Eilish McColgan: The long slog.

Berlin Olympic Stadium

Berlin Wall

Brussels DL

After the World Championships I decided to continue on with the remainder of my season but relax a little and get some enjoyment back into my racing, rather than chasing qualifying times. My last steeplechase of the year was in Brussels at the Diamond League Final. It was another amazing experience being in the Belgium Olympic Stadium and they really do go all out to make it an electric event. There is music on throughout the entire meet with dancers, fireworks and lights – they try to create an exciting atmosphere inside the stadium for the spectators. For me, it wasn't my best run – I came 8^th but I was very heavy-legged and tired from the World Championships. I would of liked to have finished my steeplechasing season on a high but it wasn't to be! I did however, have another race – this time a 3000m flat – in Rieti only a few days later! Instead of training hard, I let my body rest and just travelled from race to race, hanging onto the small bit of fitness that remained from all the cross training over the summer! In Brussels, I was so excited about the fact Sean Paul was the guest performer with Usain Bolt DJ'ing! Throughout my last few years at school and my first year at university – Sean Paul was the KING. Haha – albeit he may not be as cool anymore... I was still way too worked up about it all and must of spoke about it/tweeted about it every few seconds. Nevertheless, things didn't really go to plan! After not touching alcohol for a whole year – I thought I could sustain a few more drinks, like I used to be able to do at university. This was not the case. I don't think I ever got to see Sean Paul – I was cosily wrapped up in bed well before the event finished. Brussels was a huge blur. I thought I had went all out – however my room-mate (who will remain nameless) didn't make it home after ending up in hospital whilst my other roomie came back without their shoes. This is a very simple, vague representation of that evening. Athletes don't get to party very often but when they do... it's hard. I'll be able to write a hilarious book at some point...

Laura and myself.

Myself and Laura Weightman (Photo-bombed by Christian Taylor. )

Brussels After Party

Rieti - Me, Margaret, Sophie

I then struggled to get up for my 8am flight to Italy for my final track race of the season. In hindsight – it understandably wasn't the best preparation – nevertheless, after a long, gruelling, arduous season of which I have worked my little bum off – I think one night out is acceptable!! I was regretting things on my travels to Rieti – staying awake was a challenge. After one good nights slumber, 5 bottles of water and some Berocca – I was (sort-of) fit and primed ready for race day!

Weirdly enough – it was the best I have felt in a race all year. I had absolutely no expectations on myself and came away with a brand new spanking outdoor PB by 6 second personal best and a 13 second improvement from my 3000m in Rieti, 2012. I couldn't believe it! It was a great way to end my track season. I have now recorded personal best times over all three distances I competed in this year – 1500m, 3000m and the 3000m Steeplechase. I would of liked to have ran a tiny bit quicker over the steeple this year – but I can't be too excessive, considering the injury I picked up and how early on in the season it began.

Great City Games

Gateshead with some lovely GB ladies

Road mile... Eurghhhhhh

I then got a last minute slot in the Road Mile at the Great City Games in Newcastle- but after feeling ill all week – I ran absolutely horrific! Not much to say on it really, apart from the fact I thought the world was genuinely ending! My time in New York was much more pleasant! The New York 5^th Avenue Mile is decidedly one of my favourite races of the year. I also got the chance to spend an extra few days out in NY with my boyfriend – doing some normal tourist things. I have had the opportunity to visit so many awesome places over the last two years but I only ever get to visit the track and the hotel - so it was lovely to get the chance to visit all the main sights of NY!

Back in DUNDEEEEEE!! :D

Last spin session of the year - DEAD

I booked an apartment through AirBnB. It was a good deal cheaper than all the hotels I could find and although I was initially a bit concerned – it worked out really well. The lady whom I was renting the apartment from – asked if I could look after her cat Sterling whilst we stayed – a little weird but I agreed! It didn’t for a second enter my mind that my boyfriend is severely allergic to cats! Ooops! Cue a LOT of sneezing and living off of antihistamines! I felt so bad! We ended up stripping all the covers off the bed and tossing the mattress onto the floor whilst the cat stayed up on the bed with all the covers overflowing in it's hair! Great start Eilish.

Gateshead. Rare picture with my mum!

