What a week!

Highlight of the past week has been Keith Gerrard's great run in the Inter Counties and subsequent selection for the World Cross County. We hear lots about athletes from other sports doing well on the international stage so it is great to see a runner having the chance to take on the best in the World too. Keith looked really good in the race on a course that was pehaps not totally suited to his style. He has raced sparingly this winter and his own words "keeping the powder dry" has worked well.

Fingers crossed for a smooth run through to the Champs now which are just over two weeks away. It would be great to go to watch but I don't think a weekend trip to Jordan is very practical! I see the GB team training camp has been moved from Cyprus to Aldershot so if the weather is hot on the day it could make the going even tougher.

The transition from junior to senior can be a difficult one and hopefully Keith will now start to make his mark as a regular in the GB team.

Kevin Loundes seemed to pay the price for a quick start. However, he can be pleased with his winter and has made great progress. He is a good learner and will no doubt benefit from the experience over the coming months.

I saw that Lancashire finished 2nd in the mens' team race but was disappointed that two reserves had been drafted in neither of whom had competed in the county champs - see my earlier post about a level playing field.

There were mixed fortunes for the Astin sisters - good to see Sarah starting to compete again and surely not too far off from the front of the field. The enforced break may prove a blessing in disguise in the long term.

Locally we had the final round of the Manx Gas League at Nobles Park. I tend to agree with Michael George's comments that it was a slight anti climax to the season after the Championship events. Those who competed worked hard but greater numbers would clearly have enhanced the event. I have some more ideas and thoughts about how we should end our season and will try and follow these up next time. One positive was a number of newcomers making their mark.

I had hoped to run in Sunday but my calf had not healed and was still giving problems. This is still the case and a trip to the physio beckons.