Will Battershill credited his sauna training as the key to helping him negotiate the searing Birmingham heat as he qualified for the European Championship final.
The 3,000m steeplechase runner from Holbeton finished eighth in the opening semi-final at the Alexander Stadium, finishing just inside the dotted line.
An amber weather warning for heat and temperatures approaching the mid-30s made it sweltering work for the 28-year-old, who was relieved to get the job done.
“As expected, it was very hot, very slow, lots of bumping and barging and I stuck to the plan to save energy for the move when it really mattered,” he said.
“Your mouth goes totally dry after 30 seconds in this heat but I was prepared for it to be like that.
“It’s mainly in your perception of how hot you are, not actually how hot you are. I do a lot of sauna training.
“There is supposed to be a performance benefit to it anyway in cold conditions but the body is quite adaptable to heat.
“I tend to go in the sauna four times a week or so after runs so it didn’t feel too different to what I’m used to.”
Battershill finished as runner-up in the Novuna UK Athletics Championships behind Kristian Imroth and both will line up in Sunday’s showpiece after Imroth finished sixth in the same semi-final.
“I was surprised the top eight just separated, I thought it might be more of a battle on the margin,” he said.
“Plan A was obviously cruise through in the top three or four but we had to go to Plan B, which was scrape through.”
The Devonian hopes both Brits can thrive on a home atmosphere as they seek landmark medals.
“It’s amazing,” Battershill added. “I really made sure to stay in the moment and really enjoy it as that could have been my only race if I didn’t make it through.
“Hearing that roar of the crowd was a very special experience.
“Kristian looked class and great to be in the final with.
“It has been almost perfect prep. I had a bit of a calf scare a couple of weeks ago but other than that, it has been the best training of my life.
“I am really confident in my body and my fitness. Bring on the final.”
Novuna is the Official Finance Partner of British Athletics and proud sponsor of the GB & NI Athletics Team. From everyday goals to world-class dreams, Novuna backs the ambition of millions across the UK — from supporting British businesses and individuals’ plans, to powering British Athletics on the global stage. Find out more at www.novuna.co.uk
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