Blog

Well what a day. I arrived at the venue around 8:30am and signed in with the Redland’s team manager. My race was not till 10am but I wanted to walk the course as it closed at 9am. I began my warm ups about 40 minutes before the race. The course was a bit wet and some of the ground was mud. I stood on the start line knowing that I should be able to qualify (top six). Once the gun went, at 10am sharp we were off and I was in the lead pack by the first turn. Over the next kilometer the pack grew smaller and soon we were at the base of a 300m long hill.

The race kicked off at 7am. I was hoping to do the 10km, but I had MET East Cross Country on Tuesday and didn’t want to wear out my legs. The Koala Fun Run was hosted by the Bayside Runners and Walkers who did a great job and provided a great course and some solid competition. At the start I was feeling good and was off in first place. Behind me were the 10km and half marathon competitors, who started at the same time. Soon Patrick Arnold set the pace and I slotted in behind as I wanted to save my legs and I knew that I would not win this race.

The day began with a cycle and run session in the morning for about two hours. I felt good and ready to race!!! After the session I taught some of my fellow training buddies some bike skills, and then I headed home for a nice big bowl of porridge and honey. I started making some pasta and pesto for lunch at 11:30 as I wanted to leave and watch a few of my friends race.