2009 Australian steeplechase Champion

I won the Australian Championships in Brisbane on Friday night over a small field of three other competitors!   Apart from my technique over the water jumps, my return to the steeple was pleasing. I took the opportunity to try and enjoy the race rather than aim for a fast time.  My win guarantees my selection in the Australian team for the World Championships in Berlin this August, because I have already achieved the required ‘A’ standard times.   

Donna

Coming up next…steeplechase

I haven’t done any steeple races since the World Athletics Final in September last year.  It is a bit unusual that my first attempt in six months will be the Australian Championships, and the selection trials for the World Championships.  I have already run the required two A standards, so I just need to win the race to be automatically named in the team.  That’s the plan!

Donna

Results from Melbourne World Athletics Tour 1500

1, Sarah Jamieson, AUS, 4:11.62.
2, Kaila McKnight, AUS, 4:11.83.
3, Nikki Hamblin, NZL, 4:12.50.
4, Lisa Corrigan, AUS, 4:14.67.
5, Bridey Delaney, AUS, 4:14.83.
6, Nikki Molan, AUS, 4:16.26.
7, Donna MacFarlane, AUS, 4:19.94.
8, Chloe Tighe, AUS, 4:26.35.
9, Linden Hall, AUS, 4:31.88.
10, Fiona Crombie, NZL, 4:41.60.
–, Kelly Hetherington, AUS, DNF.

Steeplechase cancelled

The steeple has been taken off tomorrow night’s  World Athletics Tour meet in Melbourne.  The organisers say there aren’t enough athletes running the steeple at a high enough standard in Australia at the moment.  Last year two Chinese athletes made the trip down for the race, but it has not been possible to attract international athletes this year.  I will compete in the 1500 metres tomorrow night.   The best thing about having raced the 5000 metres last weekend, is that the 1500 will now feel like a sprint!  

Donna

Bronze medal surprise

I had forgotten that the 5000 metres at the Sydney Grand Prix doubled as the Australian Championship race for that distance until just before the start.  I had expected the race to be fast, but with the National title up for grabs, the times were not important.  No-one wanted to take the lead, so I did for the first 7 laps.  I didn’t mind because the conditions were great and the pace was comfortable (3km in 9.51).  I held on for the first challenge with five laps remaining, but I dropped off the front pack with 600 metres to go.  I worked hard in the last lap (67 secs) to move into third and win the bronze medal in 16.00.43. 

It’s my first national senior track medal in an event other than the steeplechase.

Donna