For the first time this year I’m penning my column from sunny Swindon. I returned to the UK on Wednesday, having left San Francisco on Tuesday evening.

The 10-hour flight wasn’t too bad – a few movies, a good book and a short sleep and we were soon circling over Heathrow.

My sister Helen picked me up from the airport and in no time we were motoring along the M4 towards Swindon. Everything seemed very small, rather like being in Legoland in comparison to the gigantic scale of everything in the US. The cars all seemed so minute, the motorway tiny and why oh why were we driving on the wrong side of the road?!

Upon arrival at my mum’s in Cricklade the kettle was soon boiling and a fine cup of tea sealed my return. Less than an hour later I was in my run kit and running along Cricklade High Street.

Our coach often has us do light easy runs after travelling, especially extended travel like a transatlantic flight, as it’s a good way to get the body moving, get blood pumping and generally help the recovery process after being cooped up for so long. I often tend to crave fresh fruit and vegetables too – as well as a good shower and a big sleep.

I was delighted to sleep for a good nine hours on my first night back and since then the jetlag hasn’t been too bad, although my family do enjoy laughing at me as I do my nodding dog impression come 3pm every afternoon. Sitting in front of a lovely open fire definitely doesn’t help matters though!

So far I’ve been able to train well – the weather doesn’t seem to be as bad as I thought it might. For the next couple of weeks I’ll be training at Next Generation Sports and Fitness Centre at Kembrey Park, as well as some swimming sessions with my former swim coach Steve Cryer and gym work with Matt Gleed. I’m in good shape right now and keen to keep up the training momentum while back.

One of my favourite Christmas workouts is the now traditional Christmas morning long run. I’ll cover anything from 10 to 12 miles between Cricklade and Purton and will be sure to wish everyone I pass a very Merry Christmas. For those of you whom I don’t see out running on Christmas morning (what? You mean you’ll be in bed still?) then I’ll wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year. Have a fun and festive time!