Australia. It was a trip of a life time. I felt honored to represent Kentucky and the United States in the 2006 Down Under games. It was a great feeling to be a part of a team and compete against the Australians.
The first meet was held at Sherwood Forest in Brisbane. The competition was tough, and the race was a grueling 5.6k. Out of all the courses and practice hills I've ever ran, this was by far the most challenging. The beginning of the race is narrow, and you must watch for the wooden poles (about 3 feet high) that stick straight up out of the ground. The bridge is also narrow, and every runner has to slow down, that is except for the leader. There are a few small slopes followed by a wooden boardwalk, in which you can see the marks from other runner's spikes. The boardwalk is followed by a few decent size hills, and then a monstrous hill that is nearly straight up. Take a turn and go down the other side of the hill, and then repeat the lap.
Our team (joined with both Tennessee and Georgia) didn't do so hot. I finished 114th and ran a 23:48, which is frustrating and disappointing when I realize what I could have done if I had been in better shape.
The second race was held at Pizzey Park, in Gold Coast. This was the all-American race. I was elected to wave the Kentucky flag in the flag ceremony before the race. It was a real uplifting a special moment that I will never forget.
The Pizzey Park course was completely flat with one small hill. It's a 2 lap 5.4k that winds in and out of trees. I did better this race, beating two of the guys that normally beat me. My time was 23:44.
Overall the boys finished 8th out of the men's large school division while the girls did better at 5th of the women's small school division.
The racing was still competitive and fun. It was a real test of endurance. I couldn't think of a better way to jump-start my cross country season.