Hi folks - another long time without a post...

I noticed Way Too Slow had posted a pic of us together at Dorney Lakes last weekend. It was terrific to actually meet up and have a proper chat at last, too good an opportunity to miss as I was virtually in his back yard.

It had been a truly awesome weekend - I was totally awestruck the whole time being in such illustrious company. Firstly, especially for the Ladies, I have to report that, without a shadow of a doubt, Miss Ruby Rose Yelling is a total charmer in every sense, and will break hearts wherever she ventures.  (Although I will also be slightly un-gallant and say her surname is uttely suitable - from the perspective of having spent the night in the next room at the hotel....!!!)

As for her Mum and Dad, what can I say - lovely lovely people, and also her auntie, Hayley, who pitched up to assist all on the Sunday.

But I think the 'bright idea' that Martin Yelling had for the start of my 'motivational (????) talk' will have to go down in history. In many ways it has produced what is probably the most iconic photo of my varied collection. If you think about it, it probably sums up almost the whole of my last 5 years, from start to finish, in one single photo.

This photo, just for the record and with a detailed explanation for anyone who might not recognise them at first glance, is a simple photo of

On the left, Hayley Yelling, current European Cross Country Champion, and on the right her sister-in-law, Liz Yelling, double Olympic Marathon Runner (Athens and Beijing) who wrote the foreword for my book.

And they are standing in a pair of my old trousers!!!!!!!!!!!

It was actually hilarious watching them try to walk out into the front of the hall at the appropriate moment in my talk. They were barely able to control themselves from laughing so much....

Anyway, I thought it might be fun to share....

I may have to come over to visit my Mum and #1 next weekend, so if anyone in the vicinity is free for a catch up and a small anti-oxidant at some stage get in touch in the usual way. I might be involved in a little media thing at the same time, so I'll let you know if it looks like actually happening...

Finally, on the 'ankle' front, it seems like I may have acquired a referral to somewhere special for a 'second opinion'. Absolutely NOT getting my hopes up, but never say never... Still keeping an eye on the Athens Marathon website for entries to open...

which reminds me, I haven't checked today yet, so I'm off for a look....

Keep smiling

Mike