Final big run of the year

[runningdad]

Last January I set myself a challenge to run a half marathon in each month of 2021. Today I ran the 12th run of the year (11 half marathons and 1 metric marathon). A favourite local route for long runs keeps me close to the coast, so avoids the worst of Edinburgh’s hills which can be brutal. I took a slightly different route today towards Cramond, which also took in the River Almond. Such a lovely stretch no matter the time of year.

So that’s me run over half marathon distance 19 times since I started my running journey in 2019! Not bad for someone that could barely run when I started C25K a couple of years ago.

Next year’s challenge will be very different as I look to go further with my running. Fingers crossed I stay fit & healthy for starting an 18 week training plan in January for my first full marathon at the end of May. Nervous would be an understatement, but so looking forward to the challenge.

Have a great festive period all and enjoy your running!

[Cmoi Marathon]

Well done runningdad , great pace too! Enjoy training for the FM.

[Frenc Half Marathon]

Well done that’s an amazing achievement! And a cracking pace too. I salute you 😊, and wish you luck with your training in January 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Absolutely phenomenal achievement runningdad! 🎉👏 💥

[nowster Metric Marathon]

Well done!

I'm hoping to get a HM in each month, too. (I've done one a month since September, and two last month.)

[runningdad Marathon in reply to nowster]

Great effort. I found spacing them out helped so it wasn't too intrusive on family life. Training for the full marathon might be a different story, so I'll need to keep it all under review if I'm to remain popular at home!!

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to runningdad]

Ditto! I can squeeze in a 2½ hour run occasionally, but anything longer is too big a chunk out of the day.

[Cmoi Marathon in reply to runningdad]

You're a lot faster than I am runningdad , and I think you're running a "normal" marathon, not a trail one, so even your longest training runs shouldn't keep you out that long.

I'm sure you know this already, but comparing the detail of your chosen plan to your real-life calendar can be very enlightening too! I was supposed to run five times a week, with long runs on Saturday, but that just wasn't realistic. I spread the plan over a longer period instead.

[runningdad Marathon in reply to Cmoi]

Thanks Cmoi lots of good advice there. I’ve spent ages evaluating training plans. So many assume 5 days a week but that’s just not possible for me. I need the rest days and work/family commitments. But I’ve found a slightly longer plan that is 3 main runs a week (speed, tempo, long). With cross training, strengthening/conditioning, rest in between. I’m sure things will need juggled around, as life is rarely straightforward.

[Cmoi Marathon in reply to runningdad]

If I'd stuck to the plan, one Saturday would've involved a 6hr return drive to Lyon, 7hr 30 mins examining work, and a long run. Didn't happen!

I mostly ran 3-4 times a week, but over a couple of fortnights I only ran twice weekly, as I had other priorities.

The other thing I'd say is that if you can train on similar terrain to that of the marathon, do so. Same for going out in uncomfortably hot, cold or wet conditions. It makes managing pace - or in my case, simply getting round - much easier.

[RunWillie Marathon]

That’s amazing! Well done runningdad 👍🏻

[Frizzbomb67 10 Miles]

Wow! Just wow! Fantastic achievement 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Good luck with that FM

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

That's an amazing run to round the year off, congratulations on reaching your goal! Great target for 2022, I have no doubt you will run your marathon in style. Enjoy the challenge!

[runningdad Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks linda9389 I love a challenge. So looking forward to it!

[sparky66 Half Marathon]

Well done that's a really awesome achievement... every month!!! 👏👏👏With how you're going I don't think you've much to be nervous about..sounds like you're well prepared and ready to move on!

Good luck with the training 👍

Festive greetings to you and yours ⛄🎅🌲

[runningdad Marathon in reply to sparky66]

Thank you! And you too. My hips have been screaming “what have you done…” at me today. 😂 But I’m sure with the proper training it’ll be fine!

[sparky66 Half Marathon in reply to runningdad]

I never considered running a Marathon.. but ... I must admit the idea has been creeping into my thoughts for a while now.. 🤯Never say never 😜💪🏃‍♀️🏃🏃‍♀️