Training Camp in Monte Gordo, Portugal

I just returned from a 2 week training camp in sunny Portugal. It was my first training camp here to arrive and return without injuries so I was very pleased about that. I managed to put in a lot of training effort, all of which was either running or strength training. I usually did 2 sessions each day with lots of relaxing between and after. Next to our group, there were lots of other athletes too, the place is just absolutely crowded with them. So plenty of oppurtunities to talk, hang-out and train together. Which is most welcome after a period I did all my sessions by myself. I immediatelty start my track season after this camp with two "warm-up" races, a 1000m in Lisse and a 1500m in Hoorn, before the big races start.

New Zealand: an amazing experience

From the 21th of March till the 21th of April I was on holiday with my girlfriend in New Zealand. We had the most wonderful time there and visited so many places and things. In between I managed to do some good training sessions. The hiking trails are generally very good running paths as well and add a whole new dimension to the running experience. Running in the middle of nature and picking up some fantastic sights along the way. Inspirational. Christchurch and Wellington also had a good 400m track to train on and I could do some harder sessions there. For the rest the focus was more on endurance training

Dutch XC Champs: 6th

Hellendoorn 7th of March,
Today a tough race in the short course XC. Covering a distance of 2,6k and 2 laps in total the course winded itself trough a muddy field, up a steep forest path and down on broad sandy slopes. A challeging course, but quite comparable to my training area in the dunes. My goal beforehand was to grab a medal at the least and I figured that my chances of winning were also good. The race developed somewhat differently however, with a group of 4 athletes breaking away from the rest of the field in the early stages. I was unable to close that gap and was left to compete for less inspiring places. I found myself in a strong second group and it was left to sprint to decide our "winner". I placed 6th. Not a particulary good race and definately not the result I hoped for.