Ok so I realize the title of this post may not be understood by all, but hopefully after the next few paragraphs you will get the meaning!
So its January, a strange month and pressured month for me, as with most people the new year can be a time for reflection on the previous 12 months, and also and importantly it is a month which is often for many people a time for new years resolutions and our minds are often full of ambitions for the new year!
This is especially the case this year for me, as my birthday is also in January and this year I will turn a magical 31 years of age. Now you might ask what is so special about being 31, why not 30! Will I figure that 30 was the test year for being a real grown up adult, but 31 well that’s serious and is definitely the time to do adult things and target the more serious challenges such as a marathon, Ironman, or maybe growing a beard
Now at 30 almost 31 years of age I still cannot grow a beard, I can achieve a slightly adolescent, patchy cat like whiskers, but not a full beard, much to the amusement of my “mature” running friends. I was out training with these guys over the Christmas break and my friends were joking about turning 31 and the fact that I had the look of a teenager and how it was time to stop worrying about how I look when I go running and it was time to “Don the Ron’s”, for those who do not know “Ron hills” are a traditional type running pants which were traditionally only worn by the more mature runner!
For those who live in a cave, Ron hill as I hope most will know is a legend in terms of marathon running and has completed in World and Olympic marathons and has a PB of 2:09:28. Ron also has held numerous world records for other events. I have been lucky enough to meet Ron on lots of occasions and not only is he inspiration he is articulate and a warm friendly gentleman. If you have the opportunity Google “Ron Hill” or buy his book. Having said all that im not sure its time to wear Ron Hill Tracksters yet!
So 2012 is the year when I will run my first marathon and the winter training was a great time to really get stuck into the training, I managed to run or ride the bike everyday apart from 25th December, and I feel like I was getting quicker and stronger on every run. I took the time to also do some training plans and schedule a few mid years races, so in March I have a 5miler which I am hoping to go Sub 30 minutes(not done that for 3 years), and April see’s my first Duathlon in 6 years, so it is all taking shape.
Anyone who has not done it yet, take the time in January to plan for 2012, and make it realistic, we all know that if we are not realistic it wont last and we will revert back to being lazy in February.
So 2012 the year to succeed achieve and hopefully grow a beard!
Simon
stefanhorrer 