New Start, New Life

Hello Perthians!

So it’s been a long time since I’ve written. And a lot has happened in that time. So ill try and condense it as quickly as possible.

Nationals was not my most memorable of races. The pace was slow early on, 8.33 through 3000m. The pack was tight, and I found myself in lane 2 and 3 for a lot of it. Then when the push came, it was a shove. Immediately the pace went to 60second laps, and over committing, I blew up, and finished in 14.29 – not even being the first WA guy across the line, with Roberto Busi running a 14:21. I realised after this r ace that I’ve got a lot to improve on, and a lot more confidence to gain.

Post nationals, coach Ken Green had me running easy 10miles every day, with a long run on Sundays. This proved to be a good formula, as by the time the Mothers Day Classic came around, I was feeling pretty fit, and won the 7km race in 21.20, beating home Aaron Patterson.

Two weeks later, I toed the line for the HBF Run for a Reason 14km, and after early challenges from Busi and Patterson, I pulled away at the 7km mark, running a 46.12 for an eventual 14.7km race. Pretty happy with both races, the biggest transition was about to come.

Two days after Run for a Reason, I boarded a plane with my girlfriend for Sydney. Not for a holiday, but to live. Moving over east has been something on my radar for the past 6 or so years, but its not until now that I’ve finally had everything right to be able to make such a big lifestyle change.

Settling in has been easy, especially with someone else there along the way. The last 5 days have been great, running with a 3.34 guy, a 2.11 marathon guy, a 3.41/14.04 guy and a great pack of others not far behind, and making me work every step of the way. The team environment that these guys have is fantastic, and I can see only positives coming out of the move.

Already I’ve had the chance to rep my new club, Randwick Botany Harriers. I jumped in at the State XC relays and ran a 4k leg for the clubs B team on the weekend. The A team, made up of Bart McPherson, Harry Summers, Jeremy Roff and Jeff Hunt ran away for an easy win, with the Sydney Uni team, which also had Team Green runners James Nipperess and Russ Dessiax-Chin. The B team came in a credible spot as well, and hopefully by the time that State road relays come around, I’ll be pushing for selection in the top team. It’s amazing that the depth of the club, and training group could speak for the depth of almost all of WA athletics.

Sunday (today) was the long run at Centennial Park, and although feeling pretty sore from the relays (a tough, muddy course ensured hard work), we churned out 26km in 1h45mins, headed to the beach for a quick recovery and then down to Clo Deli to have a bite to eat.

So there it is, the last month and a bit in a nutshell. I promise to keep blogging now I’m away from the state, so keep checking back!