I need a new goal...

[El Gordo]

I've had a word with the Accounts Department but she - I mean they - didn't seem too impressed with the idea. But it would be good to have a few people to meet up with for some post-race, er, analysis.

Great Silverstone race time, Ian. I read the report and was going to email my congratulations, but am happy to express them publicly. I'm delighted that the training tips posted recently by Seafront Plodder and myself are paying dividends. Three minutes off a 10K PB is pretty damn good.

I recall you mentioning Dublin as a possibility before, but had presumed you'd backed off a bit when you heard I'd be present.

But seriously, do try and make it. It sounds like a good event. Not as flat as London, but perhaps more fun.

I agree about the extended build-up for a marathon compared with other distances. It was one of the reasons I didn't consider a spring marathon this year, after the two last year. I don't want to be in permanent marathon training mode.

I'll be doing one of the Hal Higdon programmes again (probably stepping up from the Novice to the Intermediate - wa-hey!). These are 18 weeks, so all being well, that should start on June 23rd, the day after the Boreham Wood Half.

All I have to do now is try and get some fitness back. I'm still struggling a bit after my enforced break.

Dublin, here we come....

Andy