2020 was not the year any of us expected. My 2020 goals never stood a chance! I think a lot of people, including myself, didn’t manage to achieve all of their running goals last year. That’s fine considering the current circumstances.
However, I did still step things up in 2020. I smashed each PB (except that pesky marathon) and have run more distance than I have ever done before. I even got a Guinness World Record certificate for participating in the Virtual London Marathon 2020! Now, I want to take my running even further.
I’m hoping 2021 will be a year of running faster, further and taking on more challenges.
So let’s take a look at my 2021 running goals and see what I want to achieve!
My Running Goals
1) Run an Ultra Event
In the spirit of pushing myself further this year, I am making the effort to raise my game and take on more Ultra Running events. The Spartan Ultra is one of them (having taken that on in 2018, I feel it’s time to make a return), as well as another road or trail ultra event.
I also have the Battle Miles Death Race in mind (honestly, it is as scary as it sounds). It’s a virtual Ultra event with some surprises thrown in along the way. The details of the race are kept secret until you choose to sign up. I did the race in early February – never ran so far in my entire life! It kicked my ass but I’m open to possibly doing it again.
2) Sub-4 Hour Marathon… Finally?
This sub-4 marathon has evaded me for 3 years now. Since my first marathon in Brighton in 2018 (finish time 4:12) I just haven’t been able to reach that number since. A disappointing 4:15 finish in London Marathon 2019 and 2 virtual marathons in 2020 that were hard as hell, I’m aiming for redemption!
I have confirmed that I will be running the Virtual London Marathon again this year and there is also a big chance that I will be returning to the Brighton Marathon should it happen!
2021 is the year I will finally complete a sub-4 marathon! This is probably one of my main 2021 running goals!
3) 24 Hour Event
This has been a goal of mine for a couple of years now. I’ve had my eye on either World’s Toughest Mudder or the Spartan Ultra World Championship. I just want to find out how it feels to take part in a 24 hour event! With the main ethos of my 2021 goals being to step my game up, this definitely matches that criteria.
I haven’t managed to find a 24 Hour Event to sign up to yet but I will keep looking as lockdown eases and events start happening again.
I did complete the David Goggins 4x4x48 event in March. You have to run 4 miles, every 4 hours, for 48 hours. It was tough, but I’ll share more about that soon!
4) My First Triathlon
I know, I know, I know… I need to stop being scared on a bike and I need to learn how to swim properly before taking on a triathlon. What’s a challenge if it doesn’t scare you, huh?
This running goal will push me to overcome 2 barriers I currently have (cycling and swimming) and that makes it even more important. Work on the things you suck at to become a better athlete! I have a long way to go for this one. Good news is, I am confident as hell when it comes to running, so at least that’s one less thing to be scared of.
I’ve been running a lot recently, but am yet to get on a bike or into a swimming pool. I need to get a cheap ride around bike to get some miles in. If you have any bike suggestions, please let me know!
5) Distance and PB Running Goals
I have a distance running goal of covering 2021km in 2021. I’m currently sitting at 580km so I’m on track!
I will also aim to PB in each of my current running times. My current personal bests are: 5km – 22:20, 10km – 46:56, Half Marathon – 1hour 49, Marathon – 4hours 12.
6) Other Goals
I also have some exciting plans that I am working on at the moment, including a YouTube channel in the works.
Also, recovery has become a much bigger part of my training after a knee issue during much of 2020. I will continue to put more emphasis on stretching, rolling and strengthening my body to be better!
As always, I will try to attend as many running events as possible (obviously depending on when our country opens up again). I’d love to hear your event or challenge suggestions for the year!
What have you got lined up and what are you taking on? What do you recommend I do to improve my chances of hitting my goals? Leave me a comment below.
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