New Zealand champion athlete Kate McIlroy says she is planning to turn her back on the event which made her famous.
The world mountain running champion is to go to Europe in the next couple of months to try her further her steeplechase career.
The Kiwi, who was named NZ Sportswoman of the Year, came fifth in the event at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in March and she is aiming for a top-10 world ranking.
"In New Zealand you're always out by yourself and I think to go to a big competition and be right up there, it just gives you a lot of hope and I've sort of come back thinking I know I can do it," McIlroy told ONE Sport.
After being an anonymous athlete for most of her life the last few months in the spotlight have taken a bit of getting used to.
"I suppose it's one of those things you always dream about once you start doing well that people will start recognizing you and I suppose it's a little bit surreal in a way, but it's pretty cool."
McIlroy's next big race is the New Zealand mountain running championships in two weeks time
It's likely to be her only race in the discipline this year. She doubts whether she'll defend her world title, as she continues to concentrate on the steeplechase.
