Hello all,

Sorry been a bit slack on writing my blog in the last few week, as just been a bit busy with my new job at Welsh Athletics. I have really enjoyed my first three weeks and really learning the ropes and the system. It has also helped me find a good routine as a try and get back to fitness after my illness break. At the moment I get up at 6:45am and walk the dog, then its 45minutes on the cross trainer, this was until Friday when it broke- so its back to a morning hobble on my old Achilles!

Its then a shower, get changed and finally some breakfast. Then its in the car off to work foe a fun pack day. I then train and coach after work, sometimes at the same time and sometimes separate. So in that time, I’ve not a seen an episodes of Neighbours, Diagnosis Murder or Jeremy Karl. But in this time, I’ve dropped 2k of weight and I’m back on the track, not flying , but still doing sessions.

Last week was fun, when Neil came down and we had a good session at the windy Neath track. I was trying help out as much as possible, but it was still a shock to the system. I managed 6 x 800m in around 2:18 and then two 600ms with the last in 1:36.

At the weekend I help out with the Bristol 10km race, and saw Phil Wicks run a fantastic 28:54 and Andy Vernon 29:00. It was a great days racing, and I see no reason why this can’t be one of the best 10km races in the UK. I suggests if Brit’s want a fast race, with great prize Monday and want to get looked after, then try a ‘Run Bristol’ race.

On Monday the wind was up, so I opted to use the stadiums gym, to run 2 x 3km. I ran 9:15/9:00, which was really pleasing, on the treadmill after a busy day- made it easier as could switch off. Will try and do similar sessions as don’t have to think about the pace, as can just set the speed and watch tv!

Wednesday was the first open meeting at the new stadium and I had a long day of only 13 hours! Still found time tp pace a lad I coach; Tom Marshall in the 3000m. I felt a bit tired and managed to get to 2km in 5:42 and Tom went on to win the race in a solid 8:38. I then did some back to backs, with 100m with 15sec rest for 7minutes, as had to get back to work. Still found time to warm down in the car park at 10pm, and then back for dinner with the wife. Glad she is understanding at the moment as she has seen less of me over the last few weeks, which isn’t great for a newly wed couple!

Friday was a good day as starting to help a lad from Alex’s school, who is looking tp get close tp 2mimutes for 800m as a under 15. He did 10 x 200m to my 10 x 400m, in very windy conditions.

Managed 64’s but I was more pleased with the 59.9 last and was just pleased to be back on track feeling some pace.

Tomorrow, see’s Prefontaine (the dog) and myself racing in the UK championship Canix races, in Cheltenham. So will keep Runnerslife posted. Plus I want to wish Neil all the best with his new move to Switzerland. Plus Simon, running in Manchester tomorrow, good luck fella and enjoy.

Cheers james