Goal for 2017 - tick☑️

[JaySeeSkinny]

My first year of running saw me covering 800km - and some of that was very tiring. I was dubious at the start of 2017 whether I should set myself a target of 1,000 km, a 25% increase and such a long way! Plus I don't like missing targets! Then the year started off badly with low mileage, lack of motivation and a cold. But in March I gave myself a shake and decided to up the stakes.

I had done 10k about 4x but it was still a struggle - well that had to stop. From now on my long run was going to be 10k+, I was going to run 4x a week and expected to cover at least 20k a week.

And that's pretty much what I've done ever since. Minimum 100k a month, mostly more, which means that at the end of October my total for 2017 has reached 1,006 km.

I hope I can keep it up, because it seems to suit me. No colds since February, no injuries. More energy (mostly), weight stable and feeling fitter than ever. But I know it is something I have to work for. I mustn't get complacent, I run now - but will I still be running in a year's time?

[Hidden]

That's a great mileage for the year and shows your dedication to running, well done! I am sure you will get your 1000km by the end of 2017. I don't see any reason why you won't be running this time next year, it is your routine and you know how good it is! Happy running.

[Theziggy]

Why do you think that you may not be running in a year's time? As far as I can see you are ding brilliantly

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10 in reply to Theziggy]

Because it has happened before. There have been periods in my past - quite long ones - where I have been running. They've never been quite so structured or long-lasting, but I know from past experience that an illness, injury, laziness, winter blues can stop me running, make it onerous, or reduce the number of times I get out there so that slowly things tail off, peter out or just stop. And then I feel miserable but haven't got the energy to start again. This time feels different, but the thought is always in the background - I mustn't get complacent.

[GoogleMe Graduate10 in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

I'm sure you're right. I've not had this with running, thankfully, but I have with swimming and with yoga and it can be very hard to identify the real reason and, more importantly, the right solution.

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

It's odd, isn't it? We know it does us good, get into a routine and start to think we've got it cracked and will never stop. And then for some reason we do stop. We shall see this time round🏃

[Tomas Graduate10]

That is really great, well done! Not only have you covered a huge distance, more importantly, you have made it part of your regular routine. Although it can be easy to find excuses and at times it can be hard to drag yourself out for yet another "duty run", I am convinced that it's far gentler on the body to maintain a regular load. Well done, and congratulations!

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10 in reply to Tomas]

I think you're right with the regular load. The problem is keeping the motivation / excitement if there is too much routine.

Thank you for your kind words! As one of the many runners I very much admire on here they mean a lot!