Stable runs from the New Zealand men’s relay team got us a 17th, 1 place down from the our good result in Scotland 3 years ago. We were very happy with the 16th at that World Champs because it was much better than previous years. This year felt somewhat different though, maybe because the expectations were higher. However, 17th is good, looking at the incredible strength of the competition, and reflects 3 stable runs, far different to last year’s disaster. Our Women’s team placed similarly, 19th.
Tim Robertson started us off this year and was holding a very high place for most of the course, but dropped to the second pack after a small mistake, finishing 3 minutes from the lead. If Matt and I were to replicate Tim’s performance we would be looking at one of New Zealand’s highest placed finishes again. Matt did just that, running a very similar time to Tim, and picking up a few places. I’m really happy for Matt here because he was really disappointed after his big mistake in the middle distance two days prior.
I went out unsure of my physical condition but relaxed and eager to prove I could still focus under pressure. I found the course mostly easy, although I dropped 20 seconds on my route to control 2, and 10 seconds getting stuck behind the marsh before control 4. I was pretty happy with how I tackled the rest of the course.
Physically, my body was not up for racing at the level I was in June and July. Being very sick for 2 of the final 3 weeks of my preparation for this competition appears to have taken its toll. My super consistent training routine was crushed, and I was seriously under eating for 10 days. It sounds like a lot of people have had stomach problems over here; something in the water perhaps? Given my limited energy for training, the few sessions I did do were in terrain to give myself at least some technical preparation. This is also something I am not used to, and historically my body has responded badly to a lack of easy flat running. It’s unclear which of these factors were most significant in my demise, but it is clear that my demise has occurred and I will have to wait yet another year to have a good race at WOC, one that I feel fairly reflects the level of fitness I have achieved for most of the last few years.
I will still start the long distance tomorrow with the goal to experience a great race but there is a good chance that my energy levels will still be on the low side.
