Week 1: 29 Dec – 4 Jan 2026

Run: 5hrs 46min (40.0mi) / Gym: 7mins / Crosstrain: 45mins

This was a difficult week. It was a case of good intentions and quality family time clashing. With two of the three kids on a trip, we took our eldest away and enjoyed a couple of nights of exertion in the hills and restfulness and good hospitality at the hotel. With the trail race looming in January, I took advantage of the elevation on offer to test my legs. The stunning view from the fells were more than ample reward for getting up early on Monday. The next day I tested my new HOKA shoes on the hotel treadmill. Whilst they felt narrow to wear, they were fine when running, even at speed. It was a new brand to me, so I was still suspicious.

Back home on Wednesday, all seemed in order on the extended loop, clocking up a satisfying 10miles. On New Year day, my wife had arranged a river-side sauna and dip in a forest for us. The water, at 3.5 degrees was excruciatingly cold, so must have been very good for the legs… it certainly cleared the head.

Friday morning I noticed some pain across the top of my right foot when lacing up my shoes. I decided to run it off, and headed out on my regular loop. No dramas.

Saturday was 45 mins on the turbo trainer (with the 70.3 triathlon half in mind), then straight into an 11 mile run in the snow – again wincing when lacing up, but what a fantastic morning to be out.