AFTER Christmas and New Year fun in Swindon, normal life has resumed and I’m back in San Francisco and going hard at my training.

A fortnightly column with Cricklade triathlete Emma-Kate Lidbury...

I’ve been back about 10 days now – and it certainly took me a good five of those to get over the jet lag and sync my body clock onto California time.

It seems that sometimes, I get away with next to no jet lag, but on other occasions, it hits me hard.

I put the jet lag to good use, though, as on my first night back I was wide awake from 2am – so getting up for 5:30am swim practice was not as challenging as it often can be.

I had a really wonderful time with family and friends over the Christmas break. After being away from the UK for a year, it was brilliant to see everyone again and catch up.

I had been particularly excited about my youngest sister, Susie, being pregnant as she was due on December 27, so I was certain I’d get to meet my new niece or nephew before returning to the States.

But it wasn’t to be. The cheeky chap decided to arrive the day after I left the UK, so we have only met electronically, but I hope to get back at some stage soon to meet him properly.

Welcome to the world Euan Michael – all 9lbs 3oz of you. I am a very proud auntie and, as with my other nephew, Alex, I know the two of them will never be far from my thoughts when I’m racing. They will help inspire me to be the best version of me.

It is great to be back in San Francisco and be with my coach and team-mates once again.

We have a terrific team environment with everyone pushing each other and supporting one another.

At the end of the month we fly to Kona, Hawaii, for our two-week training camp, which is always fun but brutal.

For me, it will be a key time to put some quality work in for the year ahead. I’m already looking forward to laying the foundations for a hugely successful year.

I’ll be back in a fortnight with news from Hawaii. See you then.