Not because I smashed the Manchester Marathon.
Not because I did more miles than ever before.
Not because I checked off new PBs across every distance.
Not even because, after over a year of being unable to, I revelled in the joy of returning to mass events.
2021 was my best year for running because I can honestly say I enjoyed every single step. Even the ones that hurt or the ones I wasn't sure I could complete. And after years of my love hate relationship with running, this breakthrough has been really something special.
Obviously it's not a coincidence. When you push yourself consistently, you see changes and get results so it becomes a bit of an addictive cycle which takes hold. Then on the runs which aren't your best, it's easier to keep your head in the right place, knowing that all the miles add up and make a difference in the end, you just need to keep shuffling on.
Before last year, a bad run for me could have easily put me off for a week or two. The more I didn't run or just scraped together a mile or two, the more reluctant I became to go again. Almost a polar opposite trajectory!
So how did I do happen?
The three points I've narrowed it down to weren't something I sat on January 1st last year and said I'd base my year around, it just kind of happened. That being said, they're heavily influenced by the principles of the DOdaily coaching programme!
1. Accountability
Make a plan, tell people about it and you'll find it much easier to stick to it. There's absolutely nothing wrong with targets and resolutions, you'll definitely need them if you want to see progress.
For me, I'm terrible for having vague things I'd like to achieve, so I've found that being specific about what I want to do and how I'll go about it really helps. Then tell anyone who'll listen all about it!
2. Consistency
Parts of this overlap a bit with accountability. Being led by the DOrunning group schedule and DOdaily coaching timetable means I'm automatically committed and accountable to running on Tuesday (twice!), Wednesday, Thursday (when I'm not at Brownies) and Sundays. Add in a parkrun on a Saturday and that's the week's runs sorted!
I think this is where the biggest improvements have come from. I do all the sessions because I like to be an ambassador for the group (back to that accountability). By doing all of them and not bailing out part way through like I regularly used to, naturally my mileage has increased and my fitness with it.
3. Measure, record and reflect
This is where you really need to find what works for you. It can be as brief or detailed as you like, but it has to be done.
I do this in a couple of ways. There's the apps for stats, numbers and facts: strava, garmin connect and myfitnesspal. Then there's the more descriptive methods, such as writing blog posts, keeping a daily diary and writing down monthly targets. The facts let me look over what's happening and the rest helps me to think about the what's working and what isn't, along with the wider mental health as well as physical progress.
What are my plans for 2022?
The over-arching running goal for the year is to run a sub 4:30 at the London Marathon in October. The race takes place four weeks after our wedding so that's two huge milestones that I'll want to be feeling my absolute best for, so the motivation to keep the mileage up and food and drink on track should be easy to find!
In the process of this, I'd like to achieve 5km and 10km PBs too, along with running the getting comfortable at the sub 2 half marathon - this is something I know I need to build my confidence for that big 26.2 goal!
Aside from running, we've got a massive fundraising target between us for our London Marathon places. We're running in support of Childhood First and we'll be sharing more about this in the next week or two.
With so much to look forward to, it's no wonder I'm going into 2022 with such a positive mindset! Let's see how it goes!!
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