By Mutwiri mutuota

They say once bitten, twice shy. But what what happens when one is twice bitten like Linet Masai was? Still only 21, the dark beauty has been the most accomplished distance female runner in the country in the past four years.

Her crowning moment came at the Berlin World Championships in 2009, when she became the first Kenyan female runner since 1997 to win the 10,000m title.

However, the genial Masai has suffered heartache at the last two World Cross Championships in Amman and Bydgoszcz. For an athlete who has set very lofty standards for herself, winning silver at both global competitions is scant consolation.

"I’m still disappointed about what happened in Amman and Poland. On both occasions, I was sure I was winning only to lose in the last few metres," Masai wistfully said after defending the senior women’s 8km title on Saturday.

"For long, I have been good in lapping but not on the kick. This year, I decided to focus on finishing and this time, it worked. I need to train hard to maintain the same shape for Spain and hopefully, I can finally get gold," she added.

IN OWN CLASS

In terms of pedigree, the senior women’s race at Uhuru Gardens was head and shoulders above the others.

Masai had to contend with World Cross titleholder, Emily Chebet, fellow Berlin champion, Vivian Cheruiyot, fourth finisher in Poland Lineth Chepkurui, Berlin silver medallist, Sylvia Kibet and Doris Changeiywo (fourth Edinburgh World Cross).

Marathoners Sharon Cherop and Caroline Chepkwony who starred at local cross meets, Commonwealth champion Grace Momanyi, Delhi silver winner Iness Chenonge and Peninah Arusei among others, took part.

WINNING TACTIC

At 4km, Masai, who prefers front running, made her move to the lead with Cheruiyot in tow. "I decided to sit for the first 4km and see what others were intending to do," she explains.

Only unlike Amman where Florence Kiplagat beat her at the last incline and Bydgoszcz where Chebet caught up with her before breasting the tape for gold in the final 50m, Masai opted not to go flat out once she had nosed to the front.

"I realised I finish myself by lapping too hard, leaving me with no energy for the finish and I was unable to respond when they passed me."

At the bell, Masai, who as expected, had only Cheruiyot for company, built a 30m gap that she steadily but marginally increased to 50m by the time she finished in 26:20.5.

"I was nervous before the race, especially with Vivian in it but I’m happy what I had planned worked. This is the kind of tactical running I wish to use in Spain," she expressed. Should Masai be upset for a third time in Punta Umbria, then Cheruiyot, the 5,000m world titleholder, could be among the chief culprits.

"I’m yet to win a medal at the World Cross and this year, I have decided to go for it. I’m pleased with my performance today and the difference can be made up in camp before the World Cross," she said.