DAEGU DIARY: To my 'beating stick' with love

DAEGU, South Korea:

So it seems my earlier suggestion of pre-media 800 metres race blood testing is ruffling a few feathers.

This is what my friend and soon-to-be 'beating stick' Anthony Foster posted on his website:

"FOSTER TO LOWE:

As Mr Foster's publicist I would like to comment on André Lowe's cowardly attacks of intimidation. Mr Foster, a gentleman of highly impeccable character and upholder of sound principles, wishes to inform Lowe (and the public) that in as much as he respects the usual banter and pre-race bravado his response will be the outcome of the much anticipated showdown."

So-called reputation

Let me be clear in stating that I had no intention to 'muddy' anyone's so-called reputation, but if they want to align themselves to the practice that I am looking to distance from our race, then that's their prerogative.

Mr Foster got a taste of what is to come on Saturday afternoon while both of us were running to get to the Mixed Zone in time for an interview, with Melaine Walker, I think it was.

Lowe: Foster, yuh good? You look a little tired.

Fos: Mi good man, nuh worry bout me, just make sure you can keep pace when mi run out Saturday.

It's good banter and one of the things that make working in these testing conditions a bit more fun.

The organisers themselves know it's rough on media representatives here and, as such, made available a massage area for journalist. A much-appreciated consideration because after a couple days of running up and down and hauling well-packed bags, the back and shoulder do begin to speak to you.

So I decided yesterday to go and check out this massage place after feeling considerable pain in my left shoulder.

As soon as I pulled the door, I realised something wasn't right. All I saw were male masseurs, and I know it was not meant to be the type of massages that are advertised in the newspapers, but I was not going to have no man give me any massage.

Several of them indicated that their stations were open. I took a seat in the waiting area, pointed to the lone masseuse, and made it clear that she was the one who would give me the massage.