Is it really only four weeks now? That said, I do feel like I am back in the groove of my training. However, when I was out on Tuesday there was a big yellow thing in the sky that I don’t remember seeing before whilst running. Then it came back to me, it’s the sun and it suddenly occurred to me how different it is running under it than it has been in the ice, rain and snow throughout the winter.

Now, don’t get me wrong, normally I can’t wait for spring and the hot(ish) weather to arrive. This shock, however, has given me another reason to panic. What if, after all this training and the wash-out that was the Beacon Half, Marathon Day is the first day of summer. I find it hard enough in the cold running long distances but in the heat – how will I cope? Here’s a plan - my good friend Keith Ring, the Borough Fire Commander, has already paid me his sponsorship money so he is really keen to see me get round the course and suffer. I am sure, if asked nicely, some of his boys at Preston Circus or Roedean will only be too happy to give Old Bill a right royal soaking on my way past. So, here’s a tip, if you find yourself running near me (half decent athletes need read no more as you’ll be miles ahead) anywhere near a fire station or fire engine then, unless you want to get blasted off the pavement by a high pressure fire hose move away and fast!

By the way if you want to sponsor me for St Barnabas Hospice please go to http://www.justgiving.com/Graham-Bartlettsrunning. Thanks!