On Thursday 28^th January 2010 I travelled to Sydney and Homebush Stadium for the NSW 5000m Track Championships.  Scheduled to be held at 8.10pm, I arrived into Sydney at lunchtime and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon.  Braving the public transport system across the city with my friend, Oscar, the sky loomed grey and ominous.  As soon as the train doors opened so too did the skies.  Rain teemed down, the lightning struck with incredible intensity, and thunder rocketed around the empty stadiums.  On arrival at the stadium, bedraggled and laughing, we were faced with the reality that the event might not be held.  But nothing that 90mins of waiting can’t fix.

At 9.30pm I lined up on the start line, a little hungry and ‘a bit over it all’.  But I pushed aside these negative thoughts in my new resolution to stay positive in the face of adversity.  I ran with the aim of solid lap splits and a quick last 400m, running strongly to the finish line in 16mins28sec and a win by over 60sec.  Although this is not my quickest time for the event, under tough conditions I was happy with the result.

Since the race I have travelled down to Canberra to do some high quality training at the AIS and with my friends.  It has opened my eyes to the intensity that the athletes here focus on their recovery. I was also surprised to experience how fast they do their long runs and thus am returning home with a few new changes to put in place.

My next race will be the 10km Run the Bridge Race against two Australian Representatives, Donna and Sonia, plus Australian 3km Champion and great friend, Mel.  It should be great to run with such wonderful friends not to mention esteemed company.  I continually feel privileged for the opportunity my sport presents me with.