Looking Ahead: 2016

2015 initially was the year of the marathon - after securing a dream place in the London Marathon it was my main focus, plus with it being my first marathon experience it consumed a lot of my time and thoughts (plus the fundraising!) However, in the end 2015 has actually turned out to be a year filled with many running achievements and memories... but I will review 2015 in full towards the very end of the year - you never know something else incredible may just happen!

Looking ahead to 2016, what will the focus be? I have already signed up for quite a few events, so it appears running will very much be on the agenda - not that I would actually want it any other way! So far 2016 is shaping up as follows:

January
Winter Run 10k, Liverpool - a post Christmas trip to visit my sister in Liverpool and run a 10k with some Polar Bears (dressed as The Beatles maybe!?) This will be a mid marathon training 10k, so the aim will be to record a good time and not get injured!

April
Manchester Marathon - marathon number two. After a 4.09.32 finish in London the goal is sub 4 hrs. I am actually lying, the dream goal is really sub 3.45, and whilst I will be training hard with this in mind, I almost feel a little crazy admitting this to people as I do have a fair bit of time to knock off! Never the less, marathon number two is happening. 

Lincoln 10k - my hometown race and one I just cannot miss. This year it falls a week after the Manchester Marathon, so there is no aim really as it will be highly dependent on what state I am in! I just want to enjoy and be a part of the day when running takes over my city. 

May
Liverpool Rock n Roll Half Marathon - back to Liverpool, this time for a half marathon with my sister. I ran this event in 2015 and loved it, so I am pleased to be heading back, and with an existing course time to beat I will be aiming to run hard.

July 
Women's Running 10k, Nottingham - in 2016 I want to attempt to beat my 10k PB, and for that I need a 10k that falls at a time when I am neither marathon training or recovering from a marathon! Could this be it!?

So that's 2016 as it stands, not too bad considering we have not actually got there yet!  It makes me excited seeing it planned out, I am already looking forward to both the physical challenges of training and race days, as well as the memories and moments that will be created and shared - a feeling I am sure every runner can relate to.