To Runnerstribe,

The last time I wrote an article I was sitting up in the lodge at Charlotte Pass and again I find myself doing the same. There is not much else to do up here – except train, and recover and some uni work when the motivation levels are aroused for that kind of thing. That said, it’s an ideal place to be at this time of year as we head towards the business end of the domestic season.

I have been happy with my results over the past month. I was able to run a good race in Hobart in a personal best time for my first run over the 1500m for the season. Then a bit quicker up at Sydney a couple of weeks later, and in doing so, breaking the 3:40 barrier and coming away with a Commonwealth Games B-qualifier. My next and most recent run was at the Melbourne World Athletics Tour Meet, which was a slow tactical race.

As I mentioned earlier I do have some University work to contend with this year, as I embark on an Honours year to finish off my Undergraduate degree. I think it is important to have a balance in life, but the decision to do another ‘stint’ up a Charlotte’s was an easy one.

I’m looking forward to having a few more runs over the 1500m before Nationals in Perth and the final preparations that I’m undertaking now will hopefully have me in peak condition come mid April.

Brenton

The start list was intimidating, with names such as Sarah Jamieson, Lara tamsett, Nikki Chapple, Eloise Wellings, Lisa Flint, Melissa Rollison, Clare Geraghty and the list went on. However, I had confidence in my training over the past few months with no interruptions from injury or illness, for a change! It was nice to be heading into a race feeling fit and confident.

 

I had a slight scare the day before we flew to Noosa, when I woke up with a sore throat, which luckily enough only lasted until Friday morning and if anything forced me into having a good taper.

 

I was very nervous leading up to the race but at the same time was really looking forward to getting out there and racing. My training partners, Andrea Ilakovac, Hannah Flannery and Laura Garvican were also racing which calmed my nerves, making it feel somewhat like a normal training session. My win was made all the better with their performances, which made for a good quality celebration post race!

 

By the time the race start came around the temperature was at its peak, as was the crowd. Early on the pace was steady and into the last of 4 laps a group of 10 remained. My mouth was desert dry and my face was burning when Nikki and Jamo picked up the tempo with about 1km to go. I was hurting, but managed to hang on and when crossing the bridge for the final time the finish line came into view and I had a surge of confidence, kicked, passed Jamo, hit the tape with her less than a second behind, and Nikki not far behind. I had a short lie on the finishing carpet! (I didn't collapse!!!) Victory was mine and it was sweet.

 

I am now looking forward to the domestic track season beginning, with my first hit out being at the NSW state 3km champs in less than 2 weeks time, followed by a few stints at altitude with commonwealth games trials always in sight.

 

My confidence is reappearing and the taste of winning is very addictive.....Bring on summer!