It’s the season of retrospection.
When the days of the old year can be counted on the fingers of one hand. And the year just starting is still shiny, new and boxfresh.
A time to look back and look forwards.
Looking back
2014 for me was full of ups, with just a few downs.
I set out with just one big ambition: to run my first ultra. I kind of got there, but in the end reaching the goal itself wasn’t the highlight. It’s what I discovered along the way:
That I, the ultimate road runner, love trails.
That there’s a whole new world of trails out there to explore.
That running can be a lot more fun when you take time out to eat cake and admire the view.
That mixing it up stops a runner getting jaded.
The quest for trails lead me to my new favourite race and a highlight of the year: the North Devon half marathon. A lumpy, bumpy gorgeous trek up and around Woolacombe Bay, along the coastal path. That’s one experience I’m looking to repeat next year, but with a step up to the full marathon.
And a bonus: training long all year round helped me keep my marathon fitness. So I’m in the novel (for me) position of facing my first marathon challenge in April, and already feeling comfortable tackling 20 milers.
Other high points?
A rare opportunity to be instructor and student, assisting Danny Dreyer, creator of Chi Running, at his London workshops in June.
Becoming a Leader in Running Fitness (LiRF to my friends) and having the chance to help out with my club’s beginner running group.
Amongst many new trails, discovering the Herepath, a beautiful 12-and-a-bit mile circular loop through the forests, fields and villages of the Blackdown Hills. Herepath Trail, how I do heart thee.
And the low point?
The prize for that one goes to the Cheddar Marathon. In its favour, it’s a friendly race with possibly the best selection of cakes I’ve seen at a drinks station. But an uncompromising cut off time, combined with confusion about where the cut off point actually was, meant that a number of runners, including me, found ourselves unexpectedly kicked out at 15 miles. Lucky for me, it was ‘just’ a training run. For those who’d travelled far and trained hard to race a marathon, more than a little heart breaking. Not an event I’ll be revisiting any time soon.
Looking forwards
I’m not a fan of New Year’s Resolutions – too all or nothing. But I’ve found that in my running, working on small changes can have a big effect. So next year, I’ll be looking to build on some old habits and create new ones.
Moving more and sitting less. The longer I sit, the worse shape my body’s in for running. Regular breaks from the laptop, mobility exercises and a bit of healthy Fitbit competition with my sister-in-law help avoid the dreaded ‘chair lock’.
Creating more variety in my training – mixing up road and trails, adding in a pinch of strength and cross training, and a bit of speed work for extra spice keeps things interesting and balanced.
Being curious. No more running the same routes week in, week out. There are trails all around – the West Deane Way the East Deane Way, the Two Counties way… – and I’m planning on exploring them all.
Conquering my kryptonite with lots of downhill running practice.
What else will 2015 bring?
Marathons and ultras, yes. But also 10Ks, half-marathons and trail races. After 12 months of limited racing, I’m looking forward to collecting a little more bling next year.
Helping out with training for a brand new batch of Chi Running instructors in June – the first time instructor training’s ever been held in the UK.
And ending the year on a truly high note with the chance to get together with the amazing community of Chi Running instructors from around the world at our biannual instructor weekend in Asheville.
So as this year gets ready to take its final bow, I’m facing the new year with anticipation.
Whatever your goals and plans for 2015, here’s wishing you health, happiness and a joyful new year!