Following the boost of achieving a respectable time at the Cardiff half marathon I took time to assess my fitness and where I needed to progress.

I had participated in quite a few long races, which had been physically, and mentally demanding so I felt I would have break from racing and concentrate on the training programme.

In the week immediately following the Cardiff half I had an easier week, with runs of 4-7 miles in length, the next week 4 runs between 4 and 12 miles to maintain my stamina. Unlike my ‘younger’ days I do find now that my fitness levels can drop quite quickly if I don’t maintain a reasonable regime. Last week up to the 9th November I repeated this but increased the intensity of the short runs to maintain my recently rediscovered sizzling pace.

It was this week that I realised the onset of winter was upon me. No more the balmy summer evenings or rustic autumn jaunts. For a start I was running in pitch darkness in the evenings, emerging camouflaged from unseen bushes like the fabled ‘Don’t panic Jonesey’ from Dad’s Army. The immediate village is lit but beyond the houses darkness prevails. I’m helped by the fact that the majority of motorists considerately slow down for horses, dog walkers and runners, whilst the dreaded few take great pleasure in splattering runners with water, mud and anything else the road has to offer. My sincere appreciation to those who reduce the workload of our overworked Hotpoint! It is difficult sometimes to force myself out of the comfort of my armchair and venture out on the dark and wet evenings, I just remind myself of the goal next spring.

The TROT running club organise a variety of races that give members of all abilities a chance of club night glory. One of these is the TROT handicap. Instead of all participants starting at the same time and finishing according to their speed the start is staggered. The slowest runners start of first at time intervals based on previous times gradually progressing through to the fastest who start last. The theory is that everyone should come charging towards the finish together, which makes for an exciting conclusion to the race. This year after the 30th October race sadly I’m way down the order so next year I must make a big effort in this series, as it is a great leveller and anyone has a chance of winning.

Another fun event is the club ‘Guess the Time’ run. In this members are told the route and have to write down what time they think it will take them to complete the course. The winner is the person who runs closest to their time without going over, no matter how fast or slow the time. All watches are confiscated prior to the run. On the 20th November race I thought I was going too fast and would be too far under my time. I therefore decided to stroll in to the finish looking very cocksure as I walked over the line. A little too sure of myself when it was revealed that I clocked 36 minutes and 7 seconds, just 2 seconds over my guessed time of 36:05 and therefore disqualified! Just a slightly faster last few yards would have claimed the trophy- but there is always next time.

On one particular Sunday long run I was approaching 10 miles when suddenly the rain lashed down, thunder rumbled and lightning lit the sky. I can say quite definitely that I have never moved so fast and must have broken my personal best for the last 2 miles. Not sure how I can recreate this in a race situation though.

December will see me trying to extend the weekend long run beyond half marathon distance with the welcome diversion of making my debut in the wonderful Santa run at Llandisillio. Watch out for me tripping over my resplendent Santa outfit. I’ve been advised to wear something underneath to preserve my modesty in case my Santa trousers depart! Run on Christmas!