Long time no blog!

(Picture taken today, 2 days after crash!)

Well its been a while! Mainly because not a lot happens in the off season but it certainly seems like a lot of water has passed under the bridge since my last post!

Firstly I havent changed sports and taken up boxing! The photo was taken this evening after crashing my bike on Tuesday. The picture doesnt show the full extent of my injuries but shows the worst of it. Ive got 8 stitches in my chin, a bruised face, not to mention some road rash and plenty of aches and pains! One thing is has taught me though is how important it is to always wear a helmet! I'm sure if I didnt have it on then I wouldnt be sat here now typing you this message as I would still be in hospital, or worse! I hit my head so hard it split the helmet down the side. Once the stitches are out I do hope to resume full training at the end of next week and will try and do what I can until then.

Since the end of the season I have had a long time to reflect on where I am going to take things from here. For 2008 I have made the decision to step away from full ironman and concentrate soley on half ironmans with the view to making the World Championships in Clearwater as a professional.

What I didnt like about 2007 was that I put all my eggs in one basket focusing on Ironman Austria and I felt there were decent races I missed out on and races I felt I could have performed better in. On the whole though I was very pleased with how the 2007 season went and I learnt a hell of a lot. I think the halfs at the moment really play to my strengths and it is where my best performances currently lie. It will mean I will be able to race more often which is hopefully going to mean more wins!

My coaching arrangements have now changed for 2008. I will be working towards my goals with Fiona Moorehead-Lane and am very excited about whats in store. The change came about because I was so impressed with how Fiona and partner Rob approached the 2007 season and with their knowledge and input I am very excitied about whats possible for 2008.

I am also very excitied about my sponsored team for 2008 which will be called Shorter Rochford Exclusive Ranges RT. I did race under the Shorter Rochford banner last season but it was more a kick back from their cycling team so I was given some kit and a bike and sent of my way to win some races. This year we have an all singing all dancing proper team with sponsors and kit being finalised as we speak! Exclusive Ranges are a local Potters Bar kitchen company who have kindly come on board to back the team along with other kit providers and various companies which I should know more on soon.

Unfortunatly with all positives you are going to get negatives. This year so far hasnt gone as smoothly as last year. Firstly to start the year I was sidelined with flu, I then caught another cold at the begining of Feb and now ive crashed. I just don't seem to be gathering any momentum this year which is frustrating. But its only mid Feb so with a good 8 weeks before the first big race there is plenty of time. I think last year I got serious too early in the year and felt flat during the middle of the year so it could be a bonus.

So far this year ive place 3rd in the multi terrain Frimley 12k and next week is my first outing on the bike in the North Road Hardriders which I am somewhat apprehensive about after the crash and not having as many miles under my belt. But I will give it my best shot.