I had just come back from a great run in Errington Woods. My legs were still stiff from the hills of the Ripon 10 but it was one of those runs that make you feel good that you have made the effort. Exploring some of the lesser used paths and testing out a new pair of fell shoes bought as a birthday present to myself I soon found myself running a 7 miler and coming out of the woods as the light faded.Coming into the house I was given a box with a bottle of beer and a Trophy! To be given the Most Improved male runner of the year award was a real boost! For me the past year has been one of my most consistent and injury free years since I started running. For the first time in 10 years I completed a full cross country season, averaged a consistent 50 miles per week and avoided injuries. Being part of the Triumphant Loftus Team and lifting the NYSD Cross Country Title and NYSD Road Relay Championship will go down as one of thehighlights of my running career to date.

I think we all know that running has it's ups and downs, sometimes we get injured, sometimes we run a pb. I may be a little way off my personal best times but as long as I am "improving" I'll keep on putting the miles in!