Motivated to run
"Have a clear goal and believe that you can achieve your dream."
This is the message Olympic middle distance runner, Sarah Jamieson, shared with Iona's Cross Country team at their pre-race lunch today.
After months of training, the team will be competing in the IGSSA Cross Country event at Alderbury Reserve this afternoon.
Sarah is a triple Olympian, Commonwealth Games Silver Medalist and the current Australian Record Holder over 1500 metres. Her wealth of knowledge has made her one of Australia's top middle distance coaches and Iona has been lucky to have her assisting their Cross Country team in the lead up to this event.
Her message to the girls was to be mentally prepared.
"Nerves are normal, they get you going and get the adrenaline rushing," she said.
"It will be hard but everyone else is feeling that too … don't give in to your mind … believe in yourself."
Sarah spoke to the team about her running career, which started at the age of seven when she started Little Athletics.
"I started Little Athletics and just loved it. I loved the camaraderie, you were out on your own but you were part of a larger team," she said.
Sarah encouraged the girls to try their hardest, be true to themselves and wear their Iona uniform with pride.
"Don't fear failure, just do your best."