Tracking My Running Goals
I could have given up two months ago when I was not tracking well with my running. I did it I ran farther this year than last year. It was a total of 766.4 kilometres (km). I ran 174 km in December. This was 52 km more than the 122 km I ran in November. I managed to stick to the training plan whilst visiting family over Christmas. In seven weeks I will be running my first ever marathon!
2024 goal achieved
From First Steps to a Marathon Goal
What is my marathon goal? Given that it is going to be my first my main focus at this stage is to finish the race. I can’t help but think of a time goal but there are many parts at play. Currently my watch race predictor estimates my marathon time to be 4:49:00. The longest run I have had so far is 27 km. This distance will peak at 32 km in a couple of weeks. Training for a marathon has been a challenge. I have been limping on some runs as developed plantar fasciitis in the process of transitioning between shoes. I have always stuck with Asics Gel Kayanos. The plantar pain has not stopped me running. Still, I have to listen to my body and rest during the rest days. I have been consistent most weeks with running 3 times.
Nutrition for marathon
The nutrition and hydration is still a work in progress for the upcoming marathon. I usually eat a banana before a long run. I generally have less than 15 minutes from waking up and going for a run. I have taken some dates with me on some runs as well as some gels. I do not like the sticky sugary film that you get with most gels. A friend gave me a Maurten gel to try. I must say they tasted different. There was no sticky film. I will experiment with these. I received a gift card for Christmas, which I will use for running purchases for the marathon.
Beyond the Finish Line: Running Toward Freedom
Bring on 2025, I will ran farther in 2025 than 2024. I can’t break the streak it’s 7 years in a row. Bring on my first marathon in 2025! I also hope to run a race during our mini-retirement in South America. What distance will it be? At what altitude? I am grateful that this 40 year old body is holding up. One of these years will get to 1000 km in the year! I will keep aiming to run farther each year than the previous year.
Ready to Make Next Year Your Strongest Yet
You’ve seen what consistent training, intentional pacing and a bit of grit can do. Now imagine what could happen if you carried that mindset forward for a full year. What fitness goals will you set for yourself? It could be logging more kilometres or improving your pace. It might be trying a new distance or building strength to avoid injury. Maybe it’s simply making your health a non-negotiable priority even when life gets busy. As you plan ahead, treat the coming year as a blank slate. An opportunity to build the habits, discipline, and resilience that serve you well beyond the road. Lace up, look ahead, and ask: What will I achieve in the next year?