Mo Farah's blog by mo_farah

Recently I've managed to return to a bit of normality as I'd been home for two weeks, which is the longest I'd been at home for a while. The video from my run at the BUPA London 10,000 was completed as well, and I love the finished product along with the great comments I've received from everyone. Check it out...

I had the European Cup in Norway to look forward to, and as always, I really enjoy the occasion as it's a team event where we all get behind each other in the GB team, so spirits are high. Our head coach, Charles van Commenee elected me as team captain which was a huge honour, and it also meant I had to lead by example....no pressure! I won this event last year and broke the championship record so the expectations were high.

Although it wasn't a major championship, the race was extremely important to me for a few reasons.  Not only was I representing my country but I'd also be facing a similar line up the forthcoming European Championships in Barcelona. More importantly I faced one of my main rivals in Europe, Bezabeh of Spain who I last raced in December 2009. For those of you who didn't see the European Cross Country Championships in Dublin, this was where Bezabeh took gold and I silver, not to mention collapsing as I crossed the finish line! Bad memories for me one could say.

Anyway, revenge was on the cards and I wanted victory so badly this time. I knew he was in good shape as he'd recently run under 13 minutes in the 500m and broke the Spanish record. On paper he was faster and so I was predicted to finish second, however I didn't let that deter me. My training had gone well and I felt confident. You could say this was a dress rehearsal for Championships in Barcelona and also a good opportunity to test the athletes I'd be facing. I knew it would be a tactical race...my sprint finish has improved dramatically so I expected and prepared to pull out the big guns on the last lap.

On the day we had some great performances and results in the team. One which stood out was Dwain Chambers who ran under 10 seconds for the 100m and collected maximum points for the team. I showed my support for all our athletes but was focused for my race to come.

When the time came and I stood on the start line, all I could picture was the moment in Dublin when I came second and was not prepared for history to repeat itself. The gun went and we were off. The pace was slow and not consistent, but I didn't let that affect me and maintained control throughout. With two laps to go, Bezabeh increased the pace noticeably in an attempt to open a gap, however I stayed with him knowing the last lap would be crucial. The bell for the final lap rang and I knew it was coming. With 150m to go you could say I just went 'Boom!' Sprinting to the finish line to a convincing victory felt amazing, and I could finally bury the demons from Dublin! Winning also meant I'd collected maximum points for the team which was more than predicted.

Straight after the race I did an interview for Radio 5 live in the commentary box and got to see the competition from a great view. I didn't want to leave! The team finished up second overall which isn't a bad shout and we all returned quite happy with the result.

I'm now in Font Romeu, France back to altitude training and getting the miles in. I had to depart from my wife again which is never easy but she's coming to join me next week, so it's all good. I'm running twice a day, every day and this morning whilst running,  I had Gary Lough (Paula Radcliffe's husband) cycling beside me. He did however manage to puncture a tyre during the session! Paula, Gary and their daughter Isla spend a lot of time out here, so it's nice to have some familiar faces around during these times. It also means my daughter has a friend to play with when she comes out.

So, my next stop is the Diamond League in Gateshead on 10^th July where I'll be running the 5000m and hopefully another good run. That will be my last race before the big one in Barcelona. Wish me luck! Go hard or go home....