Get the hardback
(Amazon UK)

Or the paperback
(Amazon UK)

Out on a training run

Rounding off a good year
10th December 2005
Hi Everyone,

On a training run

Well, it's been a busy past few weeks but the good news is that everything is going well and after over a month of not feeling right I finally feel like myself again. After struggling with bronchitis and flu I eventually found out that I had a very deep rooted sinus infection. My third dose of anti biotics finally cleared that up and I was able to go to Japan and race in the Chiba Ekiden for the Great Britain team there. I had already pulled out of an earlier 15km race in Nijmegen, Holland whilst I had bronchitis as I knew that even if I got better in time I would not be fully fit enough to race a very competitive field and set a fast time as I and the organisers had hoped. I didn't want to just turn up and disappoint everyone by running below par or risk my health by pushing my body too hard too soon. Luckily the Ekiden was different as the Great Britain team allowed me until the last minute to decide and I knew i could be in good enough shape to justify my place in the team and help out the team.

Running at the Chiba Ekiden

So we headed over to Chiba and I was glad to be part of the team and enjoy the race day and atmosphere. After a rocky previous month I was looking forward to relaxing and enjoying racing. I didn't run a great time but knew going into it my preparation hadn't been good and also with hindsight I needed a few more days to let my system recover from the anti biotics. Anyway it helped blow a few cobwebs out and I've been feeling good again this week. Amazing how often you don't realise how much things weren't right until you return to normal and feel ok again!

Sadly our team only finished 7th as a few girls had problems but the race was well organised and really enthusiastically supported as always and we enjoyed our few days there. Afterwards we had a few days to relax and visit Tokyo a little.

Tokyo is a great city, I was also extremely lucky to be taken to one of the best restaurants in the city along with Naoko Takahashi who had won Tokyo Women's Marathon the previous weekend. It was great to meet up with her again - she is very funny and a really nice person. We are both working with Phiten, whose products I have been using for a few years - so look out for more news on this soon.

With Prince Albert in Monaco

Now we're back in Europe and counting the days with everyone else until Christmas, - as usual I'm way behind with my shopping and card writing!

This week has also seen Kelly Holmes announce her retirement. I think probably a lot of people anticipated this decision and know Kelly will have made the decision that is right for her. We'll miss her in athletics but I'm sure she'll still be involved in lots of ways. Talking to her last week (before she made her announcement) she seemed really happy and content and I wish her well with all of her new projects.

I'd also like to wish everyone luck this weekend in the European Cross Country Championships. On the women's side I'm looking for good runs from Liz and Hayley Yelling and Emily and Sian are part of a strong junior team, and I'm sure Mo Farah and Keith Gerrard will lead the men's teams to good results.

Finally Gary and I would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas.

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