Carrying a few running-related niggles, so this morning i got on the bike and attempted my first relatively fast bike effort for a couple of decades (save for a few 50 milers whilst on holiday in the Canaries a few years back).

When i was 16/17 i had a little time-trial i used to do, about 22 miles, perhaps 1200-1500ft altogether but certainly nothing major and the biggest climb no more than 5mins out of the saddle.

I have vague memories of not being able to break 1hr30 when i was in my teens, so that was my target today... without going completely hell-for-leather, but maintaining a good effort, managed 1hr24 today in cold and damp conditions.

I don't supposed i've moved much with the times in the 21 years since i last did it... technical clothing today consisted of a pair of Ron Hill tracksters, and i even had the same bike i used in the 90's.

My racing spirit got awakened in the middle section when i caught and passed a very serious looking guy on a mainly uphill section of a few miles... he more than redressed the balance on a long downhill couple of miles on his racing bike, flying past me without even pedalling, whilst i was ragging the hell out of mine just to try and top 30mph.

Might have another go at xmas.