cook dinners together or have chilled nights in. I’m not really the big “going out-out” type, but it’s nice to have that social side away from training.
“And on sunny days (when they do happen in Exeter!), I love to get outside for a walk, especially after lectures or exams. It’s a little reset button — a reminder to slow down and enjoy the simple things.
“So, that’s where I am right now: juggling studies, training, and trying to find the balance between the two. It’s not always easy, but it keeps life interesting. Next stop: Liverpool. Fingers crossed it all goes well - and hopefully, Lagoa after that.”