UKA Athletics – News – Blog Spot: Punta Umbria 2011

But what is it like for a team at a global championship from arriving in dribs and drabs at London Heathrow, to stepping off the plane back in the UK after an unforgettable experience?

Everyone arrived in good time for Thursday’s 17:15 flight from Terminal 3, fitting in time to eat at the airport, with it being the last opportunity for something substantial before breakfast the next morning.

The usual turbulence, touchdown and airport-to-resort transfer later, we arrived at what people were calling ‘the biggest hotel in the world’. This might have been a bit of an exaggeration, but, to be fair, it is pretty big (a kilometre in length apparently). After quickly checking in and collecting accreditation, it was straight to bed.

Friday started with an easy run for most before breakfast (more of a group training run for Aldershot, Farnham & District in the case of the junior women, five of whom are coached by junior men’s team manager Mick Woods). Some chose the sandy trails by the hotel while others took the opportunity to visit the course prior to the official course inspection on Saturday.

Then it was a case of relaxing, taking in some sun (but not too much!) and making the most of the meal times. The weather has been beautiful, and it can be tempting for athletes to sit outside in the sun all day – so they need to be disciplined enough not to.

However, a little bit of sun doesn’t do much harm and we even saw the Kenyans catching a few rays… albeit in full tracksuits!

The first team meeting as a group gave the athletes a chance to come together and familiarise themselves with the staff (who combined have over 75 years worth of World Cross experience either as competitors or staff, as well as a full set of individual medals!). Some athletes were called for drug testing in the afternoon and others did a handful did video interviews which will appear on UKATV soon.

Keep an eye on www.uka.org.uk tomorrow (Sunday 20th March) morning for the second blog from Punta Umbria featuring the Unicef celebrities race as well as details from the course inspection and team meeting!

Please leave your messages of support for the team on the official UKA Facebook Page and check out UKA on Twitter for all the latest in the run up to and during tomorrow’s race.

Nick – Team Media, Aviva Great Britain and N.I.

UKA Athletics – News –