2016: The Double Marathon Year

A full month into 2016 and we enter that time when everyone comments on how quickly the year is already going, whilst many will also be reflecting on how they have already failed to stick to their New Year’s Resolution…! In 2016 I am aiming to complete at least one Park Run a month, including some further Park Run tourism. I have made a good start on this goal, with three Park Runs under my belt in January; but I also have a bigger aim in mind - a sub 4 hour marathon.

I had initially selected the Manchester Marathon as being the setting for this feat, however, it now turns out that I will have two opportunities to try and achieve my goal. First up will be the Manchester Marathon in April – billed as the UK’s fastest and flattest marathon, its opportunity number one. Next chance will be the Berlin Marathon in September – a race I entered late last year, and amid the Christmas hype and the onset of Manchester marathon training, in a weird way I kind of keep forgetting about! 

I had not planned to enter the Berlin Marathon – or two marathons of any form during 2016, but tempted by my friend to enter Berlin, I just could not say no! I have not been aboard in that many years I have actually lost count; so the chance to run a marathon outside of the UK was a massive appeal. I would also be sharing the training journey and race day experience with my friend, plus the race itself falls just a couple of days before my birthday – how could I really turn the opportunity down!? Answer - I couldn't. 

Two marathons will undoubtedly be a big challenge; I will probably feel like I am spending my entire year in marathon training (potentially not that far from the truth!), with days becoming defined by what type of run I am due to complete. However, the thought of both races makes me very, very excited for 2016!

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