1500 kms in 2016!

[JoolieB1]

At the beginning of the year, I set myself a goal to cover 1500 Kim's across 2016 - running, walking, cycling. I managed to run around 20 km every week, 10 km walking my dog each week and a little cycling too and I have covered 1550, so pleased with that. What 2017 shall I set? Have you any ideas for goals?

[Kmcm66]

That is amazing. Go you 😊. My goal is very humble just to run 10k by the summer and run a 10k organised run. Did my first 5k race last year just before my 50th birthday. Happy running, dog walking and cycling in 2017.

[JoolieB1 Graduate10 in reply to Kmcm66]

Surprisingly, 10k is an achievable goal. I graduated at a parkrun doing a 5k in 43 minutes and decided then I would focus on distance rather than speed and I am happy about that. I tried a 10k programme straight away and it was excellent but I had underestimated the impact C25K had already had on my legs and they just were not prepared for another organised programme! I settled into a regular three runs a week and 5k's for many weeks and I had some good and some horrible runs. On a good day, I just kept running to 5.5k and that broke a psychological barrier. I then ran 2 x 5k and a "long run" each week. I went from 5.5 then did a 6, a 7, 8 then a 10! All nice and steady. I have had some niggles along the way but just rested or tried a run-walk until I was stronger.

[Tryinghard2016 Graduate10]

Awesome. Unbelievable! I think I'm going to set a similar goal in 2017!

[JoolieB1 Graduate10]

Think I want to continue with my running but maybe to go cycling once a week too to increase my distances

[GoogleMe Graduate10]

I always feel there is merit in saying to oneself "Well done, that was fun, let's do it again!" rather than feeling obliged to stretch further and further - although I like your idea of broadening your activities and doing a bit more cycling.

As usual I am going to plug too the value of adding in some sort of gentle activity/just being whether that's a regular mindfulness practice, yoga or whatever. That way even times on the injury couch maintain the advance towards achieving your goals.

[JoolieB1 Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

You are right that there is a point when I say to myself "enjoy it, that is enough!" I will only run 2 x 6k and 1 x 10k each week (legs willing) and then walking involves going out with my dog, cycling means using my bike instead of IT festering in the shed and step aerobics I throw into the mix because there is a for amount of whole body exercise with that one. In terms of races, I am not a social runner really, enjoy the peace of my surroundings and my own thoughts and so it is a rest from the busyness of work and better than mindless to viewing. Would perhaps like to think I could do a longer run distance by the end of the year. I did think about a running streak but I like to go out and cover further than that would allow and my legs still appreciate running rest days. The one thing I want to do is wild swimming but not sure how I could do this without entering a busy event

[Mat30 Graduate10]

wildswimming.co.uk that might get your thought process going!

[JoolieB1 Graduate10 in reply to Mat30]

Wow, that is a fantastic site and I have liked their Facebook page too. Will need to research it more but definitely some great outdoor swimming locations, a goal for 2017 for me!