Peace.

I've been home almost a week now. My latest blood test results were good and the side effects from Round 3 have been relatively tame. 

I managed a 2.5 mile jog on Friday and a 6.5 mile hike yesterday. With only one round of chemotherapy left to go, it's my intention to keep pushing on with my fitness and upping the ante.

Weather wise, I couldn't have picked a better week to escape the clutches of the Haematology Ward. Late April brought record temperatures and I made the most of it, spending quality time outside with my loved ones.

It occurred to me on Wednesday that it would be easy to focus on what's gone wrong this year. My illness cost me time with loved ones, a career opportunity, my health and fitness. Then I lost my Mum. But I always try and find the positives and it's better to think about what's gone right and the limitless opportunities that are still available to me. I'm coming out of the other side of this battle with APML, it's brought me and my partner closer together, I appreciate my friends and family more. And my Mum is still with me. I want my experiences this year to be the catalyst to live a more simple, rewarding and present life.

Thursday marked a week since my Mum passed away. I felt strangely at peace. I am not a religious or spiritual person, but my Brother told me - in Islamic tradition - the soul's journey is 7 days. In that sense her transition was complete and I wondered if that's why I felt more at ease.

I'd been sat in the sun reading Born to Run and taking inspiration from the lifestyle of the Raramuri, an indigenous Mexican tribe known for their extraordinary long-distance running capabilities. They live long, healthy lives and reportedly suffer from virtually none of the ailments and afflictions we have in Western Society. I want to do everything I can to be healthy and reduce my chances of seeing Cyril's ugly mug again. A few diet and lifestyle changes are on the cards, nothing too drastic.

I've also spoken about how much I value running for the benefits it has on my mental health. I often talk to my Dad - and now my Mum - on my longer runs when I'm out among nature. The Hopi tribe consider running a form of prayer. They offer every step as a sacrifice to a loved one and, in return, they ask the Great Spirit to match their strength with some of his own. Perhaps I'll do the same, I could do with some extra strength!

On Friday we had glorious sunshine and it was 27 degrees. My Daughter had fun in the garden, playing in the paddling pool and soaking me with a water pistol. We went for a short walk in the evening as the sun went down.

Yesterday I hiked "Dragon's Back" in the Peaks with my partner and her dog. It was hard work but the views were incredible. Weirdly, something had got into the animals. We were chased by a cow, angry sheep stamped their feet and threatened to charge at us. I'm not sure what we'd done to offend them but, after surviving the crazed livestock and high winds on high peaks, I managed to injure myself folding up a sofa bed.