JACKIE Rockliffe is enjoying a golden autumn in her running career, writes Kevin Fahey.

The 46-year-old from Trowbridge is defying sporting logic and advancing years as she relishes a purple patch in a long career pounding streets.

Her latest success came in the Great Bristol Half Marathon on Sunday as she ran under 85 minutes for the first time with a sparkling personal best of 84mins 40secs, which not only earned her 10th place overall but the prize as first veteran over 45.

“I am so pleased and feel like I am on a real roll at the moment,” said Rockliffe, who is a member of Avon Valley Runners.

“I am delighted to have finally run my first sub 85 minutes time in a 25-year-old career. I am not sure what is happening as I seem to be getting faster and faster.”

It is Rockliffe’s second big PB of the month, having also set a new best time of 38:16 in the Cardiff 10k to slice six seconds off her previous record that she set 21 years earlier.

And to show that she has not just improved her speed but also her stamina, Rockliffe improved her marathon to PB to 3hrs 3mins 17secs in London earlier this year to carve over four minutes from her best.

“I am not entirely sure why I am doing so well but I am happy to go with it,” she added.

“The Cardiff 10k was a real surprise as I have not been able to train so hard through the holidays. I thought it was too early for me so after that run I thought I might as well give the Bristol half a go as well.

“To run that fast on a course that has so many twists and turns in the closing miles is really encouraging.”

As to why she is running faster as a 45-year-old than at 25, Rockliffe can offer no easy answer.

“I would say my training is more structured now,” added Rockliffe.

“Twenty-five years ago, I trained six times a week and I still do that now but the speed work under coach Steve Williams is harder and recoveries are less.

“I think confidence is also a big thing for me. I have confidence in my ability now, which I never had before and I am really enjoying my running.

“Maybe I have less to lose now at my age so I just go for it. It does feel like a golden autumn.”