Planning My 2014 Race Season
Ah, that glorious time of year when you curl up with a cup of coffee, peruse the list of 200+ trail running and triathlon adventures available for the year, and choose the dozen that will define 2014.
I enjoy this ritual every January. There’s something magical about seeing a race schedule laid out – it’s proof that we choose to live IN this world instead of ON it. All it takes is a few entry fees, and I have enough adventure on the schedule to conjure plenty of motivation for training and boundless energy for family and professional life.
So, how to start? I find it’s always best to take an annual 2-3 week break from structured training and reflect. What brought me the most joy? Which memories seared into my soul and can still bring a smile to my face? Did any experience have me longing for more, or wanting to revisit? Has my training peaked from running the same formats too much?
Then I take a look at the year ahead, and figure out what would best balance my work and life. How much stress/travel/family commitment should I expect? Would it be best complemented with an escape to a new country with all new people and languages, or to engage regularly with the same friendly faces? Would I thrive from structured training, or is it best to hang loose this year? My life mantra has always been “live life to have good stories” – any new places, distances, race formats, or other adventures that could add a few more fables?
My 2013 season started with a hunger for more big mountains and international travel, and I got that in spades. This year I am feeling the desire to stick closer to home, run with my local peeps in mid-distance ultras, help define me as an ultra runner.
So with that, I give you my 2014 season: (there will be more races I haven’t mentioned but the following are penned into the diary)
25 January
Glow in the park 10km
Glow in the Park are a series of winter evening 5k and 10k runs, set in parklands throughout the UK.
I think there’s something quite exciting about running in the dark and Glow in the Park offer you a safe environment to experience this and find your love of night running
2 February
Bookham 10km
The race HQ is Polesden Lacey Infant School, Oakdene Close, Great Bookham, Surrey, KT23 4PT. Beautiful views and challenging trails are the signature of this event. The 9th Bookham 10k run includes 285m of ascent and descent passing through some of the North Downs’ most fabulous scenery, with great views. This race is likely to be muddy!
9 February
Wokingham half marathon
Flat and fast
9 March
Surrey Half marathon
This event will be a great opportunity to run 13.1 miles between Guildford and Woking on closed roads. The Surrey Half Marathon will become of one the all time great half marathons in the UK. With a route capacity of 7,000+ runners we think that the alternating bi-annual start / finish in each town will make the Surrey Half Marathon unique and exciting, year after year.
16 March
Leith Hill Half Marathon
A half marathon from Dorking to the top of the highest point in the southeastern England – Leith Hill and back.
10 May
Ironman 70.3 Mallorca
The event location, Alcúdia, is one of the most celebrated towns of Mallorca, with more than 30 km of the coastline made up of gorgeous, fine sand beaches, steep cliffs and secluded coves of great beauty. The area is equipped with the most modern infrastructures and a tranquil surrounding, making it ideal for relaxation.
17 May
NDW 50
4th annual 50 mile trail run from Farnham to Knockholt Pound on the North Downs Way. Total Climb: 5,500ft.
21 June
The Trionium Picnic Marathon
‘A full marathon with heigh gain/loss of 6000 feet – Easily the hardest marathon in Britain.’
9 August
North Downs Way 100
The NDW100 is a 100 mile continuous trail run along the north downs way. The course travels from Farnham in the Surrey Hills to Wye in Kent. Total climb of 9,930 feet and overall elevation change of 20,000 feet.
And the small matter of finding a qualifying marathon for the Two Oceans Ultra after the month of September.
So there you have it – my 2014 schedule. I am giddy to get going!