By Juanita Hooper
United States-based distance athlete Euleen Josiah-Tanner is preparing to defend her title at the upcoming Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports/Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Independence half marathon set for May 26.
The 2012 Open women’s champion recently confirmed with this newspaper that she will be in Guyana to defend her title. The half marathon starts from the Jerricks Funeral Home, Paradise, East Coast Demerara and concludes in front of the ministry on Main Street.
The Police Progressive Youth Club (PPYC) athlete disclosed that her preparation in the United States for the race was productive.
“My training has been going great,” the mother of two said.
The 38-year-old said that she is focusing on improving her performance in the competitive environment while preparing thoroughly for specific demands of her events.
“Training has been intense and I have been able to sustain daily oriented workouts,” stated Josiah-Tanner.
Josiah-Tanner lately won the third edition of Kirkwood Fling Festival 5k in 18:52 seconds in Atlanta, Georgia.
She said every run has a purpose which is to be ready mentally, physically and spiritually whenever she approaches the starting line.
The 2012 Courts 10k winner, who is ranked as one of Guyana’s best distance athletes, said: “I am at a stage of preparation where my training is focused on building, maintaining and improving my cardiovascular fitness and running efficiency,” she said.
“My goal is to improve my technical running skills where I can continue to contend for top podium finishes,” she concluded. The middle aged athlete is desirous of performing at the highest level for this season and in the future.
Last year, the US-based athlete won the event in an impressive 01:29:47 seconds ahead of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Ashanti Scott (01:42:04 seconds), Eva Harry (02:07:45 seconds) and Donna April (02:15: 24 seconds).
