This week has seen the arrival of the summer season for me when I opened my season at the Scottish Inter-regional Championships over 1500m. The race went well and I equalled my PB of 4.29 which I was happy with as my past summers have gone horribly so starting with that has given me some confidence and I believe there is alot more to come as long as I can stay fit and healthy.

As many people may or may not know, i suffer really badly from Hayfever. It goes beyond just a few sneezes and itchy eyes for me, for some reason my body cant handle pollen and dust at this time of year, like I cant even have the windows of the car open as it sets me off... So next week im going to go to the doctors and have to pick up these really strong tablets as normal over the counter ones dont touch it and make me feel terrible. Im going to take them slightly differently to last year as I dont want it in my system too much as im sure thats just as bad for me when trying to perform at my best than having a full blown attack. Last year it got to the point where i pretty much gave up competing as there was really no point as I couldnt breathe without an inhaler- which I wasnt allowed to take because I hadn't been cleared by the IAAF for needing one as I was only 8% affected with it in terms of my performance and breathing (bit confusing) instead of the 10% guideline set out by the IAAF for when they allow you to have use of an inhaler. So basically I needed an inhaler to bring me back to baseline but because it was only 8% they wouldnt allow it. Rules are rules but its a pain in the ass... because it was proven in the test that by using an inhaler it wouldn't enhance my performance above my baseline result. I am going to have the test done again in a few weeks and see what that result is. so fingers crossed am ok!

Other than that trainings been going well and hopefully my results will show that. Ive been doing alot of work to improve my leg turn over and basic speed whilst keeping some longer stuff going so that I can cover the race distances comfortably. Nothing out of the ordinary and im sure everyone is doing pretty similar stuff at this time of year.

Last week was my first full week working in the gym and it was good, I really enjoyed it because its an environment I can connect with and I get on with everyone there, so I think I made the right decision leaving the hotel for the gym. I work every morning and then twice a week I work evenings so thats good and gives me the second half of the day to do what I want instead of working all day and having no time to do what I wanted to do and also I dont work weekends which is good as I hated having to do my long run on a Sunday and then going straight to work all day without having a meal afterwards. This I feel is better for my training and thats the most important thing.

My next race is in Loughborough over 3000m which im looking forward to but also slightly nervous. I know im in good shape soooo I hope this shows at the weekend. Im also looking forward to seeing everyone as I believe alot of people are going through to watch the races so that should be good. Also I have booked a little trip home for a few days in June, which will work out the weekend of the Junior AAAs in Bedford so im really looking forward to this for two reasons; its the AAAs and I get to see my family and go home.

Good Luck anybody racing somewhere else this weekend :)

...x