2008 is getting old.

Autumn is definitely here. The nights are drawing in and it's time to get out my winter running wardrobe. I don't mind that. I love summer runs, and being able, "at my age", to scamper around the streets wearing kit that looks like mismatched underwear. But there's something comforting about going out on a cold winter evening wearing a long-sleeved base-layer, and tights, and gloves, and large swathes of fluorescent yellow and reflective silver.

My work diary is full to bursting this month, and I'm taking advantage of the opportunity to earn a little extra money to stash away for those months next year when I might want to reduce my workload to fit in with training and fundraising.

My training plan for October and November is uncomplicated. I'll increase my mileage to somewhere in the region of 250 miles per month, from 194 in September. 262 miles? Don't tempt me! All of that mileage, give or take the Birmingham half-marathon and a couple of shorter races, should be around 9.30-10mm pace. No fancy structured stuff. No must-do sessions apart from at least four runs of over 20 miles to be done whenever they can be fitted in.

Today I was too busy to squeeze in an afternoon run, so when I got home I put dinner in the oven and Leon and I went out for a toddle round the block while it was cooking. Only 3.5 miles. It was wet, and windy, and dark. But it was lovely.

The pear-and-blackberry crumble and custard we had for dinner was even lovelier :o)

Which brings me to my daughter's school project on "diet".

Beth, who is in Year 8, told me last night that her task in class had been to devise a suitable meal for a female Olympic athlete.

"Vegetable soup and a wholemeal roll for a starter because vegetables and wholemeal bread are healthy," she said. "Then rare steak and chips, because that's what everyone wanted to eat after the Berlin Marathon last year. And for pudding, fruit crumble and custard, because that's what you and Leon eat all the time."

I look forward to hearing the feedback she gets from her teacher. At least she suggested that the athlete should drink water rather than Real Ale ;o)