Here we are, the winter break.

For most students the Christmas holiday is a time to enjoy the finer foods, more refined drinks, relax with the family and enjoy the winter chill from the comfort of their own homes.

For me, however, it is a punishing time of intervals, circuits, swimming, running, cycling, rowing and weights. All designed by my Sports Scientist, and put into practice by my Personal Trainer.

My training programme is so intensive that I am actually training on Christmas Day. It is a Friday after all. I am also banned from alcohol until February, completely banned from mince pies and Christmas pudding and will certainly get told off if I have too many other Christmas treats.

You may all be wondering why I am doing all of this when I could be eating mince pies and drinking brandy. Unfortunately that is going to be a mystery for all but those who know me.

I start the programme on Monday, and have 3 days to rest before it all begins. I started today feeling a bit weary of the upcoming schedule, especially as I received it yesterday and almost fell off my seat. Gradually as the day has wore on, however, I have become more relaxed, and a gentle jog earlier helped replace my nerves with the usual drive and determination I possess. I am now excited and can not wait to get stuck in. I am sure I will spend the extended weekend filling my head with motivational thoughts.