WHO knew the Fylde coast could be so wet and windy this time of year...

‘Prague! But can he do it on a February morning in Blackpool?’

At times it was every man, and woman, for themselves, but along with the others I travelled with from Salford Mets we all completed the Great North West Half Marathon on Sunday in what we felt were respectable times.

I ran 1:26:11, the 46th fastest time in a field of 1,250 on the day, and was happy with that in terms of both my half marathon debut and longest training run to date.

Watching the clock and feeling like I was trotting along nicely, it was only a home stretch towards the Tower, and into the gale, that I felt the minutes were slipping away.

But my wind-ravaged face even managed a smile at the finish line - before dashing back to the car to dry off and warm up.

In fact, I’ve not felt that kind of rush since a ride on the Big One.

However I think my highlight of the day was passing a girl on the second lap, which put me at mile 10 and her about mile four.

Not because I was passing her, in fact it was inspiring to witness each runner cheer her on, but because she was headphones-in and blaring out a ballad for all to hear – embracing the conditions and loving it.

But it’s eyes back on the Prague prize now, and back to training following a well-earned Sunday afternoon indulging on the sofa.

Luckily, I managed to get some advice on overcoming my weekend aches from London Olympian Nick McCormick, a New Balance Technical Representative.

“It’s called a foam roller,” said McCormick. “Who ever thought foam could be so much fun?!

"For something that feels a little more serious it is worth speaking to a specialist sports physiotherapist.

“Part of running is listening to your body.

"You have to be ‘in tune’ with what is happening with your body and muscles while you train and part of this is recognising the difference between injury and general soreness.

“General soreness you can treat and deal with yourself using different techniques such as hot and cold baths, ice, and foam rollers for massage.

“I would always insist on being cautious with soreness and if in doubt seek out a sport specialist physiotherapist.”

Blackpool just about marks halfway in my training, which means race day will soon be upon you for those running Manchester or London. Let me know your progress at alex.bysouth@nqnw.co.uk