Hello Runnerslife readers!

It's been a while, my excuse this time is that I did not have internet in my new place. All up and running well now and I cautiously say that the same can be said for me. Training has been going well, not setting the world alight by any means but I am going in the right direction.

My Irish Coach Pat Hogan (I am now working more with Craig Winrow) always says that life is about balance. Balancing life, work, social life and of course training. Pat does not mind me having a pint every now and then as long as I put my head down when it counts. The same can be said really for Craig, he knows I am serious about what I am doing and to be fair, when we sit down and discuss training he has to hold me back. He says stuff like "I know you can do that Rory but can we do this" and we find a compromise. It is working so far. 

I do not feel the constant tiredness I felt between the months of May and August. Some of that is due to getting used to working and training. Some of it is due to getting to bed earlier and a lot of it is due to certain personal issues being over, I would not say resolved but I have drawn a line in the sand and I am done with it. It is in the hardest times that you see who your real friends are and I have seen it.

The foot issues I have had all Summer are not as prevalent thanks to the help of Stewart Ellerby. It's always good to catch up with Stew so he can knock the crap out of my calves and quad muscles.

Yesterday I competed as part of trhe Newham and Essex Beagles team who came third in the National Relays. We obviously were hoping for the win but Aldershot deserved their victory. From a personal standpoint I was happy enough with my run, I came in 9th in the first leg and I think my time has compared well with all the other ones from the day. We made it back to London in record time as Lee Merrien had a flight to catch, thanks Bob!

The next race is the National XC Relays at Mansfield. Between now and then I will be upping training slightly hoping to get stronger and stronger. As I train alone my iPod has become my friend. I would recommend Thin Lizzy to anyone who likes a bit of Old School Rock to air guitar to.

Well done to all the Runnerslife Athletes at the Relays and see you all in Mansfield hopefully!

Chesser