So our adventures in Europe have come to an end. I am writing this last blog in JFK airport, New York, as Lucy and I wait for our flight on our trip home to New Zealand.
Looking back on the past five weeks, we both feel so blessed to have had the experiences we had over in Europe. Our last 10 days in Leuven were great - we had the chance to go into Brussels which was fun (walking through its Royal Palace was a highlight)! I completed my European racing on the 30th in Gent, Belgium, where I ran a 5k in a mixed race. With the help of two pacers, fellow kiwis Malcolm Hicks and Hamish Carson, I ran a PB of 15.41…thanks Malcolm and Hamish! It was a fun day which ended with us all running off the track after the 5k to find a ride to the train station to catch the last train back to Leuven. We got the train and I did a bit of a warm-down at the station as we waited for it…what a day! Then for our last day in Leuven we got a day of sun and had our final dinner with four other kiwis (Malcolm, Hamish, Rochelle Coster and Hayden McLaren) and enjoyed our last Belgium ice cream for dessert!
And so, with our European adventures behind us, we now look forward to what's ahead. It was an experience that we will greatly value as we head to Europe next year to race. We have, certainly, learnt the do's and don'ts of traveling, living and racing in foreign countries. Lucy and I have both come away feeling happy with the times we ran, both running two PBs; but most of all we have gained so much from meeting other athletes and taking another step mentally with regards to where we want to go in our running careers. We are so motivated for next year, both for the NCAAs and then going back to Europe.
Now it is time for our long journey back home from New York…New Zealand we will see you in 24 hours!!
