So last Saturday was a break from ParkRun at Stanley Park and the chance to relax with friends.

First Saturday of the month I jump in my car and head down to the Jaguar Breakfast Club – normally held at the British Motor Museum, Warwickshire. More often than not I choose to drive down on the Friday afternoon and stay overnight nearby, as was the case this time around.

It just happened to be that Coach Ken was also coming down to this meet and was staying over on the Friday evening too. This was the first time we’ve had the chance to catch up face to face since early July (before I started my fitness reboot) as he works at sea for 3 or 4 months at a time.

We’ve chatted virtually every day on WhatsApp and he’s guided and supported me since Day 0 of this journey so it was really important for him to see the positive effect everything is now having on me, mentally and physically.

A huge amount of chat on Friday afternoon, followed by a great dinner at the Miller and Carter’s Steakhouse, and then more chat on Saturday.

A long overdue catch up and a suitably impressed Coach Ken!

First time I’ve seen you since July, there’s a lot less of you since I last saw you.

You’re putting the hard work in and it shows. Physically and mentally.

I’m really impressed and very proud of you.

I’m also happy to hear that you’ve gotten a barbell in your hands recently.

Keep doing what you’re doing. Progressive overload in the gym is so important.

Coach Ken, 6 November 2023