All is good here in Matsue City the AAI training camp location for the world champs Aug 25th --Sept 2nd. The second group of athletes arrived in yesterday including Derval O Rourke and Fionnuala Britton the main group having come in Tuesday. Daytime temperatures are hot and its humid so hydration is being closely monitored by the medical team led by Dr Bill Cuddihy. Athletes are beginning to get accustomed to the sleep pattern as we are 8 hrs ahead though it normally takes 5 days. Its all about adapting mentally and physically no distractions or complications and our Japanese hosts are working flat out to make our stay a positive experience from the welcome given to us by some 300 people led by the mayor to the transport to track and gym, matters such as food, ice baths all being given a thumbs up by the athletes all accommodated in single rooms. The energy in the squad is first class and there is a great camaraderie amongst them all. Currently Colin Griffin, Ballinamore, and Jamie Costin, West Waterford, are finalising training in Spala and will join us Sunday as will Olive Loughnane, Loughrea, their event on late in the programme in Osaka. Rob Heffernan is here with his coach Robert Korzenowski and training partner Paco Fernandez, Spain and they have slotted in not a bother adding to the experience and work ethic of the entire group. So its on with the preparation and acclimatisation in the coming days as we then prepare to move in the Osaka village beginning August 22nd. First athletes in action our steeplechasers 1040hrs local time Saturday August 25th and remember we are 8 hrs ahead. For information phones are a problem here as only 3g type work and the hired in local ones do no send or receive texts though a number of our group are in possession of 3G. Mary Cullens birthday today so there you go . Patsy mc Gonagle------Team Manager