Where to go from here?
2017 was a strong running year for me. A year of unexpected change and adventure. As the months went by my love for running grew and grew. I looked back and saw what I and, what others around me, had achieved and started to think ‘what else can I achieve?‘
Inspired by similar goals and challenges I’d seen elsewhere, I decided to up my game for 2018. I’ve set myself the challenge to complete in at least one race (marathon distance or greater) each month. Pushing me to take my running to that next level. I’m fortunate enough to be in a position where I can take on this challenge, accommodating my working and personal life and being in good health (I think?) to combine my passion for running with my love for travel.
I started to plan where and when I could run and what the year might hold for me. My Guardian Angel was there with me as we planned started to plan out our adventures for 2018. His ever supportive voice telling me “Don’t be a dick” each time I added a new race to the list. The first iteration was mapped, a plan was beginning to form….
Over Christmas and New Year the race entries and logistics started to get confirmed. It was time to start thinking ahead and putting some goals to go with them. This is the plan I entered 2018 with:
So far so good. New countries, exciting races and friends to share the experiences with! Bring it on! The plans has evolved over time and 6 months later is fixed at:
As it stands, this is where I am at:
- January – Muscat Marathon, 42km (Oman) – DONE! check out my Race Review
- February – Malta Marathon, 42km (Malta) – DONE! Check out the Race Review
- March – Limassol Marathon, 42km (Cyprus) – DONE! Check out the Race Review
- April – Brighton Marathon, 42km (UK) – DONE! Check out the Race Review
- May – Brecon Beacons Ultra Trail, 58Km (UK) – DONE! Check out the Race Review
- May – Helsinki Marathon, 42km (Finland) – DONE! Check out the Race Review
- June – Race to the Tower, 80km (UK) – DONE! Check out the Race Review
- June – Race to the King, 80km (UK) – DONE! Check out the Race Review
- July – Serpent’s Trail, 100km (UK) – DONE! Check out the Race Review
- August – SVP100, 100km (UK)) – DONE! Check out the Race Review
- September – CCC, 100km (Switzerland/Italy/France) – DONE! Check out the Race Review
- September – Berlin Marathon, 42km (Germany) – DONE! Check out the Race Review
- October – Lemkowyna Ultra-Trail 48km (Poland) – DONE! Check out the Race Review
- November – Brecon Beacons Ultra 74km (UK) – DONE! Check out the Race Review
- December – Dorset Ultra Plus (74km) – DONE! Check out the Race Review
I also threw in a little bonus ultra in December – The inaugural Thames Bridges Ultra – DONE! Check out the Race Review
Now I’ve completed all these events, achieving far more than I expected, I’ve recapped on the year in two parts:
Run With Dai 