Is it just me, or is this time of year quite intense? I find myself starting to plan out my goals for the new year ahead, including which races I want to enter and finding my āAā race: that Big Goal for 2020.
I actually caught myself giggling on a recent run, just thinking about whatās ahead.
Feeling good despite a recent DNF
I often write about being on a journey to become the best possible version of me. Itās going reasonably well at the moment! At work, Iām giving as much as I can, really enjoying my running as a form of headspace, and treasuring the limited time I get at home with the family while work takes me travelling so regularly.
Even though I DNF-d at the Cotswold Way Century, I feel strangely positive and upbeat about setting running goals for 2020. I love the dark, wet mornings at this time of year. They might not be every runnerās cup of tea, but they wake me up and get me sharp early.
Running in all weathers is one of the hallmarks of an ultrarunner, I think. The incessant autumn rain and shortening days pose challenges that take a certain mentality to overcome. I try to tell myself that if Iām prepared to get out and clock some good miles while itās cold and dark and bed seems a much better place to be, I have what it takes to achieve my goals.
Finding a training focus
Iāve returned to using Stravaās Summit Analysis to understand where to build intensity in my training. To run that bit harder.
I havenāt pinned down which ābigā races Iām doing in 2020 yet. But I have set some performance milestones. Iād like to be lighter and stronger (which should equal more speed!). A few things have worked well recently ā weighted steps and cross training ā so Iāll keep those going. Simples.
Fast forward to the spring
My race season will start in April with the South Downs Way 50, a race I know and love. Iām also aiming to get a place in next yearās CCC through the ballot. Itās already well over-subscribed, so fingers crossed.
The rest of next yearās race calendar will revolve around whether I get that place in Chamonix for the CCC next August. Iāve also been mulling over the UTS50 (over 5,000m of ascent and potential for picking up four UTMB points), and, if Chamonix doesnāt happen, Iāll return to the Cotswolds.
In the meantime, my mileage has taken a short dip over the last week while Iāve recovered from a bug which has left me with aching joints. I bailed on yesterdayās run after a couple of miles. Feeling better as I write this, Iām hoping to dig into some more challenging runs this weekend.
I havenāt crossed paths with many early morning runners recently; just hardy dog walkers who seem happy to see another soul! If youāre out on these darkening, wet mornings, spare a smile for anyone also out on the trails. It makes a big difference.
Happy autumn training! Got any races in the pipeline for 2020 ā or any big goals? Let me know in the comments below or drop me a line on andy@lifeisasinecurve.com