After running the 3000m at the European Team Championships and knowing that the European trials were being held at Bedford, my coach and I made the wise decision to finally step up in distance and try my debut over the 5000m (eeeeek)!! As much as I LOVE the 1500m and wanted to run it at the European U23’s, we could only apprehend poor weather conditions at Bedford. We believed that the qualifying time of 4.13.00 for the 1500m would be much more difficult to achieve than 16:15:00 for the 5000m which is the main reason for my change of plan.
I was extremely apprehensive about running the 5000m as I was debuting at a trial race and not just any ordinary event. However, I had to do it and do it well, if I wanted to make the team. Sunday came around quickly, and what a day it was. The temperature was a scorching 30 degrees plus and there was very little wind. Perfect for events 800m and below, but a nightmare for anything further. It was then that I really started to panic. I was scared. Knowing that the race wasn’t going to be easy due to the number of girls already achieving the qualifying time but also the added pressure of running in such exhausting weather conditions made me nervous. The race went ahead, and with ice in my hands and a soaking wet cap for the first few laps , I found myself tucked in nicely in a very slow moving pack. Two girls, Naomi Taschomowitz, my team mate from the World XC this year in Punta Umbria and Natasha Doel went about 50m ahead of the main group that I was running in. The gap wasn’t too big and I was happy to stay with the remaining girls to not only respect them but I also was very aware that they knew how to run a 5k and would never let someone run off if they didn’t think they were capable of catching them. This did not stop me from slightly panicking though! Which was why I decided after 5 laps or so to take it on and start winding the pace up to not only catch the two girls in front but also get a semi-decent time out of the race!
I was feeling heavy from a hard-weeks training but I didn’t want to lose. It was hot, and we were all taking water and sponges on each lap to try and cool ourselves down from the not-so-much appreciated sunshine! Any other time and we would have been sunbathing, but in the race I can guarantee we were all praying for some cooling rain drops! With a 1000m to go, I knew that if the pace continued to push on, I had a shot of winning. It was a slow start, so the pick up didn’t seem to damage me too much, and neither did it to some of the other girls. With a lap to go there was three of us, me, Emma Pallant and Hannah Walker, however, I knew the race would be won in the final 300m. I hit the back straight and strided out for victory. I won. I couldn’t believe it. What was my first 5000m and after a slow start, I took first place in the European U23 Qualifying time.
I was elated. I got my medal, said a quick hello to my mum and, as I walk back inside to get my kit, bam, I get whisked away by a drugs tester. The day was full of debuts, as this was my first ever drugs test. Luckily though, I had heard lots about them and the process you went through so it wasn’t all bad. However, it did bring the day to an anti-climax, as after a few hours of trying to pee, I was past celebrating and just wanted to get home.
I was especially happy to have had my Mum at the race to watch and support me. I love her coming to support me, but this sadly doesn’t always happen, so when she does, her presence really makes an impact on my performance.
I am now very excited to race at the European U23 Championships and very much looking forward to putting on the GB vest for the second time this season so far.
