Just over a week until the Newcastle Stampede and I feel in pretty good shape. It was my Birthday a couple of weeks ago (all the 3′s!) and I let my hair down. This month has been similar to previous months and I’ve included boxing, kettlebell workouts and running. With my running, I need different terrains and loads of hills. I’ve also mixed in some sprints. Last week I had a full week out of the gym and only did my local parkrun yesterday. I did Durham and I woke up thinking I’m going for it. I always run and train as to how I feel and it’s been a while since I really pushed myself. I shaved nine seconds off my PB, meaning my new one is now 22:50. I’m supposed to be back in the gym tomorrow but I’ve slightly pulled something in my neck. It’s a recurring injury so I’ll be fine for Tuesdays session.

I took a full week out of the gym on the run up to Total Warrior and it was the best thing I’d done. You can easily over train yourself without even knowing it. You need to treat your body with a bit of respect sometimes and remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. I don’t believe in cutting corners with my training. That means in the kitchen as well as in the gym. I hear of new fads all the time and where some people might think I’m just stuck in my ways, it’s just I know what works best for me. That translates into eating with common sense and training my ar*e off.

In the background I’ve also been creating a new challenge. This will take place over the Christmas period and I’ll announce more details after the Stampede. One things for sure, I’ll need your support with this one!