Holiday Time

I have returned home after my latest trips to Italy and Germany, and to my sister’s wedding on the Gold Coast.  Now that I’m home, I don’t want to go anywhere!  I have had so many wonderful experiences this year, but it’s been hard on many levels.  (I have travelled overseas from Hobart four times since May).  I’ll spend the next few weeks resting and considering my future.  At the moment I have some speaking engagements to look forward to, and I’m finally getting around to some home renovating.

Donna

World Athletics Final

In a similar field to the Beijing Olympics Final, Donna ran 7th overnight in the World Athletics Final in Stuttgart, Germany.  Her time was 9min36.72.  The race was won by the Olympic Champion Gulnara Galkina of Russia.

5th in Rieti

Last Sunday Donna ran 5th in the Steeplechase at the Rieti Grand Prix in Italy.

Link to the results page for the meet:  http://www.rietimeeting.com/info/results/re1290040.html

30 degrees in Italy- no complaints here!

After travelling for a record 42 hours, I arrived in the city of Rieti yesterday to a scene that was bursting with so much ambience it could have seemed contrived.  I open the shuttered doors of my hotel room to find myself in the main piazza, complete with outdoor cafes and the obligatory fountain.  Even my favourite Boccelli tune was playing across the square.  I have a lot to thank my Italian husband for (whose relatives look like every second person here)  Most importantly, he taught me to eat spaghetti by twirling it around my fork!
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Donna

I will compete in Europe

Somewhat surprisingly, I completed my ‘fitness test’ track session in one of my fastest times yet.  It was a gusty Spring morning, and it helped enormously that I had my training partner Paul and husband Marty running alongside in parts.  Having passed the test, I fly to Italy this week to compete in the steeplechase in Rieti, Italy on Sunday.  The following Saturday is the World Athletics Final in Stuttgart. 

Donna