Fry continues return to fitness as she marks comeback from serious foot injury with cross country win in Northern Ireland

Newbury Athletic Club’s Izzy Fry was crowned the Bobby Rea International Cross Country champion as she continues to battle back to full fitness following a serious foot injury.

Fry, who suffered a high grade tear in her plantar fascia – the part of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes – at the Trafford 10k back in March has endured a long road to recovery but admitted it was all starting to feel worthwhile after her impressive race win in Northern Ireland.

“The last 18 months have been difficult. Not just the injury, but last winter really didn’t turn out how I wanted it to,” she said.

“To finally feel like myself again, to race confidently and believe in myself, it was amazing. I’m very happy.

“It feels great to be back. I’ve had to be patient and I’ve had a lot of change in my life.

“I’m feeling really happy and I’m hoping that will show in my running.”

In July, the 23-year-old made the decision to leave Team New Balance in Manchester, moving to the midlands to work with a new team at Loughborough University.

She said: “Sometimes, you just know when it’s the right time to make a change.

“I had an unreal time with the team but I’ve learned that it’s not worth ignoring your heart. The move has really re-ignited my love for running.”

Fry is set to race again in Cardiff in less than three weeks time before lining up at the European Cross Country Championships trials in Liverpool, when she’ll need to finish in the top six to qualify for the finals, which will take place in Brussels in December.

“It was really difficult to write-off this summer’s track season, but it was a case of taking a step back to go forward,” she said.

“Everything I’ve been doing has been working towards this winter’s cross-country. Even then, I had to be patient and not run in some of the races I’d initially wanted to do.

“Every decision I’ve made has led to me feeling stronger than ever now. I hope this winter will propel me into the next summer.

“The a-goal is to finish in the top six and make it to Brussels, that would be amazing. If I could get on that team, it would really make everything I’ve been through worthwhile.

“At the same time, I know that I’m still coming back from an injury, so realistically the main goal is to be healthy next summer. Anything this winter will be a bonus.”