Time for a challenge 🤔

[skysue16]

My last event was a HM at Bournemouth back in October 2021!! Where has that time gone to 😬 I had a trail run booked for September ‘22 but had to cancel due to hubby’s eye op. Since then family and work have meant regular runs were difficult and long runs became a distant memory 🙁. My fitness and stamina really took a dive and I am struggling to get back……but I am trying 😬

I need a goal…..an event…..a challenge to aim for. Today, I happened to spot a local, very local (!) trail event - April ‘24, so plenty of time to get fit! After checking the routes for the three distances I have decided to enter!! BUT, now here is the problem - which distance 11km, 11 miles or HM? 🤔

Decisions, decisions……I know I can do 10 miles and know the route well since it is the route I trained for the HM! The 10km is not enough challenge but maybe the HM is too much - it starts with quite a long uphill stretch and will include roughish trails and tracks. But plenty of time to decide and see how my fitness is improving. I am EXCITED!!

photo of my usual route 😊

[misswobble Marathon]

First thoughts 💭 🤔. Ten miles is 16km so a HM is another 5km tacked onto the end.

No brainer! It’s got to be the half! You’ve got lots of time to train for it 🙂

[skysue16 Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Certainly plenty of time to train! Thanks for your thoughts.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

The HM is NOT too much ..... or at least it won't be by April 24!!! Not so long as your heart is in it.

All you have to do is find a plan (and then believe in it), because - in your heart of hearts - you already know you are capable of it.

[skysue16 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I think I need to check cut-off times- the HM will take me quite a long time due to the hills and terrain. Thanks for your advice 👍😊

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to skysue16]

Good plan. You need to feel comfortable with it 🥰

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

It's so exciting going out to train for something 😃 have fun with your plan

[skysue16 Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you Sue! I do like lists, plans and timetables! Well, I am a teacher 😂

[RunWillie Metric Marathon]

Cheering for you skysue16 whatever distance you decide 😍

[skysue16 Half Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Thank you got your support RunWillie 👍😊

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

You’ve got to do the HM. I mean, you’ve done the distance before and you want a challenge so it’s got to be done! You have plenty of time to practice on hills and rough trails so come race day you’ll be tickety boo 🙂

[skysue16 Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you for the encouragement and vote of confidence……but not so sure about my ability to manage a hilly HM - it will take me hours!! 😬. I am going to work towards 10 miles (not run over 10km for a while!) and see how my fitness and confidence develop.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to skysue16]

Good plan! Enjoy it and good luck 🍀