2015 has been a mixed year for me both personally and running. Ups and downs have contributed to a somewhat frustrating training season, I’ve not done as many miles as I’d like and not done all the training sessions I wanted. That said, I’ve been happy with some of the races I’ve done and some of the times have been pretty good.
At the beginning of the year, I set myself three targets;
- To run a marathon.
- To get a 5,000m PB, I wanted sub 20:20.
- To get a sub 1:45 half marathon.
All three held the caveat I stay injury free and unfortunately, I didn’t.
I made a start by joining my local running club and what a great decision that turned out to be. Not only did I get much better training, I made some friends and signed up for a some official races with the club.
However, during training for the marathon I had a niggling injury in my left leg, from calf to hip. After physio, MRI scans, sports massage, consultants and even more physio I made the hard decision to pull out of the London marathon. It had taken me years to gain entry and the first time I get in I didn’t get to complete it. Target #1 failed.
While training for the marathon, the times I was fit, I ramped up the miles and was doing long runs at the weekend of 15-20 miles. This I’m sure helped me achieve target #2. I had signed up for Paddock Wood half marathon as part of my training for the London marathon. But by the time this come around I already kinda knew I wouldn’t be doing it but thought I’d give the half a go. I was still nursing my injury and in hindsight this race was probably not a great time to do it. But I’d signed up, a few friends were doing it so decided to give it a go.
The first mile was the worst but once I’d warmed up I was OK. Three quarters around the course I calculated that unless I mess anything up the PB was mine. The last mile was my fastest, and I not only got my target but I’d smashed my PB and got a time I didn’t think I had in me. My official half marathon time now stands at 1:38. Target #2 completed.
Target #3 was something I’d flirted with the year before. I wanted to get as close to a sub 20 5k as possible. I’ve been close by 30 seconds ish but in some sense that’s miles away. My official target was 20:20 as I felt that was more achievable than the sub 20.
I had a great opportunity as there is a parkrun held not far from where I live. The good thing with parkrun is that it’s a timed 5k each week. So if one week you miss out you only have seven more days until you can try again. I gave it a few months for my injury to get better then targeted the end of the Medway Summer 5k Series which would be held on the track and ideal for a good time. Unfortunately, due to my inexperience, or stupidity if you like, I missed out by 16 seconds. My next attempt was at a parkrun, again, so close with 20:06. Both of these achieved my sub 20:20 goal but deep down I wanted that sub 20 and with a time of 20:06 I had gained the confidence I could do it, albeit mixed with a tinge of disappointment. Target #3 completed.
I left it for a few weeks and the Saturday before my family holiday I had another go. Training was going OK and there were a few runners from my club which gave me a target to hang on to. I was overtaken on the second lap, there are only two laps, by a fellow Medway runner and in trying to keep with him I felt my calf tighten, something I’d been carrying for a few months. I managed to stick with him and on the final straight I passed him, when I say passed it wasn’t a graceful pass you imagine Coe doing to Ovett, it was more like a wincing hobble. However I managed to stay in front and dipped over the line for 19:54. Finally sub 20 and the real goal I wanted.
I have since trumped that with a 19:38, rather ironically on my birthday. So the day I became a veteran, I knocked nearly 20 seconds off my PB.
So two out of three goals I might have to be satisfied with. Not for lack of trying, just due to bad luck/injury.
Highlights for 2015
In Running terms there are three that stand out, one joining my local running club. Something I must admit was a little intimidating but once I got to know a few people, it was very enjoyable. I met a runner called Glyn, and in my first night, made time to welcome me and put me at ease. Something I was immensely grateful for. Since I have made good friends and although I’m not running at the moment, they still keep in touch. Allen, Neill, Claire and Mark – all genuine and great runners too!
Secondly it would have to be my half marathon PB, I smashed my PB and surprised myself in the process. Paddock Wood is by far my favourite half marathon with parts of the course that are completely rural and pretty much flat the whole way.
Finally, my parkrun PB on my birthday. For me a great time and to do it on my 40th made it all the more sweeter.
As mentioned, 2015 has been a mixed year in running terms but injuries aside, I am very satisfied.
This all however is nothing compared to the birth of my second child, my son, Lucas. My greatest achievement in 2015, bar none.