Plan number 2. Often where the real magic happens. But I’ve kept it pretty similar in truth. For me, I think a solid block over the winter months will really help you achieve your targets. And from then, once perhaps you are that little bit lighter, you can then set some more specific goals and chase some PBs.

It’s all about consistency. Keep showing up, keep earning those training points. If you hit 90% plus of your target then you should see some significant improvements. If you don’t, then obviously those gains are going to be smaller.

I’ve got real confidence in my training plans and the method I use having seen so many runners who have been able to hit the targets, achieve their goals and make significant improvements.

Right. The plan. It goes right up to Paris but we don’t need to get too carried away with the long runs for now. Plus there’s plenty of scope to add in races and perhaps a spring half marathon would add some extra variety to the training, albeit not essential.

Doing the same things on the same days is the best way to get into a good routine. That way whatever the weather, we can get ourselves out there. I know this time of year, when it’s dark and potentially wet and windy is tough to get out of the front door. But we need to just change our mindset. Whilst other people choose to stay in when the weather is bad, you can make gains on them by getting out there. So it’s actually good news when the wind is blowing and the rain is battering the windows. It’s an opportunity.

Plus when we then encounter bad weather on race day, we are much better prepared for it.

A good example of this was the Pier to Pier race we did in February. It’s 16 miles, all of which were into a 10-15mph wind and a persistent rain, light drizzle for much, but then it got steadily worse. At the end and on Strava I heard and saw comments like “Awful Conditions”, and “So Tough in the Wind”, when actually from my point of view it was pretty decent.

I’d spent the winter training in far worse conditions than that. Winds 3-4 times stronger, much heavier rain at times. So because I kept getting out there, I was at a significant advantage come race day.

So keep showing up, no matter what and you’ll make those gains. I really feel like you have that determination within your character and I’m excited about what you can achieve long term if you just stick with it and keep training smart.

Any questions just ask. I’ve increased the training pts ever so slightly, but not by much. I think if this plan goes well, then it will be the time to set some more ambitious goals.

The schedule is a familiar one. One intervals a week, run club Thursdays, parkruns Saturdays and a long run Sunday.