After the past 2 years or so we have experienced in this world during the Covid 19 pandemic, I have tried to keep myself going as much as possible with my running, having experienced months with no parkruns or races, I set myself the goal of 1000 miles in 2021 having been so close last year with 969 total miles.
After a slow start I managed to get myself a few months of 100+ miles from march onwards and as races started returning, at first in small groups and then return of parkrun, it was the motivation needed to keep going, not just getting out to run but also for my mental health keeping a clear head when things seemed tough.
My first race since february 2020 was a nice little flat race on the canal towpath from Kirkstall having signed up to my grim up north race, I was met with friendly people who put on these events not forgetting the amazing piece of cake after and of course the all important medal.
There was of course the return of the Golden Acre Relay race which STAC take part in, this has become one of my favourite races, a short race but also a race very much as a team feel as the whole club come together and support. I managed another 2 races doing the Pudsey 10k route virtually with Russ and then Eccup 10 Mile (another favourite of mine) which was a club championship race. Funnily enough starting in groups of 6 all of which when i started were STACs :).
Now i signed up to do a race in Saltaire in July, but after a week of the weather being 25 degrees plus I did consider giving it a miss, but crazy as I am turned up to do a slow run/walk 10k and somehow managed to bag myself a 3rd place male trophy. Crazy considering my 10k time was 1:20 (due to heat mind)
parkrun then returned and realised how much i missed it. I managed to get through Leeds Half marathon in september in 2 hours 40 which I was pretty pleased about. Since then I have done a few more races and even become a parkrun tourist as I visited Sherwood Pines parkrun in october with some other STACs.
Just last week I headed up to Fewston for the Grim 6.55 mile race with Russ. It was a last minute race which concluded with me finishing 3rd and picking up another trophy. I may not be the fastest runner and never really believe I can come in the top 3 in a race and my goals are usually to “take part” and do it for myself.
My total for this year as it stands is at 1019 Miles and still december to go. Not decided on my goals for 2022 yet but as long as keep on going and believe in myself, get to club training more I will be happy.
NotAFastRunner 