It’s burning deep down inside me. More than ever before. I want to work so hard that the tears flow after a race. I want to roar in jubilation and sing aloud like the winning European Ryder Cup team.

These multi millionaire golfers never have to worry about money again, but last week they were playing for something far more important, their team mates.

This led to unmatched determination and passion, rarely seen on a golf course. It’s those kind of emotions I want to feel both with my running and my coaching.

The main difference being my own performance can’t effect that of the team but my words of wisdom and training plans can make a difference to runners and that’s something I’m desperate to achieve.

I keep mentioning the phrase “Team Orange” and it’s something I’m really looking to create. I want runners who sign up to feel like they are part of something extra, not just the coach runner relationship.

Hopefully with the release of the merchandise, the ongoing Tuesday evening sessions and the growing numbers of members, that feeling will grow. I want those who are part of this to motivate and inspire each other to get up every day and be a better person. To look after our health and fitness. Push those boundaries just a little further whilst still enjoying the process.

The weather at the weekend was perfect and such were the conditions Saturday morning I altered my scheduled progression run to attempt a quick parkrun. The goal being to get as close to 4 minutes per kilometre as I could.

Listening to the Running Channel Podcast has helped me pick up some great tips, but my new favourite is the term “opportunity”. 5k races are hard. Horrible at times.

I’ve often chosen the option to slow down when it’s become tough. I’m sure many of you have chosen that route. It’s seems the sensible option. But Andy B from the Running Channel says we need to see this as an opportunity.

When that moment arrives and we are finding it hard work, that’s out opportunity. The chance to keep going and run a good time, achieve our goals, and who knows, even run a PB. We’ve worked hard to put ourselves in that position and present the opportunity, take it, don’t let is slip away.

That running tip was at the forefront of my mind when I entered kilometre 4. The one which always ruins my sub 20 minute attempt. But it was at that moment I focused on the opportunity ahead. I knew if I could get to the final km at the same pace, the sub 20 was on.

So I dug deep and ignored the voice telling me to stop and crossed the line in 19:51.

After 6 weeks of interrupted training it was great to feel back to my best again. All because I took that opportunity when it presented itself.