Day 1

We flew to brisbane and didn't arive till after midday so we didn't really have much time to do much but check in. We didn't go to the track. We were staying at Rydges which was in the city so there was a fare bit to see. We went to the local public pool which unlike most was also an artificial beach. Stilll trying to find where to pay (I never did find where to pay) we had a good game of something and got out. That night we ate next to the river and had a good time. We unwillingly went back to our room at about 9pm and slept.

Day 2

My room mate had his steeple chase today( the official I can't qualify in the 3000m event but want to go to brisbane event) so we woke early and caught the bus to the track. I had bought new spikes for the race (I know everyone just thought ahhhhh you idiot) and did a bit of a run in them (if you are wondering gave me no blisters in the race and were fine) and was happy. After bagging out the people in the steeple chase went back and lay in the shade. The steeple chase went well for my roomy. He came in 6th and I went over and congradulated him on getting over all those things and making good splashes. He was happy so we caught the bus back and went first to the pool. We had another game of a sport that is yet to be named. Then when it was later went in to the city to have some fun. Earlier that day at some markets we had bought some quite spectacular hats (big hats black with pink spots) and ofcourse wore them in to the city. This was probaly not a clever thing to do but we survived so it doesn't matter. We won a hacky sack at Timezone and then ate a LOT of pizza and much more and the steeplechasers got back at em teasing me for having to race still. At about 11pm we came back to the motel still with our hats and still getting a lot of weird looks.

Day 3

We woke late and caugth the last bus to the track. We palyed hacky sack wearing our hats till the first bus came to leave to furfill our requirements. We got back and went to the pool this time I didn't play the nameless sport but started taking it easier. I went to sleep early as tomorrow was the big day. I started getting nervous as this was my first nationals.

Day 4 AKA the big day

My race WAS THE LAST *&#$@# race of the day and meeting. So I sat waiting. With about 90 minutes left I started my warm up. About 20 to go and I was very nervous. Seeing these little skinny guys striding out on the back straight was not good. I look down at my legs and saw legs a bit to big for this stuff and thought I hope I don't come last. We were called over to the line and I was about to cry I think. I didn't want to be here, anywhere but here. The gun went and as always after years of running clicked into race thinking. The pace was on and in 32 degrre heat and close to 100 percent humidity they went through first 200 27 flat. Next 400 in 66. They then slowed a little and settled into low 70's. I could see myself loosing touch as two skinny leged types eased away. I could feel an injury I had been having trouble with aching but it didn't affect me too much. I was in 7th and was pleased (I know it is mean) to see one then two find the going tough and drop off badly. I had a non last place finish in the bag. I wasn't in a good way and looked up to see me about 150m behind. I forgot about them and started lining up the guy in front who was fading. I caught him at the bell and eased off and sat behind till 200 and then went I did last 200 in 28 so was happy and finished in 9:29. I was satisfied with 6th and the time and just happy the bloody thing was over. Looking back on it I probaly could have gone a lot better if I wasn't so worried about coming last. Good experience anyway. About 10 minutes later I was on a bus for the airport and then sat down waiting for the plane. The plane was very late and left a few hours late. The organisers of the team where pulling there hair out as it looked more and more likely they would have to spend an extra day with us. The plain borded in a hurry. We made it to sydney airport 3 minutes before the curfew damm. For the first time I tried to walk a bit and it was not a pretty sight. The combination of no warm down and 4 hours sitting still was not good!!! Anyway the trip was heaps good the run was an OK one but I hope next time I am not last event.

Photo's

Me after the finish with Brendan and Glen is just out of photo on the left :-(

One of the many moments spent playing hacky sack

The markets near the hotel (we got the funny hats from here)

Our hotel (it was REALLY good but couldn't handle 250 kids in hte elevator)

Queen Elizabeth the second sporting complex (place where we ran)