What does that say about me? That once I reached my goal of completing the Scotland Coast to Coast that I'd given up?
Actually, quite the contrary. I'd become a little more focused and had to spend a lot of time looking introspectively at where I wanted to go and how I was going to get there.
So here it is, the 2013 list of events. But this is not about this year, or even 2014. My goal is the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc in 2015.....a 150mile footrace around the Alps and in my 40th year!
2013 is training year.
2014 is qualifying year.
2015 is completion year!
If there is one thing I have learnt so far, it's that pushing yourself and your body beyond limits is not something that happens overnight or without some degree of sacrifice and focus.
Training to run ultra distances can be a lonely affair....if you let it. Spending 3, 4 or even more hours in solitude plodding around could be considered quite an insulated environment, one where you are left along with your own thoughts, demons and angels!
I find I am often getting up many hours before the family so I can train before they wake so that it does not encroach on our time together on all occasions Inevitably sometimes it does, especially when I get lost on a new trail run ;-)
Whilst I am on my own during training 9 times out of 10, it doesn't mean I am lonely. This is a time where I can think clearly, gather my thoughts and do all the 'brain stuff' that needs peace and quiet to do...not something possible with a 10 year old and 8 year old buzzing around.
So when family time comes, it means it gets my full attention and I'm as focused on them as I am when I am training.
This simple paradigm shift helps overcome those feelings of selfishness and self indulgence that any parent or spouse feels when they take time for themselves. And training for ultra distance events means you need to take time.
To get this balance, I had to also decide what I would have to sacrifice. Could I survive on less sleep? Yes, but not for long!
What about giving up my job? Errrrrr.....great idea but still got bills to pay!
Social life?? You know what, I get as much enjoyment from running now and being focused on a goal as I ever did from a night on the town with friends. That doesn't mean I dont enjoy a party, just I spend much less time doing this instead of every weekend (especially during rugby season)!
So as a family, quite often on a Saturday morning we'll all go and run a 5k together at a local park run event.
It's the little things that make the difference, like running with your 8yo daughter and holding her hand as you cross the line in 32mins and she says 'I could have done a little better Dad'!
Or your eldest daughter joining you at a weekly fitness class you run for friends and family....and not even breaking sweat!
It becomes less about me and more about them...showing them what could be possible if they want it and have the years on their side.
So for 2013, expect to see more blogs from me on my journey to becoming a true ultra runner.
March 16th - 15k Notorious Night Run - Trail
June 2nd/3rd - Iron Distance Duathlon
June 7th - 54mile 'Fast & Furious' Sportive
June 22nd/23rd - The Wall Run - 69mile Ultra
And then in September, my personal favourite and the only one event this year I have a time goal set for......Scotland Coast to Coast!
I want to take 2hrs off my inaugural time and get sub 13hrs and a top 100 finish!
And this journey does not have to be lonely....because every step I take my family are with me on every one - either physically or mentally.
To achieve great things you don't need to be great, you just need to do the basics exceptionally well! For me, that means balancing my training and family life!
