2016 - The year of the pb

“You would run much slower if you were dragging something behind you, like a knapsack or a sheriff.” - Lemony Snicket

Having just finished my last trot of 2016 I thought I'd post something about how its gone with my running this year.

After a slow start and a while taken to relocate my AWOL mojo, two goals for the year slowly started to emerge.  To maintain my UTMB qualifying status and to post some quicker road times at last.

Training weekend in the Lakes

Fewer miles this year, 1,740 to be precise, fewer races too, but faster times.  So how did I get on? Well, by sneaking in a Parkrun with only a couple of weeks to spare, I'm chuffed to say I got both bagged...

Best bits

• The best hug ever from my dad after finishing proud at the Ultimate Trails 110k in the Lakes.
• A mega day out in the Lakes and a boat ride home with my old mate Ben for his first 50k.
• Posting fastest ever times at 5k, 10k, half and marathon.
• Finally joining the world of Parkrun. 
• Running with the BDB crew at the Leeds Abbey Dash.
• An awesome solo wintry epic on the Moors in November.

Worst bits

• A seriously muddy day out ending with a wrong turn at the end of the Haworth hobble.
• Missing my 3.15 target at the marathon.
• Return of the cramps at Osmotherley and the Yorkshire Marathon after a cramp free 2015.
• Falls one to nine of a very wet UT110k in July.

Its been great to post some faster times this year but I have learned how difficult it is to improve as much as I'd like at everything from 5k to 100 miles (well, duh!).  To get close to a three hour marathon is going to require much more focus and it certainly isn't going to happen any time soon as I'm still loving the trails too much.

2017 will be the year of the ultra, starting in a few days on New Years Day at the Hardmoors 30 at Robin Hoods Bay for what promises to be a bracing 50k on the coast.  Unlike last year, I already have my major races lined up for 2017 with the two most exciting being the Hardmoors 110 (my second 100 miler) and the V3k in Snowdonia (my first Skyrunning event).  

Then there is the UTMB ballot again in a few weeks time.  Double chance this year for the greatest race in the world but I'm trying to not get my hopes up too much.  If I'm unsuccessful this year, its guaranteed for 2018 assuming I finish what I've got planned.

Couldn't finish this without showing off my one of a kind medal hanger created for me by my dad for a Christmas box.  Had loads of fun loading it up and reminiscing of battles won and lost...

Looking forward to more running adventures in 2017.  Happy New Year!