Hi all,

I have finally met up with Nick and sorted out (loosely at least) what I am doing in 2011. I still have no idea f the selection criteria for those little Games in 2012 but whatever the scenario, I'll probably have to run under 2.15, and probably quite a lot under. This is obviously another step up from London this year but hardly out of the realms of possibility. 

So, I am doing London marathon again. I was considering Brighton who are doing a great job at catering for the British guys and did want me to run and the fact it's Saucony sponsored meant there was an extra incentive. However, it's the day after a wedding I am best man at, and I could be best man this year because it was the day before London and another DNS would have been tough to bear! Also, and more running related, I want to run fast at The Hague again, and then train hard in Kenya for 3 weeks and then have 2 weeks in the UK before my marathon. London fits perfectly with this, but Brighton is one week too early.

Otherwise, some XC in Jan/Feb. AFD qualified for the European Club Champs on Saturday (with no help from me!) and that's in early Feb so would be great to do. I may do the Southerns to, as it's nearby, and Saucony sponsored, even though I bloody hate mud....! MAybe a 10k or 2 in the mix et voila!

I'm not considering the World Champs st this stage. I want to run fast in 2011 and another major Champs in hot conditions is not conducive to that. The problem with marathons is you don't get many opportunities to run fast and so a World Champs takes out the whole of late 2011. So, I'll do some track during the summer, with some 10ks and then probably do Amsterdam. Another PB would be nice! 

For the rest of 2010 I'm just staying fit but keeping the intensity low. No 100 mile weeks or long runs over 2 hours. I barely feel like I'm even running properly at all!

Finally, well done to all at Florence on Sunday. Very impressed with Ben Whitby and Tom Bedford. Also, John Hutchins had an awesome debut with 2.21.51. I reckon it's down to whoever was advising his training ;) Seriously, that's an awesome performance and it is also a reflection that speen endurance training and long runs that have more of a purpose than 'run for 2 hours' can really move you on. John has made his sunday run the focus of his week, running them at sub 6 min milng or making the second half at marathon pace and it's moved him from a 68 mins half runner to a sub 50 10 miler and a 2.21 marathoner (with a 1 min negative split!).

Next week I will talk about the importance of good kit in the winter - something I am thankful for right now!

Ben