Review
Around this time of year,
people often look back over the previous twelve months and try to come up with
some concluding remarks about how it has all gone.
This time last year I was
in a very different place to what I am now, with a different job, different
training...hell a different sport with which to fill up my time. It was
Christmastime last year when I finally decided that I’d done enough rowing.
There was nothing really new that the sport could show me and the ups-and-downs
over the previous couple of years had left me drained and a bit empty. As I
think I’ve already mentioned on this blog, I was getting weary of saying “oh
yes I’ve done this race … times”. It was nice that people seemed to seek or
respect my opinion on things, but it was time to move on.
So what has 2012 brought to the table? Here are my running highlights
from 2012
January
“That” Dingle Dash –
Probably the first time I’d properly be pushed out of my comfort zone on a run.
It was a scary place and I didn’t like it. However, it did me the world of good
#BlameDave
February
Mad Dog – Finding I was
nearly 5 minutes faster over 10k and suddenly having my eyes opened up to what
was possible with the right training.
March
Northern Road Relay Championships – My first experience of a
‘club’ i.e. non-funrunner event. Wow, the speed those guys were travelling only
made me want to work and train harder. The cheers I got from the PLS gang as
well made me feel like a ‘proper’ member of the club.
April
The start of the
revolution - Getting in contact with Nick Anderson at RunningWithUs. I had no
idea what I was letting myself in for, but I knew that with the right training
I could really push on. It’s been hard but I’ve loved every minute of it.
May
Finally made the Bushy
Parkrun pilgrimage. It may have been a 120 mile round trip, but 800+
parkrunners was a sight to behold. Great course as well. First time racing went
well and I started to believe in myself.
June
Welsh Castles Relay –
Another great racing experience. Didn’t have a clue how to race it but just
went with it and enjoyed the flow. I pounded my chest an gripped my vest over
the finish line. Not through pain or an affectation, just pure pride for my
club that between us we’d made it the whole way. That was a special moment.
Then I coughed my lungs up.
July
Sub-20 5K and Thunder Run
– TeamPLS on tour again. Up hill and down dale, though the night and the heat
of the sun. Can’t wait for TR24 2013 – These guys are going to be ANIMALS
August
It has to be THAT Saturday
- the most special day of my life so far. The Olympics were brilliant from
beginning to end but words still fail me when I try and describe the buzz I had
in the Olympic Stadium.
September
To many things to mention
this month – 10th Place
at the PARAs10 race, the wonderful training camp in Portugal or the stonking race at
Bristol Half. Great month.
October
Nice month spent
recovering from September, no to mention the appearance of the Lark Lane
Wrong’uns
November
New 5K PB at the Lamplight
and a VLM place for 2013. Also a 10K PB at Wesham and the realisation I can go
sub-40 in the right race.
December
Meeting up with the GRC
boys and realising that even though we don’t have a boat, we're still a crew. Christmas Day running and
a chance to reflect on the year, over 1800 miles ran, 30 races/parkruns entered
and a big smile on my face.
It’s true that the best
bits of this year have been done with other people. One of my greatest
realisations has been that I’m not making this journey alone. There is, and
always have been, a group of people at my side giving support and encouragement
(and the occasional butt-kick when needed).
I am very, very lucky to
have met some very inspiring people on the way. This blog post would ramble
even more if I listed them all but special mentions for:
PLS Squad – For kicking my
butt and starting it all off
Simon Freeman – Without
knowing it, helping me realise I can make a go of this.
Nick and the RWU Crew – Daily
inspiration and perspiration.
And of course the most
important of all
Steve – Providing wind
beneath my wings and a place to land when I occasionally fall. I couldn’t do
any of this without his wisdom and encouragement.
Happy New Year Folks, London’s Calling…
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