Gusty Candy tries her best as she once again finished 7th
The second day of the 9th European Cross Country championships saw Candy Hawkins competing in the Ladies longer distance – the dreaded 8km (8,000m) race over a muddy wet cross country woodlands.
“I still don’t feel that I have overcome the jet lag. I feel weird today; legs heavy and rather tired.” Said Hawkins. Candy was in good spirit; positive and determined to give it all her best.
With the race including most of the same people she had raced against the previous night, Candy would have had to be totally fresh and in shape to run the race of her life.
At the start of the race, the 4km winner shot off like she had just seen a ghost. It was only a few seconds later that she opened up a huge gap. With nearly 30minutes worth of distance running to follow, the chasing pack took a very cautious approach. After a lap (2km) Candy found herself placed 5th out of 12 runners. With no reserve energy in her tank, Candy gradually got more tired as the race progressed. “My legs went again after the first 2km. I felt heavy and couldn’t find an extra gear.” Commented Candy. Team Manager, Brian Kokoruwe waved Candy on and encouraged her to keep pushing.
Candy tried moving up a gear, but with the Russian and Polish athletes galloping ahead of her, it made the task of catching them even more difficult. At 4km stage, Candy was looking very dehydrated and with no athlete allowed to be given any fluid, Candy got more and more tired and dropped off the pace. As she passed the 6km stage Candy was a distant 7th, but the 8th placed runner was a good few seconds behind her. The crowd cheered on Candy, but still her legs could find no miracle energy to go any faster. Eventually Candy finished 7th again; same position as yesterday 4km race, with the powerhouse Russian Daria Gaynetdinova finishing nearly 3 minutes ahead of 2nd placed of Spain’s Sandra Marquez Burdallo. Alevitina Senina of Russian was in 3rd place.
“I am glad I took part in these Championships. I would have felt really bad and guilty to miss them.” Said Candy.
Team Manager, Brian Kokoruwe commented; “Candy as usual never gave up. She done her best and done GB proud. Well done Candy for making the trip in the first place.”
Brian at the XC Championships in Romania
Candy at the start of the 8000m XC race
Candy relaxing at the European XC Championships 2010
Candy running in the 8000m XC race
Candy with male competitiors in Romania 2010
