Resolutions
As the year draws to a close, runners everywhere are naturally turning their minds to next year's challenges and goals. I've already decided that 2019 is going to be about rediscovering the fun side of running, without feeling the need to push and test myself too much. Of course, there will still be challenges, but my new mantra - "no fun no gain" - will continue to guide me.
As the new year approaches, it's very easy to find yourself signing up for a year long accumulative mileage challenge. I managed 1000 kilometres quite easily this year, so the next logical step for me would be to set myself the goal of running 1000 miles in 2019. I'm not going to though. I'm quite happy to see what happens, but I want to be guided by my love of running, not by a feeling that I simply must complete a challenge. If I notch up 1000 miles next year, of course I'll be proud, but the last thing I want is to force myself to do a minimum number of miles per week in order to stay on schedule, going out to run when I would be better off resting, or when I don't really want to. I know for some people the whole point of these challenges is to motivate, to get you outside in all weathers when you really don't want to, but I would rather it was my love of running that got me out there. If I really don't want to run for the sake of it, perhaps I need to listen to my body instead of trying to bribe it with the promise of another glittery medal and the bragging rights that come with having run a particular number of miles over the year.
I am absolutely not criticising anyone who does sign up for a challenge like this. Having a focus can be a marvellous, encouraging thing. But I know that for me too much 'challenging' can have the opposite effect, In the past I've gone over the top, planning my New Year goals, signing up for this race and that race with various virtual challenges to boot and as a result I have started to feel pressured before the midnight chimes have even struck. So, this year my approach is going to be much more laid back and I will take it as it comes.
Apart from knowing we want to enter the Lincoln 10K this year (which we missed last year due to the bad weather, then not being able to make the rescheduled date), me and Ror haven't really thought too much about what else we want to do. We know we will be spending summer in the Highlands of Scotland, however, which will hopefully mean some scenic running in wild and rugged places, but the fine detail hasn't been worked out. I'm intrigued about what will eventually take shape and I'm sure it will be a great adventure.
I know that I want to tick off some new parkruns this year. We were lucky enough to visit six new parkrun venues this year and there are many more still to discover. Parkrun tourism is one of our favourite things and I find it really exciting running a new route for the first time. With a bit of luck we should run our 100th parkrun in 2019, which will be a lovely milestone to celebrate.
What about times and distances? I'm simply going to do the best I can, but if pushing myself leads to an uncomfortable run which ends with me feeling like death or aggravates old injuries, then I will quite happily settle for a bit of an amble. It's all exercise and fresh air, after all. I think it's worth reminding myself of that whenever I feel down about a slower time than usual or having to quit before completing the distance I set myself. No run is a wasted run if you enjoy it and gain some benefit (physical or mental) from it. Let's face it, we are so, so lucky to be healthy enough to partake in this activity. It sounds a bit corny, but each run needs to be seen as a gift, not something to be taken for granted. Christmas Day parkrun brought this home to me more than anything. It felt special just to be part of it, to be there with 707 other people, running in a sea of Santa hats. It's more than about how fast you go; it's about feeling you're part of a bigger something. I remarked to Rory afterwards that, although I had been initially astounded that so many people had got up to run at 9 o clock on Christmas morning, it was really a bit like people going to church on Christmas Day. If that's what you believe in, that's where you'll be.
So, let's see where 2019 takes us. I'm looking forward to it already.
Me at Christmas Day parkrun, Greenhead Park, Huddersfield.
As the new year approaches, it's very easy to find yourself signing up for a year long accumulative mileage challenge. I managed 1000 kilometres quite easily this year, so the next logical step for me would be to set myself the goal of running 1000 miles in 2019. I'm not going to though. I'm quite happy to see what happens, but I want to be guided by my love of running, not by a feeling that I simply must complete a challenge. If I notch up 1000 miles next year, of course I'll be proud, but the last thing I want is to force myself to do a minimum number of miles per week in order to stay on schedule, going out to run when I would be better off resting, or when I don't really want to. I know for some people the whole point of these challenges is to motivate, to get you outside in all weathers when you really don't want to, but I would rather it was my love of running that got me out there. If I really don't want to run for the sake of it, perhaps I need to listen to my body instead of trying to bribe it with the promise of another glittery medal and the bragging rights that come with having run a particular number of miles over the year.
I am absolutely not criticising anyone who does sign up for a challenge like this. Having a focus can be a marvellous, encouraging thing. But I know that for me too much 'challenging' can have the opposite effect, In the past I've gone over the top, planning my New Year goals, signing up for this race and that race with various virtual challenges to boot and as a result I have started to feel pressured before the midnight chimes have even struck. So, this year my approach is going to be much more laid back and I will take it as it comes.
Apart from knowing we want to enter the Lincoln 10K this year (which we missed last year due to the bad weather, then not being able to make the rescheduled date), me and Ror haven't really thought too much about what else we want to do. We know we will be spending summer in the Highlands of Scotland, however, which will hopefully mean some scenic running in wild and rugged places, but the fine detail hasn't been worked out. I'm intrigued about what will eventually take shape and I'm sure it will be a great adventure.
I know that I want to tick off some new parkruns this year. We were lucky enough to visit six new parkrun venues this year and there are many more still to discover. Parkrun tourism is one of our favourite things and I find it really exciting running a new route for the first time. With a bit of luck we should run our 100th parkrun in 2019, which will be a lovely milestone to celebrate.
What about times and distances? I'm simply going to do the best I can, but if pushing myself leads to an uncomfortable run which ends with me feeling like death or aggravates old injuries, then I will quite happily settle for a bit of an amble. It's all exercise and fresh air, after all. I think it's worth reminding myself of that whenever I feel down about a slower time than usual or having to quit before completing the distance I set myself. No run is a wasted run if you enjoy it and gain some benefit (physical or mental) from it. Let's face it, we are so, so lucky to be healthy enough to partake in this activity. It sounds a bit corny, but each run needs to be seen as a gift, not something to be taken for granted. Christmas Day parkrun brought this home to me more than anything. It felt special just to be part of it, to be there with 707 other people, running in a sea of Santa hats. It's more than about how fast you go; it's about feeling you're part of a bigger something. I remarked to Rory afterwards that, although I had been initially astounded that so many people had got up to run at 9 o clock on Christmas morning, it was really a bit like people going to church on Christmas Day. If that's what you believe in, that's where you'll be.
So, let's see where 2019 takes us. I'm looking forward to it already.
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