Patrick Johnson uses Paris experience to shine in Rome Golden League

I learned a lot from my first experience of the Golden League in Paris last Friday.

Sandwiched between Maurice Greene and Dwain Chambers, two of the most powerful runners in the world today, I became caught up in their type of power running.

I went to 60m on a power run and I thought: 'what am I doing?'

I tried to see if I can match it with them and I learned I can for 60m. But I wasn't able to use my best asset, my top speed, because I was running low to the ground trying to power with them.

I finished fifth in 10.23. In my two earlier meets since coming to Europe I've run 10.06 (in a heat) and 10.07 in Lucerne and Bern.

You have to learn quickly. Now I know exactly where the big boys are at, what they're capable of doing and I'll stick to my own style from here on: a combination of both power and relaxed motion across the ground, without pushing.

I'm planning to run that way, my own way, at the Golden League this Friday in Rome where I'll be doubling in the 100m and the 200m.

Since Paris I've been at the Australian world championships team base in Ostia, not far from Rome, where I've been training and getting massage to help me stay free from injury.

Between training sessions I've been playing chess and reading some novels, keeping my mind active.

I'll write again soon,

Patrick Johnson