Running relieves body and mind. Keeping up with both my professional and political duties is challenging and arduous. However running relieves my mind from daily pressures – for me it is not only a healthy habit but an ideal way of relaxing and though the ‘run’ may seem routine I always look forward to it.

Normally I try to run a minimum of five times weekly packing in as much time as possible during the weekends.

The activity itself is self disciplining in the sense that I learn to manage better both the time I spend on my profession and in the world of politics. I have retained my professional office as my new office of deputy leader constitutes an extra voluntary task but does not include any additional remuneration to the honoraria paid to Members of Parliament.

Running is both a group sport and a solitary activity depending on one’s preference. During the week I run on my own as this gives me flexibility of time and venue but during weekends and public holidays I prefer group running – I am also a member of an Athletics Club.

I started the habit whilst still at university, approximately 24 years back but I participated in my first half marathon in February 1997.

Since then I have taken part in almost every annual Malta marathon held the last Sunday of February and I also participate in other races organized by various athletic clubs during the year. But normally I target the February marathon and the Mdina Spinola race held yearly the last Sunday before Christmas.

In February 2003 I did the full marathon – that is 26 plus miles – it was an arduous task but finishing it felt great.

These two events keep me focused in the sense that I perform my running schedule most regularly even though it entails waking up early at 5.30 am in the morning during all seasons.

I finished this year’s half marathon within 1hr 50mins. I could have done better but still, it is a good effort.

Running within a group is extremely relaxing and socially interesting. I mix with a group of people from all categories of life – some are self employed others have different kinds of jobs. This gives me a deeper insight at the micro level into the family and individual problems of these individuals. As a politician I find this interactivity highly instructive.

Moreover from a heath point of view exercise definitely constitutes the best preventive medicine and ought to be better promoted within our schools and at national level if we want to combat the negative effects of obesity which has already become a health problem locally.

I have found that the disciplinary effects of sport coerces one to control food and alcohol intake as well as contain other habits such as excessive smoking. Fitting running within my busy schedule is not easy. It involves better time management and adjusting priorities.

I recommend it to all and on a more personal level I am pleased to say that all the members of my family, except for my eldest son, do some form of exercise regularly.

My last word to your readers – with a little effort and determination everyone can ‘just do it !’