This fornight’s topic is another topic with two sides. We’ve been asked to consider our biggest running achievement or running disappointment or regret from 2013.
2013 was a very different year for my running compared to 2012. I ran an awful lot less than last year, but on the whole when I did run I enjoyed it a lot more. I don’t really have any major disappointments or regrets from this year – my 10K time continues to frustrate me but I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not really ‘my distance’ so I’m not going to dwell too much on that.
Instead I’m going to reflect on a couple of major running achievements for me this year. Firstly the Edinburgh Half Marathon back in May. This was without a doubt the best pure running race that I have ever run. I went in with a variety of goals – the main one being consistency – and finished having taken 9 minutes off my half marathon PB and smashed my other stretch goals.
It was one of those races where everything came together. Beautiful weather, a great flat course with stunning views a lot of the way certainly helped. It was the first race I’d run since shedding a lot of fat and weight and my newly strong legs seemed to carry me effortlessly around the miles. It was simply a fantastic race and I’m very proud of my performance.
My second big running achievement of 2013 has to be completing Tough Mudder. When I tell you that the 12.5 miles of cross country running were the easy part of this course, you’ll have some idea of how challenging the rest of it was. 
This course tested me in a way that nothing else ever has – both physically and mentally. Ice, fire, mud, really big walls, massive trenches, electricity, tunnels and water. At times I wondered if I would finish. But surrounded by my fantastic team mates there was no way that I wouldn’t have.
I really don’t know if I would ever do this again. It nearly broke me and I took months to recover properly. But the fact that I have the orange headband and can say that I completed it makes me incredibly proud.
Looking forward to 2014 I have one large running goal. A sub 5 hour marathon in London in April. It’s going to be hard work but I believe I can do it.
What are your greatest running achievements this year? What are your goals for next year? Leave me a comment and let me know and head over to the Run with an Idea blog page to read about everyone else’s reflections.
From Strength to Strength 
It took me 6 and a half hours last time Peter. Granted 30mins of that were sat around waiting for my friend to be treated. Our ‘real’ time would have been closer to 5:45 I think withoyt the injury. My half marathon PB is 2:27 from back in May so I think 5hrs is still challenging but realistic. I’m a plodder. But a determined one!
Atleast you can say you did one of those obstacle course races. I’m always afraid I’ll hurt a knee and get knocked out of training for months. I think a mini triathlon is a more likely choice for me in the future. I just posted my 2013 review, so I wont go into all of the details here. I did get a Marathon PR though!
I did hurt my knee. And it did knock me out of training for months which is why I’m unsure about doing it again. Just off to read your 2013 review now 🙂