Drills

Since starting training with Pilates teacher Richard Rossiter last year to fix my back and get some ab muscles, I've learnt a lot of new stuff about my body. For instance, I never knew I couldn't fully straighten my right knee. Richard's classical Pilates, which often reminds me of circuit training and includes resistance work such as Sumo squats with a barbell, is gradually "calling my body to order". In the process, I get to experience a variety of transient aches and pains as muscles, tendons and ligaments strengthen, stretch and relaign. Lately, it's been this pain in my butt.

Skipping, hopping and a variety of other gaits too complex to describe were on the menu in the first of the year's "Drills" sessions with coach Bobby McGee.

Although there wasn't a trace of snow on the track, there was a nip in the air, and runners tempted into tee-shirt and shorts by yesterday's 70 degrees plus temperatures were soon shivering in the early-morning chill, despite the exertions.

Drills -- a combination of neuromuscular activations and re-wirings plus very specific strengthening and mobility exercises -- are designed to help develop the co-ordination and strength necessary to run fast with ease. It's a once-a-week session that really helps my running, so I try never to miss it, even though it involves getting up in the middle of the night to be ready to be not just awake, but capable of independent movement, at 7.30am.