European Clubs

This was the most at ease I have felt going into a race for a long time. Man it was hot, but I felt prepared for it. We went to the line and I looked across and said "ya you guys have run 8.18, but I'm going to make you work for this".

The race took off at a good pace and that was maintained throughout the race. We all took a turn at the front. The Kenyan/Czech athlete, who has run 8.18 looked very impressive, he was clearing the water jumps like a gazelle. The Turk athlete, another 8.18 guy was tucked in. The Portuguese, a 8.30 man was annoying the hell out of me, he kept cutting in front of me before every jump. This isn't to say that I am the most graceful over the jumps. Every jump I was losing ground, but it felt easy to make up the ground. With 800 to go there was 6 of us in a bunch pushing along, 5 sub 8.30 guys and me. I was just thinking "c'mon who want's to kick for home, I have this" and BANG.... I was on the deck and I heard a gush from the crowd after my left knee smacked the barrier, just after the finish line with 2 laps to go. I got up as quickly as I could, but they were gone 70 or 80 metres already. To make matters worse I landed on the side of my ribs, so I was wheezing badly.

I wanted to catch the guys, but it looked like a monumental task, as I wheezed and jumped. "get to the finish line, get to the finish line" I did, in 9.07 in 6th position, the race was won in 8.38 by the gazelle of a Kenyan. It's frustrating because even if I died a lot, I think I would have been sub 8.50, which would have put me in the Irish team for European clubs. Hopefully they will pick me for another event, I will have to wait and see.

I just lay on the track when I finished and asked for help for my knee. Bob Smith was first down and I stuck ice on my knee straight away. Stew Ellerby taped it on and I lay for about 20 minutes feeling sory for myself. I still did a bit today, but I have to move on. I ran today on it and it was OK so I am hoping to continue my training and run fast again soon.

Watching the 4 by 400 guys beat the best in Europe was impressive.

Well done again to the Beagles - 4th best club in Europe aint bad!