Retrospective

So that was 2014!

Little did I know, this time last year, where the following twelve months were going to take me, and yet here I am at the end of 2014, with four hundred and forty miles behind me, and fifty three days ahead of me until my first half marathon! However there is small part of me that would have believed you if you'd told me - I was, after all, already part of the parkrun faithful.

What I think I might have found less believable is that I'd be sitting here writing my blog for the two hundred and fifty fifth time having amassed a total page view figure of six thousand five hundred and seventy! Or that my fundraising total for Barnardo's would have edged past the one thousand four hundred pounds mark, with an additional two hundred and seventy five already in the bank for WaterAid! I think it's fair to say it's been a busy year! With another equally busy one to come!

I've increased the distance I can run from three miles to twelve, which would really be something to celebrate if I hadn't consequently just shifted the distance at which I start to suffer with knee, ankle, and now hip pain! To achieve my goal of three half marathons in 2015, I am going to have to start following the professional advice I sought six months ago and paid no heed to, despite paying for it!

At some point, I am going to have to delve into the world of bag making, the reams of fabric waiting somewhat ominously for me in the cupboard, out of sight but increasingly not out of mind - although most of the thoughts are ones of 'what on earth did I buy all that for?' rather than 'oooh can't wait to get sewing!'

I am also going to have to start thinking about my pitch to Barnardo's to see if they'll accept me as one of their charity runners for London 2016. This is the scariest bit!

I'm not particularly good at New Year's resolutions, but suffice to say I am going to try to be a little more focused, a little less stressed and just take it one run at a time. Apart from tomorrow, when we're running two!

M -496

Brighton Half - 53

Glasgow Half - 277

Total Distance covered  - 440 miles