My run this morning was the best I’ve done since the Big Red Run last June. I felt strong and barely noticed either the pelvic or Achilles problems. I averaged 5:30 per km for 20 km – still not fast in the grand scheme of things, but I was comfortable throughout. It was particularly pleasing given this was easily the fastest I’ve averaged for a long run in a very long time. I even threw in a 200 metre “sprint” to test myself, managing this distance in 40 seconds. Hardly fast, but I was pleased nonetheless.

This photo was taken five years ago today, as I made my way through the western suburbs of the French city of Macon toward the ancient town of Cluny. I was hit by a snow squall that lasted only a few minutes, but it was long enough to leave me freezing. Thankfully, the sun came out and I finished the day feeling much warmer.