Jack Rayner representing Australia

Jack Rayner

18 years old

10k PB: 29:59 (Launceston, Tasmania, June 2014)

How long have you been training with Keith Fearnley?

“I’ve been with Keith for around 10 years, I started when I was in Grade five at school.”

Why did you take up running as a sport?

“I was never really too good at ball sports so I decided to try cross country and found that I was pretty good at it so kept it up.”

Why did you choose to join Fearnleys Running Group?

“I was at one of the regional meets down in Geelong, a friend of the family recommended Keith Fearnley as a coach and introduced us after I won my race.

“We have worked together since then.”

Explain the details about racing in Japan?

“It was the Chiba Ekiden, a 10k race and I took the fifth leg of the relay. I finished in 30:47.”

Did the race go to plan?

“I didn’t really have a plan, I just wanted to run as close to my PB as I possibly could.

“It was a tough, hilly course and I think I went off too quick at the start trying to keep up with the front-runners. The last two kilometres were very hilly and my legs blew up, so I struggled through that.

“If I was to do the course again, I wouldn’t go out as hard and I would conserve my energy knowing what to expect

“Also it was very tough mentally as I was on my own so you don't have the benefits of running with a pack."

How did it feel to represent Australia in an international race?

“At first I wasn’t expecting to be chosen for Chiba Ekiden, when I found out I was very surprised.

“It was a pretty surreal experience representing Australia.”

What did you learn from the experience you can now use in training?

“I learned how serious all the athletes take training and competing, for them this is their job. I really enjoyed the experience but know that I need to work harder and train well.”

What are plans for the future?

“I’m running the Zatopec, that will be my last race of the year. I was planning on doing the 3k, but I have changed to the 10k race as it makes more sense following how well my training has went.

“At the end of the year I’m heading to Mount Beauty for my coach Keith’s training camp in preparation for the new season.”