Pre Festive Updates!

I never understand how Christmas manages to creep up at what seems to be a relentless pace, I wish I could run as fast as it does! I am pleased, no, thrilled to report that everything in my running world appears to be progressing as per the programme that Andy and I have set, with good quality runs, extensive speed sessions and injury free days enjoying the countryside. I seldom have had such a prolonged period of enjoyment running injury free. As for performances, well, the start of the cross country season has seen me complete the first three races in the Grand Prix Express North Wales Cross Country Championships. Following a reasonable 10th at Colwyn Bay, I moved up one position to ninth at Bridgnorth, and then I was beaten into fourth place at Bangor after taking a wrong turn and loosing about seventy five metres! I then spent the remainder of the race picking off the four or five runners who overtook me whilst I was taking the scenic route. Having said that, I was overjoyed with my result as it demonstrates confidence in my on-going training. Following the Bridgnorth result, I was absolutely overjoyed, to get an email from Ali Whitelaw asking me to run in the Masters International race at Birmingham. I was so pleased, as I hadn't dared to presume that I had been selected to run for Wales again for the third successive year. To get my sixth vest for my country, was both an honour and a real boost to my confidence. I ran the race over a course that can only be described as snooker table flat. The worst possible case scenario for me is a flat course as you all know and whislt I was pleased to be in red, the race was, well, a race and we'll finish it there.

Fresh from my exploits at Birmingham, and fully rejuvenated, I was pleased to get another call up, this time to run for the north Wales regional team in the Welsh cross country championships at Builth Wells. I didn't make the team in 2008 due to injury (two stress fractures in my leg) so this was my first outing for the region at cross country since coming second to Marilyn Kitching in 2007 when we took gold and silver overall and a further gold each in the individual age categories. The Builth Wells course, is a love it or hate it kind of venue, and I was very pleased to be greeted by a couple of reasonable climbs. Marilyn lead from the outset and demonstrated her absolute form of the moment, easily edging out from the start to over two hundred metres. I spent most of the race following my usual slow start by picking off those ahead of me over the first of the two laps. Going into the second lap I found myself in third position and was both comfortable and enjoying the race with little or no pressure. Then, with about 200 metres to go, I heard the dreaded shouts from Neale saying 'you need to pick it up' and I knew that I was in for a fight to the finish. Try as I might, I just dont have that turn of speed at the moment and I lost out at the line but was both happy and sad at the same time. Having said that, two Golds at age and team together with a fourth position overall, I can say was mega!  I don't know whether or not I'll get a chance to update the blog again this year, so I'll use this opportunity to wish you a very merry Christmas and a great 2010.........Happy Running!