Today is Friday December 30 and my penultimate run for December has taken place, without procrastination or delay – and a very enjoyable, companionable and satisfying run it was too. But while December running has been consistent, writing has been less so.
Perhaps by way of improving my writing output, I should try and be a bit more confessional and cast off some of my Scottish reserve. I could write more about the many thoughts I often have while running, but sadly this year in addition to suffering a bit from writers block, I seem to be hit by a loss of run mojo – or a dose of runner’s block, and when out on my daily December run, creativity has been in short supply and far from my runs leading to a well of ideas, it has felt more of a chore than a joy.
This year’s December marcothon has definitely been the hardest to find motivation for.
Whilst undoubtably giving a warm glow of accomplishment – taking part in a running streak challenge can get boring at times – as you have to find your running high from the satisfaction of ticking off a list, rather than the run itself. And instead of you choosing whether to go for a run, the choice to run or not to run comes from a higher power 😉
Thoughts around mixing up run route length or what type of run become driven much more by practical considerations of fitting in the mandatory distance than of trying something different. And if like me – you are running every day and a slacker when it comes to stretching , or not doing much else by way of contrasting exercise, there is always a nagging worry about picking up an injury.
BAH HUMBUG
Of course not ALL my December run streak runs have been boring and I have enjoyed many of the runs I have done this year – so in no particular order :
My regular weekend and holiday runs with Alison and Lil – trying out new routes to integrate a run into Edinburgh when meeting friends for coffee or lunch, the Pitreavie AAC jingle bell race, some sparkly runs through indifferent weather looking at Christmas lights, a birl round Arthur’s Seat to coincide with reaching my 999 miles for the year milestone, a run with my daughter and of course every single run surrounded by the beauty of the winter skies and feathery silhouetted trees.
And while I pretty much never regret the time spent running – I have decided that this is the year will be the one where I hang up my running streak boots – maybe not for ever – but I do not plan to take part in any run streak challenge in 2017.
I have got a big new running goal for 2017 – so will be focusing all my energies on getting through my first full marathon, and training properly for that.
As a veteran participant of 9 different monthly running streaks over a 6 year period (6 x marcothon, 2 x everydayinmay and 1 self-imposed everyday in June), I think it’s OK to say it’s time for me to try something new.
And I accept I will never match Ron Hill – but that’s OK by me.
Day 30 3.76 miles December total 126.7
The unfinished sentence... 
There you go! Made your running goal for the month and the year — and next a marathon! I’ll be following your progress with interest — I toy with the idea of running another marathon, but first I’ll need to find a balance between the running and the stretching again. . . I’d say you’re well positioned to take the challenge and have some fun with it. Happy New Year!
Thank you Frances – was in a bit of turmoil about attempting a marathon, and felt a degree of ‘peer pressure’ that I was not a real runner if I did not try at least one ! But I am in better shape than I have been for years – and looking for a new physical challenge , so lets see. ( and if I like the first one – maybe I will look to do the Vancouver one and we could maybe have our meet up ) Happy New Year to and your family !