World Cross Country Eve: By Sonia O'Sullivan

It’s been a long time coming but finally we are only one sleep away from the World Cross Country 2010.

 

All the months of planning and preparation will be put to the test tomorrow around Myslecinek park, Bydgoszcz . The final preparations of the Australian team couldn’t have gone smoother, it has been a positive experience all around since we left Australia 10 days ago. Even the unexpected high temperatures during the week reverted to the conditions we expected to greet us in Poland, 4C wind, rain and plenty of mud! The gloves and hats are out and rain coats were all the rage today .

 

This afternoon was the final course inspection and thankfully we waited until the afternoon, as the transformation from the morning was like night and day. Wellington boots were the footwear of choice for non runners and they will be making another appearance tomorrow as the course has gone from good going all around to good going most of the way once you get through the opening 400m of close to un-runnable terrain. Most athletes skirted around this section today as it was enough information just to observe as the Wellie boot brigade slid through the ankle deep mud.

 

The sand banks around the jumps have washed away and it will be a giant step for many of the diminutive athletes to get over, without having to get down on all fours to clamber over……definitely a good viewing spot for the spectators and keen photographers.

 

The challenge has definitely been set on the course for all the athletes and it will be very interesting to see which athletes come out on top this year.

 

The Australian team didn’t seem too phased by the conditions and I feel that they are ready to take on the challenge, some are even embracing this very tough cross country course as just what they wanted and looking forward to getting stuck in tomorrow and taking on the World.