Friday 4 January 2013

New year, new plans

As the new year begins, thoughts inevitably turn to the last 12 months and plans for the future.

Completing the Thames Path at the beginning of June was undoubtedly the highlight of the year. When photos from the walk pop up on my pc's screen saver I find myself reminiscing. Even now, 7 months later, it seems slightly unreal to think we set off from the Thames Barrier and 3 weeks later arrived at the source, weary and not too footsore, having walked every day and having covered a distance of 187 miles. When I drive through Ashton Keynes I see the signs for the path and remind myself "I did that!". And on trips to see my family I drive close to or through places we visited or stayed in during our walk and think back to those three weeks.

As well as the completing the Thames Path walk last year I managed to find time to run 458 miles. The Fetch website I use to record my training (www.fetcheveryone.com) is great for statistics and I see that was from 92 sessions and I was on my feet for 126hrs 22mins. That running included a PB at the 5K River Run in Chippenham when I surprised myself by getting round in 28min 26 secs. I started the race with my friend Black&Tabby (http://blackandtabbyruns.blogspot.co.uk/) but spent two-thirds of the race chasing after her as she PB'd as well. I've set myself some goals for 2013. I want to run 500mls (or more) during the year and if I can set some new PB's while doing it I'll be happy. So the 2013 targets are (500 miles; 5K - 27m 45s; 10K - 58m 30s; Half Marathon - 2hrs 15m). That should keep me busy!

It won't all be running though because Margaret and I are in the early stages of planning another long-distance walk. This time we are going to attempt the Ridgeway Path which runs from Overton Hill (west of Marlborough, Wilts) to Ivinghoe Beacon (Bucks). The Ridgeway is only (only!) 85 miles so should take us 10 days or so. That time will depend a lot on where we can find accommodation and what distances we cover each day. I'll try and remember to pop back here and update you on how the plans are progressing.