This week I competed at the Waikato cross country championships as a senior girl. Going into this race I knew there was a big number of amazing runners, all the girls from my age group last year and the age group above had combined and they even said this was a the strongest group of runners they have had in years.
So I knew I had lots of competition but still had the opportunity to do well and use them to my advantage.
The race started fast as I expected and I had to sprint to try catch the front group of runners, I held by myself just behind them and stayed strong there was some slight change from people behind me and in front of me.
The course was tough with some hills throughout the race so not much flat to recover.
I felt this run a lot and struggled to keep pushing but I knew I wanted to make the top 12 to be invited to a relay team down at nationals.
I held my position I had for the second half and finished in 9th so easily invited so I was happy, the girls only a couple positions in front of me I know as really amazing so I was pleased with how I ran and placed.
– Jessica Bray