The Commonwealth Games are finally here, the build up has been exciting and preparation has gone really well.

My last race before the Games was last weekend at the National Championships in Santry. I dropped down distance to the 1500m to get some race speed into my legs. We had heats Saturday evening and all went well as I qualified through to Sunday’s final. I was very pleased to come away from Nationals with a bronze especially after running a 2:12 last 800m when my pb for 800 is 2:09 and great to know I had that turn of speed towards the end of a race. It was also great to see Ciara Mageean back racing on the track.

I arrived at the CWG village after Nationals and settled in well. Each team has its own street were team members have decorated the street lights and windows with their flags and emblems. The 24/7 food canteen has everything you could ever want, desserts and all, so I was working hard to be very good. There’s a great atmosphere around the village and it’s great to mingle with people from other sports, it’s not often you get the opportunity to do this. There’s a few famous faces about and the competition for best selfie has started.

 

The Opening Ceremony was on Wednesday. We didn’t actually get to see much of it as we were walking in from the Village one country behind the next. When we made our appearance into the stadium the atmosphere was amazing, I had never experienced a welcome like it. I’m looking forward to watching it back on the television and cringing at myself dancing and waving like a mad one.

The day after I returned home to take myself away from the buzz and of course the temptation of that 24/7 canteen and prepare in my own surroundings. I live in a beautiful part of Northern Ireland (County Down) and we are just spoilt here as runners, with the forests and nature reserve in Murlough beside the beach also. It was also good to see my friends and family for a bit and celebrate coach Rodgers’ birthday with a wee BBQ.

So with only four days remaining I am really looking forward to it and can’t believe that race day is nearly here – Wednesday 30th July, 7:45pm.

A massive thank you to my team for getting me here:

Coaches Richard Rodgers & Geoff Watkin
Physios at SINI, Chris. McNicholl & Co
Sports massage Kyle Alexander
Podiatry Multisportpodiatry (Athol Thompson)
Sponsors Hydro Run (David Graham Fitness), X-Bionic, BORN2RUN & Naked Runner

And to all my friends, family and supporters for inspiring and believing in me.

Til after the games,

Love Kerry x