"Back to base training"

After several weeks of focussing on races the last fews days have seen a return to general training and putting back into the body what the races have taken out! This didn't however mean a relaxation in training as Tuesday's track session returned to six sets of 800m fast (30 seconds recovery) 400m at full tilt, with three minutes to the next rep! The weather also improved and although very cold and frosty, at least it was possible on the recovery runs to loosten up tight hamstrings to actually feel the ground! It's now only one week to the big one, the English National Cross Country Championships, the oldest and most famous cross country race in the world which is making a return to the spiritual home of cross country at Parliament Hill Fields on London's Hampstead Heath. Seven miles of mud and rolling hills await. Bring it on!

Although my daughter Sarah was also not competing this weekend, like me running is never far from anything she does. This week she was delighted to hear that a short story she had written as part of a school project (maximum fifty words) had been accepted for publication! Based on a cross country race we had both been involved in before Christmas here it is -

KILLER HILL

The mist was rolling in and the runneres could just be seen as they ran the dreaded course through mud and rain. Katie was lagging behind at the back. She struggled to keep up with the others as they entered Killer Hill. The pain was immense, would it beat her?

Finally, a fortnight ago I gave a mention to one of Macclesfield Harriers top under 17 runners Lloyd who had become North of England 800m Indoor champion. Well today I have learnt that he has now added the English Championship title to his expanding list of honours. A fantastic achievement, well done Lloyd!