So it’s finally 2017 and the countdown has begun, 24 weeks until the big day. Xmas and up to new year went pretty well, I was able to get up to the Cheviots, Roman Wall & Pennines as well as a few hilly runs round Beamish – around 120 miles & 20,000ft of ascent in 2 weeks.
New Year didn’t go so well as I was laid up with a cough & chest pains so didn’t get out for a week but I’m starting to get back into it now. My cough is a lot better but I’m still getting chest pains – the doctor has referred me for a chest X-ray and ECG scan so I’m hoping they come back ok and I can continue training.
Had an initial meeting with people from the club who have volunteered to help out which went really well. It really did bring home how much work is involved in this type of event other than the physical training (logistics, organisation, etc) and I’m so grateful to have so many people willing to give up their time to help.
Iain (Armstrong) is also planning an attempt around a month before mine so we will be doing a lot of joint training and planning which is working out well so far. We’ve been out a few times already to the Lakes & Cheviots with many more to come.
I’m doing the Brass Monkey this Sunday, but to be honest I’m not really looking forward to it. I was when I first signed up as it’s a fast course, good PB potential and it sold out in 38 minutes. It means I won’t be able to get into the fells that weekend though which I’m really enjoying – I’m really not feeling it for the roads.
It has made me think of a more fundamental issue of why anyone runs and why I started running in the first place.
I have, as I’m sure every runner has, went through periods of low motivation when I question why I run and what I get out of it. Every year I set myself goals which are usually times in which I want to run certain distances in, but what does it really mean? So what if I knock 10 seconds off my 10k PB – running is supposed to be enjoyable it certainly isn’t when you’re pushing yourself in the last 3rd of a race (especially if you’ve overcooked it).
Usually it’s time to take a break when that happens, but this year having the BGR as a different focus is really motivating me. There’s absolutely nothing better than to get out in the fells, just run and not have to worry about sticking to a certain pace or certain distance and just enjoy the surroundings and scenery.
Her e’s to the next 24 weeks,
Rob
