So this will be my first blog for Macb. I will be updating every month or so with what events are going on and how my training towards the Olympic trials is going! I find out in 2 weeks’ time if I have done enough to make my first ever Olympics! Pretty exciting!
I will give a little bit of a recap as what has been happening over the summer race season. I got the opportunity to race in the Olympic Stadium back in May which was an amazing experience – the real event is going to be something truly unbelievable. When Glasgow gets it’s turn in 2014 – it will become something really special. Hopefully after the Olympics hype is over, the Commonwealths will have their time to shine.
I opened my first steeplechase of the year in Belgium – winning my race in 10 seconds quicker than the previous year – despite being in a cast for 2 months and unable to walk over the winter months! I think I have proved that even with serious injury and surgery – you always come out stronger than before. Things hardly ever go the way you want them to – but if your determined enough to keep going; it will eventually turn around for you!
My following steeplechase was in the international Diamond League in Oslo. A lot of people think it must be great with all the travelling athletes do but to be honest, you don’t really get to see many parts of the places we visit – apart from the stadiums and hotel rooms! However, my flight home was quite late at night the following day and so for the first time – I actually got the chance to wander around Oslo and do some sightseeing! Although I was a long way behind the leaders (they were on world record pace!!) I managed to run my own race and come away with a brand new PB, Scottish record and UK under 23 age group record…. but more importantly I ran an Olympic A qualifying time by 5 seconds!
To secure my position within the team, I have to come within the top 2 at the Olympic Trials at Birmingham Alexander Stadium next weekend (Sunday 24th June). Fingers crossed that race goes to plan and cements my spot for the Olympics! I really feel that by the time the Olympics come around I will be in 9.30 shape and hopefully fighting for a place in the final. Will I be in with a chance for a medal? Of course not! Unless I managed to attach a rocket to the bottom of my spikes. But realistically I do believe I can make a final and at 21, that’s not too bad a feat!
I will be more than happy to answer any questions regarding my athletics and I wish you all the best with your training – towards whatever goal you set yourself! Whether it be a 3k,5k,10k or even a marathon! If you want to start running but don’t know how to go about it, there are so many options to getting involved. Running is for absolutely everyone.. all you need is a pair of trainers…and your journey can start now!
If you have any running questions for me then go to www.facebook.com/macbwater and post your question.