News
August
23 , 2006 - Watford, United Kingdom
Bad weather presents challenge in Watford
It’s
been a difficult season for many middle distance women this
year, due to the absolute disparity for world-class race opportunities
for females compared to males. With difficulty in getting
into the top-level races due to there being so few, some 1500m
women decided to try and make things happen for themselves
at a lower key, yet very well organized, Watford British Milers
Club (BMC) meeting.
Stellingwerff, along with fellow Canadians
Malindi Elmore and Diane Cummings, as well as Dutch friend
Adrienne Herzog, all decided to head to Watford to set up
a fast race. Diane Cummings agreed to pace the others in a
speed that would mean pb’s for all. Unfortunately, these
women had an added challenge when they arrived with cold temperatures
and pouring rain.
“We
all went to Watford with the same commitment, to try and run
a fast race,” said Hilary. “And even though the
weather was not great, we were still determined to give it
a go, you never know what can happen, plus it’s good
practice for championship races when you have no choice to
race in bad weather.”
When the gun went off, the four women quickly
separated from the rest of the pack. Cummings did an excellent
pacing job, keeping things on track, but the other three women
had a bit of difficulty staying on pace in the last laps.
Elmore cross the line first in around 4:13, Stellingwerff
in second in about 4:16, and Herzog third about a half second
back. The final times have not yet been posted.
“Obviously I came here wanted to run
fast, but I just didn’t have it today,” said Hilary.
“But I don’t regret racing at all. This sport
is full of ups and downs and racing in different conditions
and circumstances only makes you stronger. This last week
has been a real disappointment, after learning I didn’t
get into a few big races, so my heart wasn’t quite in
it today. But I’m glad I tried.”
Hilary will finish off her season with an
800m in the Flanders Cup Final on August 26 in Merksem, Belgium.
 
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