2021 in Running

I enjoyed reflecting on my running progress last year, so here’s another go for 2021.

My 2021 goals from the above post:

My main goal for 2021 is to continue making running a habit and to get out 104 times - twice per week. Within that I’d also like to run my first half marathon (only 4Km to go!) and cover a total of at least 700Km. Let’s hope the injury gods are on my side.

I managed to hit all of these - 149 runs in total (2.86/week), 4 half marathons, and a total of 1083km.

The linear-ish slope to the cumulative distance chart for the year is a nice reflection of consistent outings - pandemic lockdowns and reduced socialising unfortunately kept my calendar clear for running.

veloviewer-2019-2020-2021

Highlights were a solo trail half marathon along the Great Ocean Walk and Run the Gap, an organised trail half marathon in the Grampians/Gariwerd. When it was on, Parkrun was also a fun excuse to socialise and a helpful aide to getting out regularly. I set a 5km PB of 23:01, and a 10Km PB of 51:00.

My gear is mostly unchanged. Garmin forerunner 245 music (a small bump on last years forerunner 45), my phone for music and podcasts, Samsung Galaxy Buds, a flip belt, and various Vivo Barefoot shoes.

2022 goals: get out 156 times - 3 times/week - and cover 1200Km (100Km/month). Both are only incremental improvements on 2021 and that’s OK. Locking in the habit of regular outings is the top goal (presumably around a busier calendar with fewer lockdowns), distance and speed are secondary. Still, a sub 2 hour half marathon would be a nice bonus if I can manage it, as would shaving some seconds off my 5km and 10km PBs.