2nd January From first to almost last (R1)

So the start of a new year and a chance to start if off with a possible PB. One of the features of NY's day for the past few years has been the 5 mile Hangover race (minus the hangover) normally run on the outskirts of Belper. This year for a reason that might well remain a mystery, there was a switch of venue to its original location of Wirksworth, which was where I first ran it back in 2018. 

It was also the first time TOM came along with me to a run (well to sit in the pub and wait for me to finish). It was also the last time TOM came along with me to a run, to sit in the pub and wait for me to finish!! Read into that what you will.

Five years on the question was would I get anywhere near or even beat the time I ran back then. I know the answer to both of those questions is probaby 'NO' but let's start the year with hope at least. Unfortunately I will never know because the 2023 rout was not the same as the one run back in 2018. 

What we, and when I say 'we' I mean a relatively small group of 51 runners, enjoyed was a gorgeous run, even with all the undulations, offering fabulous views of the countryside, and helped by the fact that the weather was stunning.  

It was however, when the lady at the finishing line said with a look of deadly seriousness on her face, "Do you think there is anyone still runing behind you?' that I realised I perhaps hadn't quite made the Olympic qualifying time on this attempt.

Still that brings me round to one of my NY's resolutions. A little later on in January I reach the big 60 milestone, when I am sure I will have yet another existential crisis. But what I thought I might do is to attempt 60 at 60, by which I mean 60 different runs during the year. 

Now that don't mean just running 60 times in 2024 but rather doing 60 'specfic' runs that can be of any length, place or duration, providing I don't repeat the same route twice.

So it could be a mixture of Park Runs, jollies with my two running groups, solo efforts, an organised race, which if I have run them before, I will try to get as close to my best previous time as possible. It might even be a run whilst on a cruise!

An interesting challenge but also one that I hope will add a little variety into my running routine for 2024. So with the Wirksworth NY Day Hangover over race being R1, I'll keep you posted on the rest during the next 12 months.