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Frantic Few Weeks!
2nd December 2004
Hi everyone and welcome to the website - hopefully you will enjoy it. I will be updating this diary section regularly to keep everyone up to date with what I am up to.

The last few weeks have been extremely busy. First of all there was the New York Marathon. I only decided to enter the race at the last moment when I decided that I would like to run and was in good enough shape to be able to go there and race well. I knew I wasn't in world record shape but that I was strong enough to run well. More importantly it was a race I have always wanted to run and win. My heart was in it as I desperately wanted to round off my season on a positive note. I certainly did that and really enjoyed the atmosphere and race, especially the chance to use different tactics and win in a sprint finish!

Since then I have been busy rushing around all over the place doing book signings and appearances for the launch of my book. Writing the book itself was an experience I generally enjoyed, although some of the sections were tougher than others. Even with the difficult times though, writing about them helped as it was a kind of acceptance and closure. Also looking back on the good times gave me many happy memories. The signings have been great fun. They have given me a chance to meet so many great people who have supported me in my career and get the chance to thank them all. I have been in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bedford and Loughborough.

The Loughborough one was an amazing day as firstly Charnwood Borough Council awarded me the Freedom of the Borough. This is a huge honour and I was extremely touched, even more so as it is the first time it has ever been done. Ever since I first came to live here as a student 12 years ago, I have loved the friendliness of the town and the beautiful countryside. Everyone is always so supportive here and running is a pleasure. Plus now the University is going from strength to strength as the best Centre for Sporting Facilities in the country. After the presentation it was on to the signing and I was astounded to see that over 400 had turned up. It was lovely to meet everyone but my hand was certainly aching by the end of the afternoon!

I was then off to the Nike Run London 10k last weekend, where I paced a group around to help them achieve their goals. It was really fun for me as usually I am racing and don't get a chance to help people in this way. It also gave me more of a chance to take in the atmosphere. Gary and I are now away on holiday to relax fully before starting back into the build up for next year.

Finally I want to congratulate everyone who took part last weekend. I hope you are now relaxing over the festive season!

Just eight weeks to go...
Entry 27, 13th Nov 2006

A special announcement
Entry 26, 12th Jul 2006

Making progress after foot surgery
Entry 25, 9th Jun 2006

Back on track
Entry 24, 25th Apr 2006

Out of London
Entry 23, 10th Apr 2006

Out of Melbourne
Entry 22, 9th Mar 2006

Starting the new year on the right foot
Entry 21, 24th Jan 2006

Rounding off a good year
Entry 20, 10th Dec 2005

Frustrating few weeks
Entry 19, 1st Nov 2005

Up-coming races
Entry 18, 11th Oct 2005

Back from holiday
Entry 17, 21st Sep 2005

A week of mixed emotions
Entry 16, 14th July 2005

Post Pre
Entry 15, 10th June 2005

Facing track debut
Entry 14, 27th May 2005

Back from a Break
Entry 13, 16th May 2005

Post-London Buzz
Entry 12, 24th Apr 2005

Cobwebs gone in New Orleans, next stop: Limerick
Entry 11, 27th Mar 2005

Hicham shares the Albuquerque quirky weather
Entry 10, 21st Mar 2005

No World Cross for me
Entry 9, 8th Mar 2005

From Flagstaff, back to Albuquerque
Entry 8, 23rd Feb 2005

Update and pictures from Albuquerque - Part 2
Entry 7, 31st Jan 2005

Update and pictures from Albuquerque
Entry 6, 19th Jan 2005

London, here I come!
Entry 5, 10th Jan 2005

Looking to 2005
Entry 4, 31st Dec 2004

Tidings of Comfort and Joy
Entry 3, 18th Dec 2004

Visit to Portland
Entry 2, 8th Dec 2004

Frantic Few Weeks!
Entry 1, 3rd Dec 2004