He’s been talking about pulling back on racing for a few years now, but the top results keep coming.
Brendan Davies will captain the Australian team taking part in the 100km World Championships in Croatia on September 8.
It’s the Woodford runner’s fifth 100km world championships and he’s hoping for a top 10 finish.
“I was 10th last time two years ago [in Spain]. I’m in better shape at the moment and I’m a lot more relaxed,” the 41-year-old said.
To be held in the regional town of Sveti Martin na Muri in northern Croatia, runners will complete 13 loops of a 7.5km course, with a 2.5km prologue. It includes 800m of elevation change.
“I’ve had a good build up and solid training weeks and carried the base from trail running,” said Davies who won the Ultra-Trail Australia 100km event in Katoomba in May for the second time.
Training has been tailored specifically to the event, including 60-70km runs on the M7, and 7.5km loops then a drink break at the Regatta Centre in Penrith.
“Fueling is an important part of the race. We eat the same amount of food as we would on race day. Long runs are close to race pace.”
Larissa Tichon, who is also on the Australian team, splits her week between Sydney and Glenbrook so she can train with Davies.
“I think she’ll go really well. The women have a strong chance of a team medal,” Davies said.