I’ve been away in Ireland for a week, Galway and Kerry to be precise and, reasoning that trying to fit in the odd few miles as and when I could would be less painful than the guilt of not running, I took my trainers with me.

Given that, from my observations and not based on meterologocal facts, the west coast of Ireland is the rainiest place in the world ever, the fact that I managed three runs is quite impressive. And what impressive runs they were. I don’t meant my efforts in putting one foot in front of the other but the scenery that I was running in.

When the clouds broke and the rain stopped I had the treat of running in some of the most amazing settings – one particular jaunt down Rossbeigh, the 4km strand of beach and dunes that jutts out into the Atlantic, will be remembered for a long while to come.

As I only managed a total of 11 miles while in Ireland I went out for a run last night after getting back from the airport to try and bring my mileage closer to the 21 my training plan prescribed for me last week. I only managed 6.2 or 10k. But low and behold I managed it in a new record (personal) breaking time of 56.14.

I hadn’t set off with a new 10k PB in mind but as i got to 4 miles I looked at my watch and realised that, if I could run a bit faster and sustain it for the next two miles, I might just shave off a few seconds. And that’s what I did – despite the best efforts of all the dogs on Wimbledon Common to trip me up.

So today I’m feeling mightily pleased with myself and have a well-timed sports massage to look forward to this evening. Hooray for me.