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