Eliza Curnow RT Journal

(Photo 1: Session at Pt AddisForest)

As well as the ‘off track’ adventure, the athletes we train with week in week out also contribute to maintaining intrigue. I'm privileged to train in the great squad you see here who make running very entertaining!

 (Photo 2: The group, some of them at least)

This season however I have taken on a few different training partners. The first of few, Jaffa, an incredibly energetic red and tan kelpie. Having now accompanied me on many runs he is slowly learning, like we all did (or still are), not to go too hard too early. 

(Photo 3: Jaffa as per usual, run out of legs)

The other additions, my brothers, Ed and George. We have always competed with one another in various sports and my eldest brother Ed is usually unbeatable, in anything, and of that he will always remind me. To my pleasure though he is also incredibly supportive and during his holiday over Christmas and New Year he was a much appreciated training partner. However these days it is my younger brother, George, who is becoming a regular at the new Albert Park. Dedicated to making something of himself in football this year he is putting in a good pre-season on the track whilst also accompanying me, mostly unconsciously, to and from Melbourne for training (he has the unfortunate tendency to fall asleep in the car).

As well as the addition of these training partners, the season started a little differently for me with an eye opening November stint in Falls with Georgie Clarke and Susan Kuijken. The 10 days at 1700m was a nice holiday from Uni and Work not to mention an incredibly handy preparation into my first race at Zatopek. I was fortunate to be on the mountain with some very experienced athletes which gave me an insight into the dedication required to be a 'real' distance runner. Whilst there I was careful not to fall victim of 'overtraining' so I kept to my usual 70-80km’s a week training routine. Pretty soon though I was desperate to get back onto the rubber for some speed work before racing the 800m at Zatopek. This training in Falls Creek no doubt contributed to a 2:05.92 season opener at the event, my second fastest time ever. 

(Photo 4:  What you do at Falls Creek when your not running…  very little)

The lead up to Brisbane was a little different, and as my first interstate 'open' event it was definitely a learning experience. It was a good 'wake-up' call to adjustments that need to be made before returning to competition in Adelaide on the 28th. It is exciting to be a part of the action on the track this domestic season given the 'Olympic year' hype and hopefully everyone will able to produce their best. Many athletes having already recorded some great performances.

I thought I should mention since writing this blog my sister Charlotte has beaten Ed 'the unbeatable' in the Danger 1000, the local open water swim. This subject is proving to be very touchy with him! I'd like to congratulate her in creating his discomfort whilst leaving you (if you've bothered to read this far) with the 'cliché' lesson that anything is possible!

Best of luck with your endeavours, whatever they may be

Thanks for reading!