Clicking on windfinder.com and seeing the UK map covered with a blue tinge isn’t the best way to start the day, but somehow the constant winds have to get the average back down to normal. But at least it gave me time to catch up and figure out my new years resolutions were worth making.

The last four weeks showed me confidence can change everything, especially when its back up by so many supporting emails. Having owned up to wanting to improve, it really surprised how it affected sailing, with each sail I felt more committed to my jumps and gybes. For sure there’s a lot more to learn, but everything feels within reach, this month the gybes have been more consistent, jumps higher and sailing away form more forwards than I crashed.

If that’s not enough to show attitude can change everything, I’ve sailed faster than ever before, and not just once but nearly every run this year. But I’ve got a feeling that not just come a commitment on the water but also one on land.

With the festive celebrations behind us I got the diet back on track, but I think the gym is making a big difference. Chippy Dave put on a few kg over the last few months and was keen to join me in the gym, perfect a training partner. I, sorry my mate Kev built a gym in the garden years ago, but without someone to push me it stands empty most of the time.

We’ve been in the gym nearly everyday there’s been no wind, Dave drops in after work and the training sessions have soon taken on an air of competition. Dave’s been faster on the cross trainer while I’ve taken a shine to the rower and bike. The lack of wind this week we were able to push that a bit harder, I may have one our mars bar bet (always bet mars bars as I don’t like them) but the my 5000m on the rower that has pleased me the most. I did it in a minute thirty-two which is a personal best.

This month has been a big change, I feel my sailing and fitness is the best it’s been since I had my chemotherapy, so would like to say thanks for those email promising to keep me on track.

Haven’t had the camera out this week so just a couple of shots from the month, and the last two are of Simon Basset, having said it was too windy last week he sent me a couple of pix to prove he’s more than a mini me, he could handle the conditions…