Here We Go Again

North Wales XC Champs'. 2011

Having been spending the last few weeks concentrating on revision and my first set of exams at Bangor university, I think that I may have neglected my running of late. However, with the exams in the bag I can now focus on the year ahead. I never thought though that I would be writing on my blog that I am studying for a BSc in Sports Science! The truth being, that in my formative years I was not exactly why you would call academically minded. Indeed that exams that I have been sitting of late, are the first exams I have sat.........ever. I dropped out of school at 15 and then spent that time until 2 years ago in the family business. Never in a million years did I ever believe that I would be studying for a degree in one of the best university's for Sports Science in the UK. So, I here you asking, how did you do it? Well, the truth is, I don't know! I hold no formal qualifications but I do hold a desire and need to give anything I do my best. Whilst I may not be the best, I know that I will always have given just that. University life has been a challenge thus far but has also given me a completely new perspective on my own belief that you can achieve anything providing your mind is strong. OK I have worked hard through the first semester and I will continue to do so to the end but I feel that the goal I have set myself is both real and attainable. I also believe that this is the case in my running. Whilst I may not be displaying some of the form that I have in the past, I do enjoy it. My first race back last week was the Helsby half marathon in Cheshire, where a steady run saw me only three minutes behind my best for the distance. I haven't raced properly since my stress fracture in September and Helsby was the perfect recipe for a boost of confidence. Saturday also saw me put in an appearance for my new club Eryri Harriers, at the north Wales cross country championships at Corwen where I was pleased with a silver in the V40 category and two golds in the team standings. Quite a productive weekend really. And today, I begin training for the Commonwealth trail championships selection race in May, a 36 miler. Am I mental...I think not........I like the rest of you out there 'live to run'..........See you guys!