It is time for the training to begin again. Given the excess of christmas I think there is a long way to go. Looking out at the wind and rain of swansea, I am wondering why I am putting myself through it again... The big question for those of you who know me is whether I can stop being stubborn, avoid overtraining and prevent myself from getting injured. I am thinking unlikely...

I am trying to focus on the feeling of finishing last time rather than the pain I went through on the day. Here's hoping for a cooler day this year than in 2005.

If any of you who know me would like to sponsor me then I have a link on

http://www.justgiving.com/ mikeydevansmarathon

27th Feb - well I did injure myself a little - I think I was so preoccupied with my old traditional injuries that I got a bit slack on my general stretches. I have a slight strain to my adductors, so fingers crossed that will clear up soon. I was up to 19 miles, so no danger on the actual day, but may have to change my target time - perhaps a costume will start to come into my thinking....