Reflections of 2010.

Looking back on 2010, there have been quite a few highs. As regular readers will be aware, I’ve achieved quite a few personal bests in all my distances this year, including knocking 10 minutes off both my half marathon and 10 mile times and made some very good friends at Stockport Harriers as a result. I’ve loved my runs this year especially the never ending hill up the Great Orme in Conwy, the Stockport 10 and the “4 seasons in 1 day” Chesterfield Spire”. However, by far and away the most important and significant race of the year and possibly of my life was undoubtedly Wilmslow Half Marathon in March.

Before this race, I never really trained for runs, didn’t bother with socks, water or gels preferring to turn up and run races relying on a minimal amount of natural talent. This was the case with Wilmslow, I had been lulled into a false sense of security as it was my first half the year before and I’d performed well. This year though, I slammed into the wall at mile 10 and did everything I could not to pass out. Being Mark’s brother though, there was no way I was going to not finish and staggered on to the end.

It was such a defining moment, that when I got home, I immediately did two things. Firstly made a promise to myself that I would never been in that situation again through lack of training, give distance races the respect they deserve by taking running a lot more seriously. Secondly, I entered Sheffield Half Marathon 3 weeks later (Get back on the bike straight away and all that) Since then I’ve not looked back, having a great time with some really nice people at Stockport Harriers down at the track and getting some serious miles in on the road.

I’ve also discovered trail running this year and really like it. I did my first one in March, a nine miler with a climb of about 1200 foot over rocks and big momma boulders and a reward of incredible views over the Peak District. The trails are so much fun, I love the climbing over stiles, wading through muddy lakes getting away from the roads into nature. The Rivington Half Marathon was the best half I’ve done, very hard, extremely muddy but oh so addictive. I think that running trails and all the increased hill training I’ve been doing as a result have really helped me improve over the year.

I guess 2010 is the year where running has changed from being something that I do for an event like the Great Manchester Run or a half once a year into something I do to challenge myself, to knock 2 minutes off that time or to run up Etherow Park Hills without stopping. Either way this was the year where I decided that I am ready to take on a marathon and willing to do the training that that involves. It’s not often I have people that I look up to for inspiration, but one of the key motivators behind my decision to enter a 26 miler is my brother. Seeing what he has achieved through dedication and hard work has made me realise and consider what could I do if I could only be bothered to train. Hopefully 2011 will show exactly what I can do.

Have a great new year