Hello - a winter of hard work ahead.

Thought I would start one of these blogs, as these seem to be very popular. although my main reason is to set my goals out in black and white, to try and have some accountability towards achieving these goals. I have had a very good year for me this season, have had some good races, achieved a few pb's but also had a few disasters along the way.

I set out to better my times in time trials of which I have surpassed all expectations, I had a solid performance in Antwerp at the 70.3 and my best performance at the New Forest Middle Distance tri in September, finishing 22nd and 21 minutes quicker than last year. I first competed in the NF race in 2006 and have done the race every year since. I have reduced my overall time from 6.53 in 2006, to 5.31 in 2007 and 2008 and 5.10 in 2009. Lets see what next year brings.

I am very fortunate to have some exceptional athletes to train with, which inspires me to achieve more. I am constantly reminded by one of them, that until I get to the correct 'racing weight' I will not fulfil my potential. In a sport where power to weight ratio is all important, this is the most critical aspect of my training this winter.

So its 'hand out of the cookie jar' time and a winter of resistance training in an attempt to speed up my metabolism along with a focus on improving my running, particularly at half marathon distance. My current pb is 1.29.10 set at Bournemouth Bay Run in 2007. I will re evaluate my targets following the hilly Downton Half in November. First thought its Poole Runners winter 5k this friday (16th October) and the Great South Run the following weekend (64.46 last year - lets see what I am working from this year.

Along the way I know I will gain the assistance and support of a few people and am grateful in advance to them.