Get the hardback
(Amazon UK)

Or the paperback
(Amazon UK)

After the race with Isabella (left) and Sally (centre).

Cobwebs gone in New Orleans, next stop: Limerick
27th March 2005
Hi Everyone,

I'm writing this update as I'm just waiting at the airport to board my flight home. The altitude stint of my Flora London Marathon preparation is now over and I'm pleased with how it has gone. I have got all the elements done that I wanted to and importantly my specific tempo and long runs were still improving at the end, something that hasn't always happened before.

Yesterday I raced in the Crescent City Classic 10k in New Orleans and finished second to Isabella Ochichi in 30:45. I was disappointed to be beaten and not to run faster as I know I'm in better shape than that indicates. However, I also have to be realistic and take into consideration the amount of hard work and mileage my legs were carrying into the race. Although I did back off for two days before the race, I also completed my last hard long run only four days before and have to admit that my legs felt tired in the race.

That said, it was good to get out and race and blow out some cobwebs and I'm sure the race will have brought me on a little too. Isabella ran very well, she told me afterwards that she felt she hadn't run well at World XC and wanted to make up for it here. Conditions in New Orleans were certainly different from Albuquerque, the humidity was very high and although it was warm, it was actually foggy for the race which felt a bit weird! However, it wasn't uncomfortable to run in and certainly didn't stop thousands of people taking part and having a lot of fun and a big party at the end. I think it's the only race I've run in where beer is available at drinks stations en route! The support and organisation were great and I'd like to thank the people of New Orleans and the race organisers for that.

When we get home now we just have time to unpack and repack before heading over to Limerick. After ten weeks of hard training my legs are in need of some deep work from Gerard, although a big thank you to Josie Edwards Scott in Albuquerque for keeping them in good shape out in Albuquerque. I also like to finish my marathon preparation in Limerick where I have some good final runs and the people are always so friendly and welcoming there too.

Best Wishes,

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