Hi all,

So I've had an average Xc season, but at least I'm fit and injury free. I know I'm running well too, with fastest times on the Kent AC loops in reps. I am a bt frustrated that I can't convert this into XC form but it's not my focus and I've not been great over this surface for a few years now! I have an easy few weeks now before I start with proper marathon training in the new year. I have discovered that Ian Leitch lives nearby in Kentish Town who is a handy training partner to have! He is looking to run a sub 2.20 marathon so I anticipate many miles of running over the coming months!

I have lossely sorted my marathon plans for 2012. I will be running London marathon, and will go to Kenya in February for a month to prepare, and add the finishing touches in Portugal in late March and early April, hopefully with Phil Wicks and Martin Williams for company. I am leaving work at the end of Jan to maximise recovery and the '1%ers' so am giving myself every chance! 

In between Kenya and Portugal I'll be trying to do key sessions with company and may be training with Scott Overall a bit in Sutton, or based in Richmond to take advantage of the many talented guys round there as well. 

In terms of races, I'll probably do the Southerns before I go to Kenya, and then the Hague half a couple of weeks after I get back. I haven't planned anythign else yet. There are no training plans yet, but I plan to do similar to the beginning of this year as I seemed to be running so well before the injury kicked in. I've planned regulst physio check ups and will carry on the conditioning work to avoid the injuries that hit me last time. Apart from that, I'll hope for a bit of luck...!

I'm off to Berling over the new year so if anyone knows any good places for running round there it would be appreciated!

Ben