300m

It was enough of a test of dedication to start with. The mission: to repeat last week's bring-you-to-your-knees muscle endurance workout, only this time unsupervised and solo on the track.

The workout is 5 x 300 with a scant 30-second rest between each one -- just about enough time to cram your heart back into your chest -- followed by a 3 minute break, then 8 x 200m with 100m jog between each one. I prepared myself for the ordeal; and then the snow storm rolled in.

Not to be put off, I summoned my British stiff upper lip and resolved to "just do it". An unexpected bonus: at the last minute I got a call from Arturo, one of the guys I used to run with last year. He said he was injured, but would join me for the warm-up. It was great to see him, and great to have some company for a change. Bearing in mind that it was training with him and Gabino Toledo that taught me how to "suffer like a Mexican", I shouldn't really have been surprised when, as the snow got heavier, Arturo declared he would do the workout with me, despite his painful Achilles. Halfway through the opening 300s I asked him how his leg felt, was it hurting? "Oh yes", he says, matter-of-factly..."it's painful". What can you do with these guys??