The NY 5^th Avenue Mile didn't particularly go very well for me either. I was starting to battle against the lack of training – no track sessions or cross training in weeks – which slowly began to take it's toll on me. But I needed to take a further 2 weeks of ABSOLUTELY nothing in order to allow the bone stress on my shin to heal. And when I say nothing – I mean NADA. I genuinely didn’t move from my bed for the whole duration – apart from a slight movement to the kitchen for food or the bathroom. Even showering was very scarce. Usually, I really struggle with taking a rest period. In 2011 – I broke my foot and so was forced into a months bed rest after surgery. 2012 – I managed an active recovery – cross training/jogging every few days to keep myself sane. But this year, I knew I required the full 2 weeks and if i'm honest – it was actually pretty scary how promptly two weeks passed by and how natural lying around all day became! I didn't actually go out on my break because I was so slothful and truly couldn't be bothered – i'm such a granny. One night....a year - is my limit!

Times Square

Race Bibs

FIGHTTTTTTTT

Natural History Museum

Manhattan Skyline

Central Park

Statue of Liberty

I WANT.

Overdosed on Twizzlers. Must of bought a 3 month supply.

During my break – it gave me the chance to do a a couple of events and school talks. I kept myself busy at Monifeith HS, Arboath HS and Carnoustie HS - started the Kids Great Scottish Run through in Glasgow (an event I also competed in when I was a youngster!!) and a Sports Conference in which I did a small Q&A with 150 kids from all over Scotland. It definitely kept me amused! I then had a female mid-life crisis at the age of 22... I was so busy – I couldn't actually get to the hairdressers. My hair was starting to become two-tone with how long my roots were becoming – so after a rash decision -I dyed my hair back brown myself! Saved myself 4 hours of time in the hairdressers and £75 – however as soon as I stepped out the shower and caught myself in the mirror looking like a vampire off of twilight – I quickly regretted my decision! Blonde will be making an appearance again for 2014 when I have the time and effort to be a real girl!

Mid Life Crisis. BROWN HAIR :(

It was also announced that I have been selected for the 3000m Steeplechase at the Commonwealth Games next year in Glasgow! I am obviously thrilled to have been picked in the first wave of selections. Scottish athletes have really upped their game this year and fingers crossed I can make it to the start-line completely fit and healthy. This will be my first ever senior Commonwealth Games - so for it to be a home games in Glasgow - I couldn't think of anything better! I did make the Commonwealth Youth Team back in 2008. However, that was in Pune (India)... VERY different to Glasgow but still an amazing experience nonetheless. It was also my first ever international - so it will be nice to have a senior cap for Team Scotland!

Greatest of all-time!! Haile Geberselassie

Some filming for the BBC

Starting the kids race!

Another stolen - hello Emma Thompson! :D

Some of the kids from the GSR

Stolen from a young athlete's instagram!

Lynsey Sharp and myself in Loughborough

Loughborough - my second home. (sort-of)

Guy Learmonth and myself - Loughborough

My little sister Orla.

Resuming training again is always a challenging transition. It has to be built up very gradually in order to avoid picking up other injuries. I haven't been able to do an easy run since May – only track sessions and as you can imagine – my first week of build up was a STRUGGLE. I began jogging 3 miles every day but it was extremely difficult getting used to the time on my feet and the impact going through my legs at such a slow pace but things have gone really well in my build up. My first run....8.20 minute miles and severe chest pains.... Starting back running again always makes me realise why people who have never run before think elite athletes are insane. Running is not enjoyable when you're unfit! My initial shin/calf problem has altogether cleared... finally – and this week I have improved to running 3miles and 5miles, 6 days a week. This is just in time for jetting off to Kenya early tomorrow morning!

Nike kit drop ready for the winter!

Stride 150s. First time on the track!

Escaping Loughborough for 6 weeks :D

Lough Training

Nike.

2014 training BEGINS!

I am fortunate to be heading back to Kenya again for a months training camp with the assistance of UK Athletics and The London Marathon. I thoroughly enjoyed my first ever camp in January and came back in really good shape – so fingers crossed things are positive this time around. Before heading out, I did a full DXA scan in order to see my bone density and body fat percentage. My bone density is way above the average person which is evidently a good thing – however.... my body fat was one of the highest they've seen for a female distance athlete! Oops. Does make me laugh though as I know I look tiny – and everyone i've told thinks I'm joking... but unfortunately I'm not! I clearly just have skin, bones and fat – my muscle seems to be hiding! Haha. Definitely something I need to work on over the winter months to gain some muscle mass! Next time you see me i'll be looking like The Hulk – well... maybe not.

BYE UK!!

And finally.. A few pictures from a last minute trip up to Scotland for the MOBO's Awards at The Hydro in Glasgow - it really was an amazing trip and I would like to thank Event Scotland, on behalf of myself and Lynsey Sharp for getting us VIP Table Tickets only two days prior! Thank you!