As I have talked about in my previous blogs, I’ve not felt 100% for a while now, and anyone who sees the James Thie of old ring this number! Still I keep on, keeping on, and still live in total hope that things might turned around. Time is running out, as Nationals are next week, so it was and still is make and break time. First off this lunchtime was time-trial number one. This followed a blood test this morning, which I’m hoping might shed some light on where I’m at, and what might have been the reason for my up and down form.

Time-trial number one, was an 800m, and its was looking more positive after a good session Wednesday. The session was 100m sprints increasing 10m each one, all the way to 200m. The recovery starts at 90seconds and gets increased by 10secs each time, so is 3mins for the last all out 200m. Managed to run an average of 12.5 for the last 100m split and was pleased with a 12.1 in the middle. Also the 150m split was good at 18.6 and the last 200m was a solid 25.3, so was overall very pleased, but its recovery that’s been the issue.

12:30pm, Venue: Niac, Cardiff. Got there after my blood test and cracked straight into a pre-race warm up. This normally takes about an hour, and involves a 12-min easy run, stretching, drills and then strides (6 x 100m). This routine has been the same for about 10years, and its really important for the body and mind to understand and know what needed and expected each time you race and train. This routine I hope has helped me be consistent over the years, as it seems work for me!

1:32pm, I’m luck at Niac I have a nice group of coaches and athletes that I can call on for help when its needed. Today I have Darrell Maynard (1:48 –800m and great coach) to time and call splits. Also coaching colleague Gareth Wiltshire (1:54- 3^rd welsh champs) to also time and cheers. The strength and conditioning ace Steve Fudge and the creator of Niac Sean Power, plus his successor at the Uwic school of sport Scot Simpson (Commonwealth Games Pole Vault) all on the back straight cheering. At the 100m point were friends and fellow internationals Rhys Williams (3^rd Europeans champs) and the other legend that is Christian Malcolm (5^th in 2008 Olympics 200m). All these people really help as they make it feel more real, as time- trials are strange things, as its is racing the clock.

200m- 26.4- out far too fast from standing- strides were sluggish so thought I had to get out fast

I took the time I had on my watch, as Was timed at 1:54.1- as had to dodge a basketball player laying in lane 1, in home straight and even the slightest movement to the side in the lactate state I was must have cost me 0.2secs! Overall I felt the first split was well too fast, and now will run a second 800m-tomorrow morning, as today does not really tell me too much. As a lot will depend on my recovery and also how much better I will run, if its much more controlled 27.5/55.5, with the aim of running 1:52. The boys from Runnerlife.co.uk are coming down to film, so will be on the site hopefully by Sunday.

So, you read it hear first and hopefully you will see it Sunday, but if I don’t run under 1:53.0, I doubt I will make it up to the Nationals next week.

So watch this space, and lets see what tomorrow brings!!

Cheers james