Looking ahead to 2019

Today I did the Christmas version of the 10k trail event that was my first 10k distance back in March this year! I feel that I've accomplished a fair bit in a year given that I'd never run before and I don't have a lot of time to commit to it as a hobby. Today's event was in aid of the mental health charity MIND and given that the conditions were very muddy and it rained throughout my entire run, I was pleased with my time and the fact I can run that distance at a steady pace throughout now. 

 Highlights from my introduction into running so far have been: joining a running club that mostly runs off-road, completing some half marathon events and not falling over yet (I am so clumsy and given that I mostly run off-road I can't believe I haven't fallen badly!) The first time I completed a 10k distance I had to walk-run-walk the event and will admit it was a struggle to finish. Today I can confidently run that distance on road or off-road and am pleased to see an improvement in my stamina/fitness. 
To keep it brief, here's what I'm looking forward to in 2019:
  • Running with a local group (as well as the run club I have joined) which is close to where I live and will help me continue to run during the dark winter months 
  • Off-road events I have already signed up for (currently 5 including a half marathon) mostly in the stunning setting of the Peak District 
  • To improve on my 10k time 
  • To run 3 times a week (sometimes I run as little as once a week at the moment) with a variation of distances 
The above are realistic goals, I would like to build up to a greater distance but I'm taking baby steps in terms of when I could fit in some serious training and commitment. 

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