Ed Goddard heads men’s fields for the NSW Short Course XC
Published Sun 12 Jul 2020
12 July 2020
Ed Goddard heads men’s fields for the NSW Short Course XC
One of the favourites for the 106th NSW Short Course Cross Country Championships next Sunday in Wollongong, is NSW’s 2019 distance runner of the year, Ed Goddard. It is no surprise the first return to competition event in NSW has attracted strong fields, particularly in the open men ensuring Goddard will have his hands full just finishing on the podium. (entries close Wednesday 15 July 10am)
The last few months have not been easy time for many. Ed Goddard (UTS Norths) was six months into the adventure of a lifetime, studying at Iona College near New York, until it came to an abrupt halt.
“After being away in Boston at a race meet, we headed back on the Sunday, and from there classes were cancelled on the Monday,” recalled Goddard. “The season was cancelled two days later. Shortly after, all students were sent home while internationals worked out what to do next. I ended up being the last student living in the dorms while the National Guard was moved into the suburb as the surrounding area was home to the first large-scale outbreak in the USA. I then headed back to Australia, the week leading up to what should have been my first 10,000m track race in over a year, due to take place in North Carolina at the Raleigh Relays.”
Goddard continued to study on-line until the end of the semester in June, along with training in unusual circumstances. But with restrictions easing in some states and territories in Australia, Goddard and many others will be able to not just race against the stopwatch, but against other athletes at the NSW Short Course Cross Country next weekend.
“Since returning (from America), it seems that running has lacked any sense of regularity which comes from the periodisation around racing. The climate in which COVID has created is almost like a ‘run from home’ training camp; roads have been quieter, and it’s been easy to mix and experiment with workouts. The NSW Short Course XC will be the first point in the season where I can properly taper down. It will be the first opportunity to get a sense of form and to see how the body is turning prior to the rest of the season. It’s good to see Athletics NSW open its season up and I’m looking forward to racing lots of people wearing florescent vaporflys and RunCrew singlets after a long time away from racing.”
How does Goddard rate his form in these unknown times?
“I ran two 5km time trials on the road, both of which I was very happy with. I’m looking forward to seeing how I perform in a competitive environment.”
His recent training has included morning sessions around Mosman and the Lower North Shore with Max Mahon and/or Joe Burgess and an afternoon run.
Winner of the NSW Short Course event in 2017, Goddard, 22, has compiled a strong record over the last few years. In 2018 he ran a very impressive 64:07 half marathon, placing third on the Gold Coast. He overcame low iron issues in 2018 and early 2019 to make an impressive international debut at the World University Games in July, placing fourth in extreme heat in Naples, Italy.
“World Uni Games was the definite highlight of last year,” Goddard said.
A bronze medallist at the 2019 national cross country championships, days later Goddard was immersed in his college career in America, where as a sophomore he made the NCAA Cross Country Championships. In his final race on the track in March 2020, he ran 14:00.54, significantly better than his outdoor PB of 14:07.
For many athletes their racing program beyond the summer of 2020/21 remains uncertain, but Goddard is doing his best to evaluate where his potential is.
“I’ve got a few ideas in 2021 for some longer races too so I’m interested to see how that all plays out.”
David Tarbotton for Athletics NSW
Image: Ed Goddard (courtesy David Tarbotton)
EVENT SUMMARY
What: Waratah Run Series 106th NSW Short Course Cross Country Championships
Where: Kembla Joggers Cross-Country Park, West Dapto, Wollongong
Date: Sunday 19 July 2020
Entries: close 10.00am Wednesday 15th July (no late entries)
Events: U11 to masters 80+
Host club: Kembla Joggers
More information including timetable, uniform, directions and to enter.
