No Pain No Gain

Training has been really hard for the past week or so and I've put in an awful lot of work. I've been to the Mark Hall track for speedwork and gym work, and in between its been out on the cycle paths of Harlow doing endurance work. It's more enjoyable to train on the road than on the track but its really the work on the track that counts because I'm a sprinter. Lately, just like a lot of other people, I've been feeling low about certain things in my life but I don't have time to dwell on them because I don't want to lose focus. I've found a different way of addressing the issues. It's true, I just can't afford the luxury of feeling sorry for myself because there are millions of people out there who are a lot worse off than I am, in Libya to give just one example. At least I haven't been caught up in Tsunami's or earthquakes or nuclear disasters like those poor people in Japan. Still, there's light at the end of the tunnel for me. This Sunday I will be doing a 10k to raise funds for St.Clare Hospice and that puts everything into perspective really.

Tis The Season To Be Busy.

I have been training really hard since my last entry but as usual the weather has been against me and a lot of my work has been done on rollers in the Mark Hall Sports Centre. Buckets of sweat and aching muscles but worth it because of the great feeling of self satisfaction when its over and done with. I am determined to have a great season in 2011 and I certainly feel a lot fitter than I usually do at this time of year. I have a bad cold at the moment but I am fighting it so that I can continue training..

On Wednesday gone I was very privileged to attend the 'Journey to the Podium' exhibition which has opened in my hometown of Harlow, at the wonderful Gibberd Gallery in the Civic Centre. I am very proud to be a Team Essex Ambassador, and even more proud to have been featured through the lovely art work of Elaine Tribley. It was also lovely to see the other work produced by artists working with other sports people. Essex County Council is to be congratulated for running such an innovative scheme that pairs artists with athletes.

Out in Harlow yesterday I was surprised to see the Xmas lights and the town full of shoppers. I started to panic because I haven't even had time to think of Christmas. I must say I hate the dark nights and the cold and long for Spring.

Free At Last.

I managed to finally get back out onto the road again today and it felt fantastic to be out pushing long distance again. Mind you, I couldn't take my usual route because the police had cordoned part of it off for some reason so I had to find another route. Thankfully, Harlow is blessed with lots of cycle paths so it wasn't too difficult. I'm just hoping the bad weather stays away so I can get right back into my usual routine.
Last night I went to the track at Mark Hall Sports Centre and did some much needed track work. I was exhausted when I finished but had that lovely feeling of self satisfaction that I had achieved something. I'm feeling really positive about the coming season, which kicks off with a half - marathon at Silversone in March which I'll be doing to raise money and awareness for one of the charities I support, AbleChild Africa.
Talking of charities something exciting is going to happen in the next month or so. Watch this space!