Hi there

Sorry its been a while since i last blogged.  I'm finally getting back into training after quite an extended break this year.  I decided to finish my season a bit earlier this year & take a rest to see if a. i could start again & try & get healthy & b. try to get to the bottom of why i was picking up all the various illnesses & feeling so tired during races.  I had been having regular blood tests at the Scottish Institute of Sport for the last few months as i was struggling to raise my ferrotin levels, even with supplementation.  I had another series of blood tests after finishing the season & it seems that i had glandular fever during the season, it was a relief to finally find out that were was a definate reason for feeling the way i did but also a little frustrating that it took me so long to realise what was wrong.  So there was nothing else for it but to take an extended rest & try to get myself sorted out before starting winter training, i took a full 3 week of complete rest & then started slowly adding in small runs as & when i felt like it, two weeks ago i started trying to run every day & felt ok.  I also had repeat bloods done at this stage & they have come back with a marked increase in my ferrotin levels so hopefully that is a good sign & i got the all clear from the doctor to start increasing training again (sensibly)

Although i have enjoyed having a bit of down time over the last few months & living like a normal person for a short time, i can't wait to get back to normal & into the swing of a decent amount of training again.  As i'm writing Scotland is currently getting hit with torrential rain & gusting winds but i can't wait to get out for our first group session tonight (run & circuits).

I'll try to blog a bit sooner next time.

Claire x