Now if you train hard, you just might........

 

Now you see if you train hard enough, win Olympic titles, set world records and travel the world winning lucrative road races you could end up owning a hotel with a view like this!   The spectacular view is across Lake Hawassa in Ethiopia (no I didn't take it!) where Haile Gebrselassie has opened his new Haile Resort.   A luxury hotel on the shores of the lake about 4 hours south of the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa. 

As part of the events for the opening his team including GB marathoner Richard Nerurkar who is based in Ethiopia ,organised races over 21K 7K and 1.5 K, EVERY ONE Races as they were called.  The Elite mens race was won by Wilson Chebet in 63.13.   This shot shows the great Paul Tergat with the first 3 in the mass event proudly wearing their FASTRAX t-shirts part of our contribution to Haile's race.

Americans present at the event included New York Road Runners president and CE0 Mary Wittenberg and colleague Chrissy Odden. This shot shows Chrissy sharing the experience with a local young lady; perhaps a future star in the mould of Tirunesh Dibaba.  The American's smile sums up Haile Gebrselassie's comment,                                           "If people are happy that's the most important thing I need to hear" 

Are you happy with your week so far?  I'm happy to know that I gave it my all in Sunday's race!  and the race video just received confirms it; not a pretty sight, but then I had just overtaken 250 hadn't I?

Following the 2 mile tester on Monday,  I covered (a word carefully chosen!) 5 miles on Tuesday and ambled around the 2 res run 6.5 mile trail run Wednesday in just under 65 minutes.   I made no real effort to push the pace  and was not surprised with a time 6 minutes slower than a week ago.   Yes, racing does takes it's toll! and I think that's the case whatever age you are.   An evening run for a change (Thursday) and at last felt some warmth in the conditions.  A road 6 in which the fatigue is ebbing away whilst points of soreness are still apparent. 

And finally, a shot of Haile Gebrselassie and Paul Tergat as most runners view them......from behind...!!