3 days away from race START

I've had limited access to internet while here in Oz due to a combined issue with my computer and the hotel connection. My apologies for not being able to update sooner, I am actually posting this blog from a friends computer so.....no pics to go with!

Anyways, I arrived into Sydney after a rather painless flight on Saturday morning. I managed to sleep 10 of the 14hrs on the plane which was great. It has taken me though 3 full days to really get my sleep and energy levels back on par. We are very fortunate to have a great group of people here with the team to make this all happen including Frosty (Anna) and Adam Chase as our managers and co-ordinators. Luckily too we have team therapists Angie and Jamie to keep us healthy with regular massage as needed. In addition, we have full support from Salomon Australia and they are doing a terrific job of showing us their country and providing opportunities for us to interact with different members of their team Down Under.

On Sunday, the crew was really keen to hit some mountain trails so we made a day trip to the Blue Mountains and put some miles down on the actual race course. That was great as it gave us all a sense of what to expect on Saturday. I had hoped for WAY more elevation gain and technical single track but that is not too be the case. This looks like a rather fast course, lots of fire road and minimal single track. However.....for what the course lacks in terrain type, I think it will make up for in stunning views!!

Monday and Tuesday were spent at some of the local retailers and being apart of a fun Corporate Day where everyone got to run in the new Crossmax shoe and have a preview of the new Killian's Quest Video from his Kilimanjaro experience. I joined Adam and Jamie for a really great run yesterday morning down to the Botanical Gardens and the Opera House - no better way to see the city then through a morning run when the streets are quiet, the sun is out and its only the local running crowd. My ankle is slowly healing, thanks to daily massage from Angie, but I decided that this morning I'd join Julia for a swim session cross training workout. Later today we are headed to Manly Beach for an ocean side trail run which should be really nice!

Thursday we are leaving the city and heading back to the Blue Mountains - time to get focused and rested up for Saturday! You will be able to follow the race live at the race website:
www.thenorthface.com.au/100

Oh, and perhaps a huge highlight for me is arriving tomorrow - my friend of over 10 years, Jo is flying into Sydney and joining us for the race as crew! This is so exciting for me!!! Jo recently moved back to Oz half a year ago and there has been a huge void on my life. We've been through everything together, a friendship that has never waivered. Jo has come to countless events with me, given unselfishly to my dreams and helping me succeed. When ever I've needed a late night driving partner so that I could make a race start line by 6am, she was there. She came with the team to Badwater and ran her first 21km. Jo has always given me that balance in my life and I've missed her dearly. I'm so excited to see her here tomorrow and to get a few days to catch up! If only time allowed for me to see her family and friends back in Melbourne......I suppose that will be another trip...........