Six weeks to go before Cologne, Germany

There are six weeks remaining before I travel to Cologne to be with the Australian Track and Field Team.  It’s a compulsory Team training camp designed to build team spirit, get used to the climate and time zone etc.  I stayed in Cologne for a few days in 2007 with my late coach, Max Cherry.  The facilities are ideal- there is a designated ‘Sports University,’ which has a 400m track, swimming pool, gyms, running trails, ovals etc.  They also have the ‘Doping Sports Bar’ on site.  Not a good look in my opinion!

Donna

Long run with kids…interesting!

I don’t mind running for half an hour around an oval while my children (4yrs, 7yrs) play nearby, but today was a challenge.  Without my usual babysitters, we all set off for Nutgrove beach.  It didn’t start well.  I had only run for 9 seconds!!! when my son slipped in the mud and we headed back to the car for a change of clothes.  I ran around the ovals for ages, then we moved to the beach for a change of scenery, and then to the playground.  I managed 70 minutes…success!

Donna

It's officially winter at home

This time last year I had just arrived in Belgium with my family to start a six week racing campaign in Europe.  The year before that I was in Norway.  The year before that I had recently arrived home from Qatar in the Middle East.  Being at home now in Winter is great …if it’s always Summer, you never get to experience the joy of coming in from the cold!    

It is more beneficial in my opinion for me to stay home at the moment to train and race (road/cross country).  I am getting very fit , I have my family to support (and support me), and it’s great to have people to train with.  I still have 10 weeks before I race in the World Championships.  Things should come together nicely by then!

Donna