As we creep ever closer to New Year, you'd expect the evenings to become colder, potentially wetter and more challenging. Certainly not the case this week, with a very mild westerly air, albeit blowing somewhat ferociously at times. Without a task unfortunately this week, first time in quite a while, this did mean that we could have over an hour on pure fitness. Covering several bases: speed, stamina, core strength, core stability, explosiveness and agility. Was a pleasure to put you all through your paces.

As per the norm. we started with a random question, Tim's " Where's your favourite place in the country?" This evolved into "favourite place in the UK?" Lake District, Edinburgh, Deal (just googled it, nice, don't listen to Tim), Cairngorms, West Ireland Coast, my mum's house, Yorkshire, Newcastle, Kynance cove and some other places I forgot. Good shouts, useful ideas for next domestic getaway.

We then headed over for some 'crank up' intervals, where you run out, recover, then run return leg at higher intensity. Well paced running, hopefully some useful pacing work picked up here. A small jog back to to the playground area, and we used the rubber floor for some core work. Setting alight some of those deeper core muscles. Everyone was still full of beans at this point, so we turned our sights to some explosive vertical and horizontal jumping. Some pretty awesome athleticism on display here, bearing in mind I see people attempting these all the time. Special props to Mel, Sharon and Kev who really had the technique on point.

We finished the session with 6 v 6 Relay race. On nearby ground to where Kev pulled his butt a few months back, we had new teams, a new route and refreshed intent. It was very close battle with both teams leading at various points, but Ruth, Dan, Graham, Mel, Kev and I just edged it. Highlights were Graham vs Tim on leg 5, so much almost palplable emotion. Mel vs Siobhan on leg 4, proper sprinting by both ladies. Dan vs Justine on leg 6, Justine kept up a high pace, even though she had to make about eighteen strides for one of Dan's swooping legs.

Top effort, sizzling intensity, edge of your seat type entertainment. Great training for the Summer GG Olympics!

Have an ace week, we actually have a task next week, a real task, yes. Sign up here

See you beauts then.