I hope that everyone had a great weekend and that Monday morning isn’t dragging too much. Yesterday, I realised two things; it’s July – yes, I’m completely on the ball, and I hadn’t written and published a progress report on my 2020 running goals.

Like all runners, my running plans have been hugely impacted by COVID-19. Add a couple of running injuries and a loss of running mojo into the mix, and the first six months of the year didn’t exactly go to plan.

Listen to my niggles – It’s good to start with a positive. While it’s unfortunate I’ve picked up a couple of running injuries – I’ve upgraded them from niggles – I’ve definitely taken notice of notice of what my knees and feet have been telling me. My left knee is currently so sore, I’d be stupid to even consider running. A few years ago I would have attempted to run through the pain.

Continue with my strength and conditioning – Back in January, I completed a Run3D gait analysis at the National Running Show. The results of the gait analysis were used to produce a series of personalised strength and conditioning recommendations.

While I’m not going to lie and say I’ve been doing these every day, I have dedicated more time to strength and conditioning. The fact I still picked up a knee injury suggests that I need to do more.

Train sensibly and consistently – I like to think I’ve been sensible this year. When I was told I could start running again, I decided to follow the Couch to 5k. A knee niggle and lack of motivation meant that I only got as far as Week Six. In the middle of May, I started following the Couch to 5k again.

I was one session away from running 5k when my left knee niggle developed into an injury. While I’m hopeful I’ll be back up and running again soon, I won’t rush my return to running.

Join a running group and run with others more – In May, I rejoined my old running club; Royal Sutton Coldfield AC. I’m yet to take part in any organised training sessions but will once I’m injury-free and slightly fitter. I’ve also made a list of local what I’d describe as slightly less formal running groups such as GoodGym and Run Brum Crew and will hopefully be able to join up with them soon.

Run 500 miles – I started 2020 with good intentions; one was to run 500 miles. Thanks to the combination of knee injuries and a temporary loss of running mojo, my training has been somewhat sporadic. I’ve just looked on Strava and so far in 2020, I’ve only run 103 miles. An improvement on this time last year but I don’t think I’ll be getting anywhere near my 500 mile target.

Complete 10 races – I hadn’t completed any races before COVID-19 changed everything. This is one running goal I don’t mind not achieving as it’s completely out of my control.

Volunteer at least 10 times at parkrun – I have no idea if I’ll get the opportunity to complete this running goal. Before all parkruns in the UK were suspended due to COVID-19 I’d volunteered three times.

[Photo: Peter Heafield]

If parkrun is in a position to restart again this year, I’d prefer to be running rather than volunteering. After volunteering a lot last year my parkrun priorities have changed.

Become a member of the 50 Club – I’ve completed 35 parkruns and have accepted that it’s unlikely I’ll get the opportunity to complete another 15 parkruns before the end of the year. Right now, I’d be happy to complete just one additional parkrun! Sometimes I do regret turning down the opportunity to work as a hydrologist in New Zealand. Anyway, this is another goal I don’t mind not achieving this year as it’s completely out of my control.

Explore more local parkruns and run at Bushy Park – I volunteered at Beacon parkrun before COVID-19 led to the suspension of parkrun events globally. I like to think that volunteer tourism is a thing and that the hour I spent scanning barcodes and finish tokens in Beacon Park counts towards this goal.

Let’s face it; I probably won’t be able to explore any other local parkruns this year. As for heading down to London just to complete a parkrun, not a chance. Again this is a goal I’m happy to ‘fail’ as it’s out of my control.

Don’t buy any unessential running gear – Like last year, this running goal is possibly more failure than success. I’ve spent a lot on what I’d describe as non-essential running related purchases and race entries. I don’t have much to show for my money. As this is largely due to the postponement of events until next year, I’m planning on setting myself my most challenging goal yet in 2021.

Complete a Leadership in Running Fitness course – After looking on the England Athletics website earlier, I’m feeling reasonably confident I may be able to complete some sort of LiRF course later this year. However, I may unfortunately have to re-evaluate this goal if I struggle to find a new job.

I think it’s clear that the first six months of 2020 weren’t ideal from a running perspective. There have been times I’ve felt like selling and giving away all of my running gear; it’s probably a good job COVID-19 had made the prospect of queuing in the local Post Office even less appealing than normal. Some people may be questioning the point of what is a rather negative post. I decided to publish this update as I think it’s important to share both the ups and downs of running.

Although I haven’t completely written off 2020 just yet, I’m already starting to look ahead to 2021. Thanks to several of my 2020 races being rescheduled, my 2021 race calendar is already looking quite full.

How are you progressing with your running goals?

Do you have any races left in your 2020 racing calendar?