It has been a difficult time for me and it’s time to readjust some goals to ensure I can still achieve my main goal – to complete a marathon.

This has been difficult for me, the year began with high hopes for it to be my strongest year yet when I set my initial goals.

Unfortunately, I’m not a full time athlete and I’ve had some struggles along the way. My current main goal is to find another job as annoyingly I have yet to win the lottery (maybe this week?!).

So let’s take a look at what I’m now aiming for the rest of the year…!

Run a marathon

Yes, this hasn’t changed. My main goal is to run and complete a marathon. I do still plan to train towards a 4hr 30min marathon goal. I don’t know if I’ll get near it, but I plan to try. It won’t make a huge difference if I do it or not, as long as I finish it!

I am still planning to race Loch Ness marathon in September so I will start training in June.

Get my 5k times down

The stress and pressure I’ve been feeling recently has affected my speed. I know running isn’t just about being quick but it’s SO easy to get locked into a pace which is something that has happened to me. I’ve just been running to get out but it feels like I’m running backwards sometimes!

I would like to get my time back to around 28 minutes as this will settle me quite nicely for marathon training.

Focus on more cross-training

I’m about to get some more time in my days, so when I’m not job hunting I might as well take advantage and do more exercise. First thought might be hey let’s run some more – and I will probably be more flexible with my running. However, it’s also a great opportunity to do something different.

I currently do weights/strength twice a week but I can also do other things like the spin bike or hiking! I plan to go on a hike once a fortnight – weather dependent!

I’d like to hear from Huddersfield friends – what are your favourite hikes? I usually go to Marsden Moor but I’d like to see some different routes. It must be accessible by public transport (or you can join me!).

What’s the point of setting goals?

Goals are a very important part of life, whether it’s for running/fitness or for work. If we had no goals, what would get us out of bed in the morning? What would be our purpose apart from the mundane day-to-day never ending loop? What’s the point!

It helps us be accountable, even if we don’t succeed. We learn and we grow from setting them.

Having running and fitness goals keeps me motivated and active. With the work curveball I did lose some motivation, but resetting my goals and with me starting marathon training next month (eek!) I am back on track.

So there we have it, my readjusted goals for 2024. Will I still PB in the half marathon or run with silvers with my running club? I don’t see this happening any time soon but that’s OK. I have other priorities at the minute outside of running, mainly to ensure I have money to run all these races in suitable footwear…!

Take care everyone and thank you for your support on my journey.